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The effect of interferon-gamma intramammary administration on mammary phagocyte function
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Washington State University, Pullman 99164.
Insights
Bovine interferon-gamma administered during the dry period enhanced mammary phagocyte function in cows. This treatment improved the ability of immune cells to combat bacterial infections, suggesting a potential benefit for udder health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Bovine Health
- Mammary Gland Biology
Background:
- Phagocyte dysfunction can compromise mammary gland health during the dry period.
- Bovine interferon-gamma (BIFN-γ) is a cytokine with known immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of intramammary recombinant bovine interferon-gamma on phagocyte function in Holstein cows.
- To assess the impact of BIFN-γ on bacterial clearance and phagocyte activity during the early dry period.
Main Methods:
- Intramammary infusion of recombinant bovine interferon-gamma in Holstein cows during the dry period.
- Collection and in vitro testing of phagocytes from lacteal secretions 24 hours post-infusion.
- Evaluation of phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and bacterial killing capacity.
Main Results:
- Study 1: Significant increase in phagocytosis of E. coli and S. aureus post-treatment.
- Study 1: Enhanced killing of bacteria per active phagocyte after BIFN-γ infusion.
- Study 2: Trend towards increased oxygen-dependent bactericidal components and phagocyte killing ability.
Conclusions:
- Intramammary administration of bovine interferon-gamma stimulates phagocyte function in the mammary gland.
- BIFN-γ shows potential for enhancing immune defense during the early dry period in dairy cows.
- This supports the use of BIFN-γ as a strategy to improve udder health management.
Abstract:
The effect of recombinant bovine interferon-gamma on intramammary phagocyte function of mammary gland was studied in 4 Holstein cows (Study 1) and 7 Holstein cows (Study 2). Recombinant bovine interferon-gamma was intramammarily infused on day 6 of the dry period and phagocytes were collected from lacteal secretions and tested in vitro 24 hours later. Results from Study 1 indicate that phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly increased after than before interferon treatment. Similarly, the number of bacteria killed/active phagocyte was enhanced by treatment. Results from Study 2 suggested a trend towards increased production of oxygen dependent bactericidal components and increased killing ability by phagocytes exposed to interferon as compared to control phagocytes. These results from both studies suggest that intramammary infusions of bovine interferon-gamma can stimulate phagocyte function during the early phase of the dry period.