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Effect of stress on interleukin-2 receptor expression by bovine mononuclear leukocytes

H C Lan1, P G Reddy, M A Chambers

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Pathology, Tuskegee University, AL 36088, USA.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Dexamethasone (DEX) treatment in calves suppressed immune responses by reducing interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha expression. Stress-induced immunosuppression in calves may involve decreased IL-2R alpha and IL-12.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Immunology
  • Immunopharmacology
  • Animal Science

Background:

  • Corticosteroids like dexamethasone (DEX) are potent immunosuppressants.
  • Understanding their effects on young animals is crucial for health management.
  • Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha is vital for T-cell activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of dexamethasone (DEX) on immune cell function in Holstein calves.
  • To explore the role of Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha expression in DEX-induced immunosuppression.
  • To assess the potential involvement of IL-2R alpha and IL-12 in stress-induced immune changes in calves.

Main Methods:

  • Holstein calves received intramuscular injections of dexamethasone (DEX).
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed for IL-2R alpha expression via flow cytometry.
  • PBMC proliferation assays were conducted using T-cell mitogens (PHA, Con A) with and without recombinant human IL-12 (rhu IL-12).
  • Calf transport stress was simulated to evaluate its effects on IL-2R alpha expression.

Main Results:

  • DEX treatment induced transient lymphopenia and neutrophilia.
  • DEX significantly decreased IL-2R alpha expression on Concanavalin A (Con A)-activated PBMC on Days 1 and 2 post-injection.
  • Reduced IL-2R alpha expression correlated with diminished PBMC proliferative responses to PHA and Con A.
  • Recombinant human IL-12 (rhu IL-12) enhanced proliferative responses, with a greater effect observed in DEX-treated calves.
  • Transport stress also led to reduced IL-2R alpha expression in PBMC.
  • A trend toward higher creatine kinase (CK) levels was noted in DEX-treated calves.

Conclusions:

  • Dexamethasone (DEX) suppresses key immune cell functions in calves, including IL-2R alpha expression and mitogen responsiveness.
  • Stress-induced immunosuppression in calves appears to involve decreased IL-2R alpha expression and potentially reduced IL-12 production.
  • These findings highlight the impact of corticosteroids and stress on calf immunity, suggesting mechanisms involving IL-2R alpha and IL-12 pathways.

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