Depression of interferon production in leukocytes of cows with fat mobilization syndrome.

Abstract

White and Black dairy cows were classified on the basis of clinical symptoms, hematological data, biochemical tests of blood and histological examination into two groups: I--with fat mobilization syndrome (n = 11), II--healthy cows (control) (n = 6). Interferon (IFN) induction in leukocytes of cows with fatty liver, elevated ketone bodies, free fatty acids, bilirubin concentration and high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, revealed impaired IFN production which was not improved by using known immunomodulators such as isoprinosine, levamisole, TFX and lactoferrin. The deficiency of IFN production observed in cows with fat mobilization syndrome may result in increased susceptibility of cows to different infections.