Association of increased estradiol and progesterone blood values with altered bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte function

Abstract

SUMMARY Polymorphonuclear leukocyte ( pmn ) function and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol (hydrocortisone) were monitored concurrently in clinically normal cows during the estrous cycle. Five parameters were used to evaluate pmn function: (i) random migration under agarose, (ii) ingestion of 125 I-labeled Staphylococcus aureus , (iii) nitroblue tetrazolium ( nbt ) reduction, (iv) iodination, and (v) antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Increased serum estradiol concentrations were associated with enhanced random migration, but had no apparent effect on nbt reduction, iodination, or ingestion of S aureus by bovine pmn . Increased serum estradiol was also associated with increased serum cortisol. Increased serum progesterone values were associated with a depression of nbt reduction and iodination by pmn , but with enhanced random migration and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These results indicate that physiologic changes in steroid hormone values during the normal estrous cycle of the cow are associated with alterations in pmn function.