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Interferon-gamma production of mitogen stimulated peripheral lymphocytes in perinatal cows

H Ishikawa1, T Shirahata, K Hasegawa

  • 1Veterinary Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan.

Insights

Bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) showed suppressed interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production during the perinatal period, with CD4+ T-cells being the major producers. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) supplementation partially restored IFN-gamma levels.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Veterinary Science
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a crucial cytokine involved in immune responses.
  • The perinatal period in bovines is characterized by significant physiological and immunological changes.
  • Understanding immune cell function, particularly T-cell subsets, is vital during this critical phase.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the production of IFN-gamma by bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during the perinatal period.
  • To identify the specific T-cell subsets responsible for IFN-gamma production.
  • To assess the impact of perinatal stress on IFN-gamma production and the potential for modulation with Interleukin 2 (IL-2).

Main Methods:

  • PBMC were isolated from bovine peripheral blood during different stages of the perinatal period.
  • IFN-gamma activity was measured and neutralized using monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against bovine IFN-gamma.
  • T-cell subsets (CD4+ and CD8+) were analyzed using MoAb, and cell stimulation was performed with concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
  • Recombinant human Interleukin 2 (IL-2) was added to cultures to evaluate its effect on IFN-gamma production.

Main Results:

  • IFN-gamma production was suppressed in PBMC from the perinatal period compared to non-pregnant controls.
  • Monoclonal antibody treatment indicated that CD4+ T-cells were the primary producers of IFN-gamma.
  • Concanavalin A-induced IFN-gamma was depressed throughout the perinatal period, while phytohemagglutinin-induced IFN-gamma was markedly depressed around calving.
  • Recombinant human IL-2 augmented IFN-gamma production in PBMC from perinatal cows.

Conclusions:

  • Bovine CD4+ T-cells are the major source of IFN-gamma during the perinatal period.
  • Perinatal stress significantly suppresses IFN-gamma production in response to mitogenic stimulation.
  • IL-2 supplementation shows potential for restoring IFN-gamma production in stressed periparturient cattle.

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