JDS
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Interpretive Summary
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Lacetera, N.
Right arrow Articles by Nardone, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Lacetera, N.
Right arrow Articles by Nardone, A.
J. Dairy Sci. 88:2010-2016
© American Dairy Science Association, 2005.

Lymphocyte Functions in Overconditioned Cows Around Parturition*

N. Lacetera, D. Scalia, U. Bernabucci, B. Ronchi, D. Pirazzi and A. Nardone

Dipartimento di Produzioni Animali, Università della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy

Corresponding author: Nicola Lacetera; e-mail: nicgio{at}unitus.it.


   ABSTRACT
TOP
 ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationships between body condition and lymphocyte functions in periparturient dairy cows. Thirty days before expected calving, 21 Holstein cows were categorized as thin (n = 6), medium (n = 8), or overconditioned (n = 7) based on body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected on 21, 14, 7, and 3 d before calving and on d 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after parturition. An aliquot of blood was used to determine plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose. At 14 and 7 d before, and 14 and 35 d after calving, a second aliquot of blood was used to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) functions: DNA synthesis, immunoglobulin (Ig) M, and interferon-gamma (IFN-{gamma}) secretion after mitogen stimulation. During the experiment, all 21 cows showed a decline in BCS. Overconditioned cows lost significantly more BCS than thin cows. After calving, overconditioned cows had higher plasma NEFA compared with thin and medium cows. Conversely, plasma glucose never differed between the 3 categories of cows. Regardless of BCS, DNA synthesis and IgM secretions were significantly lower in PBMC isolated on 7 d before calving compared with those recorded 14 and 35 d after parturition. Conversely, PBMC from the 21 cows did not show any change of IFN-{gamma} secretion during the experimental period. Taking into consideration the BCS categories, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows presented lower IgM secretion compared with thin cows on d 14 and 35 after calving. Furthermore, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows secreted less IFN-{gamma} compared with thin and medium cows on d 7 before calving. The DNA synthesis of PBMC stimulated with the 3 mitogens did not differ between the 3 categories of cows. In conclusion, immunodepression occurring in cows around calving would be particularly evident in overconditioned cows.

Key Words: periparturient cow • body condition score • lymphocyte function

Abbreviation key: BrdU = 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, ECM = enriched culture medium, PBMC = peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PWM = pokeweed mitogen


   INTRODUCTION
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
Several authors report that periparturient dairy cows are characterized by immunodepression (Mallard et al., 1998; Kehrli et al., 1999). Other authors specified that immunoresponsiveness decreases gradually in the prepartum period and reaches its minimum expression immediately before calving (Saad et al., 1989; Wagter et al., 1996). In dairy cows, the periparturient period is also characterized by profound endocrine and metabolic changes (Goff and Horst, 1997), which, according to some authors, may partially explain immunosuppression (Kaneene et al., 1997; Lacetera et al., 2004a).

With regard to lymphocyte functions, a series of studies (Targowski and Klucinski, 1983; Franklin et al., 1991; Suriyasathaporn et al., 1999) tested the hypothesis that hyperketonemia may in part explain the immunosuppression in the peripartum period. However, those studies provided conflicting results. Negative effects of ketones on functional activities of neutrophils have instead been reported in sheep and cows (Hoeben et al., 1997, 1999, 2000; Sartorelli et al., 1999, 2000; Suriyasathaporn et al., 1999). In particular, Hoeben et al. (2000) described negative relationships between neutrophil functions and plasma concentrations of BHBA and NEFA, and indicated plasma concentrations of these metabolites as possible diagnostic markers of impaired neutrophil function around calving. In a previous study carried out in ewes, we found negative relationships between cellular and humoral immunity and plasma concentrations of NEFA or BHBA (Lacetera et al., 2001). Furthermore, we found that addition of NEFA to culture medium was responsible for alteration of lymphocyte functions in sheep and cows (Lacetera et al., 2002, 2004a).

Previous studies carried out in other species demonstrated that obesity and weight loss are associated with dysfunction of the immune system (Samartín and Chandra, 2001). With regard to cows, no data have been found on relationships between obesity or overconditioning and lymphocyte functions, whereas overconditioning was associated with reduction of reproductive efficiency (Gillund et al., 2001) or alteration of liver functions (Drackley et al., 2001).

The present ex vivo study was carried out to evaluate the relationships between body condition and lymphocyte functions in periparturient dairy cows.


   MATERIALS AND METHODS
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
Animals
The study was carried out on 21 multiparous healthy Holstein cows in a commercial herd, which were selected according to BCS on d 30 before calving. Body condition score was established according to ADAS (1986) using a 5-point scale. Six cows were categorized as thin (BCS < 2.5), 8 as medium (2.6 < BCS < 3.5), and 7 as overconditioned (BCS ≥ 3.5). The 3 groups were homogeneous for parity, and examination of the herd books indicated that none of the selected cows had suffered from reproductive or health problems previously. The BCS was then established weekly until the 35th day after parturition. Cows were fed diets (for dry and lactating cows, Table 1Go) consisting of a base ration fed as a TMR given daily at 0930 h and offered ad libitum to achieve 5 to 10% refusals. The close-up diet was offered starting 10 d before the expected calving.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Table 1. Ingredients and nutrients composition of diets fed during the experimental period (DM basis).
 
Measurements, Samplings, and Laboratory Analyses
Feeds were sampled and analyzed. Dry matter was determined by forced-air oven drying at 65°C to constant weight. Crude protein was determined by macro-Kjeldahl method (AOAC, 1984). Ether extract and ash were determined according to AOAC methods (AOAC, 1984). Neutral detergent fiber was analyzed according to the method described by Goering and Van Soest (1970).

Blood samples were collected on 21, 14, 7, and 3 d prepartum (before expected calving), and on d 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after parturition via jugular venipuncture, using evacuated glass tubes coated with sodium heparin. An aliquot of blood was used to determine NEFA (NEFA-C kit; Wako Fine Chemical Industries USA, Inc., Dallas, TX) and glucose (Instrumentation Laboratory, Lexington, MA). Fourteen and 7 d before, and 14 and 35 d after calving, a second aliquot of blood was used to assess DNA synthesis, IgM, and IFN-{gamma} secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with mitogens.

The DNA synthesis was evaluated as already described (Lacetera et al., 2001). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Blood diluted in RPMI-1640 medium containing 25 mM HEPES (Sigma, Milano, Italy) was layered over Ficoll-Paque PLUS (APB, Milano, Italy) and centrifuged (600 x g for 45 min at 20°C). The mononuclear cell band was recovered and washed twice in PBS using centrifugation (400 x g for 10 min at 4°C). Residual red blood cells were eliminated by hypotonic shock treatment using redistilled water. The PBMC recovery and viability were determined by hemocytometer count using the try-pan blue exclusion method. Viability of PBMC typically exceeded 90%. After isolation, PBMC were resuspended at a concentration of 1 x 106 cells/mL of RPMI-1640 enriched culture medium (ECM). The ECM comprised RPMI-1640 containing 25 mM HEPES, 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U of penicillin, 100 µg of streptomycin, and 0.25 µg of amphotericin B/mL (Sigma). Triplicate cultures were assayed using 96-well tissue culture plates. Each well contained 1 x 105 mononuclear cells in 100 µL of ECM. Control wells contained 100 µL of PBMC suspension without mitogens. Additional control wells were used that contained 100 µL of ECM without cells or 100 µL of PBMC suspension without the pyrimidine analog 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). An optimal concentration of phytohemagglutinin (2.5 µg/mL), pokeweed mitogen (PWM, 1 µg/mL), or concanavalin A (2.5 µg/mL) (Sigma) was added to plates. Plates were incubated in an atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO2 for 48 h at 39°C. Afterwards, 100 µM BrdU in 10 µL of RPMI-1640 was added to each well, and plates were incubated for an additional 18 h. The DNA synthesis was quantified by an ELISA assay (Lacetera et al., 2002). The assay was performed with a commercial kit (APB), and was based on measurement of BrdU incorporated during DNA synthesis in proliferating cells. Values for DNA synthesis were expressed as optical density for test wells minus optical density for control wells that did not contain BrdU. Intraassay coefficient of variation was 5.9%.

Secretion of IgM was established by growing PWM-stimulated cells (1 x 106 cells/well) under the same conditions as described above. Concentration of PWM was 0.2 µg/mL. Cells were cultured in duplicate for 12 d in 24-well plates. After 4 d of incubation, 1 mL of RPMI-1640 with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum was added to each well. At the end of the incubation, supernatants were collected and stored at –20°C until analyzed. The IgM released in culture medium was quantified by capture ELISA (Lacetera et al., 2002). Plates were coated with rabbit affinity-purified antibodies against bovine IgM. The IgM were detected using a sheep antibovine IgM-µ chain specific, conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Antibodies were purchased from Bethyl Laboratories (Montgomery, TX). Antibody concentrations (ng/mL) were calculated using a computer program (Fulvio Montauti, Pisa, Italy). The 50% absorbance values of serial dilutions of supernatant were interpolated onto the linear portion of a standard curve obtained by using purified bovine IgM (VMRD, Pullman, WA).

Secretion of IFN-{gamma} was established by growing concanavalin A-stimulated cells (1 x 106 cells/well) under the same conditions described above. Cells were cultured in duplicate for 72 h in 24-well plates. At the end of incubation, supernatants were collected and stored at –20°C until analyzed using a commercial kit (CSL, Victoria, Australia). The IFN-{gamma} concentration (ng/mL) was established using the same computer program used for IgM quantification. The 50% absorbance values of serial dilutions of supernatant were interpolated onto the linear portion of a standard curve obtained using bovine rIFN-{gamma} (S. Jones, CSL, Victoria, Australia).

Statistical Analyses
Data for all variables measured were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, 1999). The model included fixed effects (group: thin, medium and overconditioned, and day from calving: –14, –7, 14, and 35), random effect (cow within group), and interactions (group x day from calving).

Data were analyzed across sampling days relative to day of calving, with d 0 representing the day of calving. For each analyzed variable, cow within group was subjected to 3 covariance structures: compound symmetric, first-order autoregressive, and unstructured covariance. The covariance structure that had the largest Akaike’s information criterion and Schwarz’s Bayesian criterion was considered the most desirable analysis (Littell et al., 1998; Doepel et al., 2002). Least square means were separated with the PDIFF procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, 1999). Data are reported as least square means with standard errors of mean. Significance was declared at P < 0.05.


   RESULTS
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
None of the cows developed clinical signs of diseases during the study.

During the experiment, all 21 cows showed a decline of BCS (Figure 1Go). However, the BCS loss was more pronounced in overconditioned cows. In detail, the loss of BCS was 0.6, 1.1, and 1.5 points in thin, medium, and overconditioned cows, respectively. The difference in BCS loss between thin and overconditioned cows during the entire experimental period was significant (P < 0.01).



View larger version (15K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 1. Body condition score in thin, medium, and overconditioned cows during the peripartum period. The difference in BCS loss between thin and overconditioned cows during the entire experimental period was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Values reported are LS means ± SEM.

 
Overconditioned cows showed higher plasma NEFA compared with thin and medium cows (Figure 2Go). In particular, on d 3 and 7 after parturition, plasma NEFA of overconditioned cows was higher (P < 0.01) than that recorded in the other 2 categories. Conversely, plasma glucose did not differ between the 3 categories of cows (not shown).



View larger version (16K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 2. Plasma NEFA in thin, medium, and overconditioned cows during the peripartum period. Values with different letters differ significantly (P < 0.01). Values reported are LS means ± SEM.

 
Regardless of the BCS categories, DNA synthesis and IgM secretion were significantly lower in PBMC isolated on 7 d before calving compared with those recorded 14 and 35 d following parturition (Figures 3Go and 4Go). Conversely, PBMC from the 21 cows did not show any change of IFN-{gamma} secretion during the experimental period (not shown).



View larger version (16K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 3. DNA synthesis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (top), concanavalin A (middle), and pokeweed mitogen (bottom). Values reported are LS means ± SEM of optical density. Columns with different letters differ significantly (a,b = P < 0.05; A,B = P < 0.01).

 


View larger version (10K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 4. Immunoglobulin M secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen during the peripartum period. Values reported are LS means ± SEM. Columns with different letters differ significantly (P < 0.05).

 
Taking into consideration the BCS categories, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows presented a lower IgM secretion compared with thin cows on d 14 and 35 after calving (Figure 5Go). Furthermore, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows secreted less IFN-{gamma} with respect to thin and medium cows on d 7 before calving (Figure 6Go). Conversely, the DNA synthesis of PBMC stimulated with the 3 mitogens did not differ between the 3 categories of cows.



View larger version (15K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 5. Immunoglobulin M secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen during the peripartum period in thin, medium, and overconditioned cows. Values reported are LS means ± SEM. Values with different letters differ significantly (P < 0.05).

 


View larger version (15K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 6. Interferon-{gamma}(IFN-{gamma}) secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with concanavalin A during the peripartum period in thin, medium, and overconditioned cows. Values reported are LS means ± SEM. Values with different letters differ significantly (P < 0.01).

 
Negative correlations were found between plasma NEFA and IgM, and IFN-{gamma} in the group of overconditioned cows (Figures 7Go and 8Go, respectively). In medium cows, a negative correlation was found only between plasma NEFA and IFN-{gamma} (Figure 9Go). In other words, PBMC isolated from cows with the stronger mobilization of fat depots presented the lower response to mitogens in terms of IgM and IFN-{gamma} secretions. No relationships were found between plasma NEFA and lymphocyte functions in thin cows, or between plasma glucose and lymphocytes functions in any of the 3 categories of cows.



View larger version (10K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 7. Relationship between plasma NEFA and IgM secretion in overconditioned cows. The solid line shows the regression y = 21368.5 – 24246.6x (r = –0.85, P < 0.01).

 


View larger version (9K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 8. Relationship between plasma NEFA and IFN-{gamma} secretion in overconditioned cows. The solid line shows the regression y = 37.9 – 25.7x (r = –0.50, P < 0.05).

 


View larger version (9K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
  		Figure 9. Relationship between plasma NEFA and IgM secretion in medium cows. The solid line shows the regression y = 32.6 – 24.8x (r = –0.41, P < 0.05).

 

   DISCUSSION
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
Changes of BCS and plasma NEFA reported herein are consistent with those described by other authors in periparturient dairy cows (Bertics et al., 1992; Grum et al., 1996; Bernabucci et al., 2004). Present results are also in line with previous findings, which indicated that mobilization of fat depots and increases of plasma NEFA are more intense in overconditioned cows (Van den Top et al., 1996; Rukkwamsuk et al., 1998, 2000). Reduction of DNA synthesis or IgM secretion immediately before calving is also consistent with previous data from cows or sheep (Saad et al., 1989; Lacetera et al., 2004b).

Neuroendocrine changes developing around parturition and nutritional imbalances that often occur in the same period have been evoked to justify the periparturient immunodepression in dairy cows (Goff and Horst, 1997; Mallard et al., 1998; Kehrli et al., 1999). The present study pointed out that BCS, intensity of lipomobilization, or increase of plasma NEFA affects lymphocyte functions in cows around calving. In particular, the observation that PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows secrete less IgM and IFN-{gamma} than those isolated from their medium or thin counterparts is novel and suggests new mechanisms to explain the immunodepression occurring around calving. In a recent review paper, Samartín and Chandra (2001) indicated that obesity is associated with a high incidence of infections and alteration of immunity in both laboratory animals and humans, and that this depends on several metabolic and endocrine factors (e.g., lipid and glucose metabolism, plasma concentration of leptin and insulin, etc.) related to overconditioning. Interestingly, a study carried out in premenopausal women (Nieman et al., 1996) indicated that it was weight loss that was associated with alterations of leukocyte functions, rather than obesity per se. Our results would indicate that in periparturient dairy cows, the alteration of lymphocyte functions in terms of IgM and IFN-{gamma} secretions is proportional to the extent of condition loss as assessed by measuring changes of BCS and plasma NEFA. A previous study by Szuster-Ciesielska et al. (1995) pointed out a deficiency of IFN secretion in cows suffering from fat mobilization syndrome. Wentink et al. (1997) documented that hepatic lipidosis due to intense lipomobilization was associated with impaired immunoreactivity of dairy cows. A prospective study by Kaneene et al. (1997) indicated that fat mobilization associated with energy deficit is related to increased risk of metritis and retained placenta in dairy cows. Hoeben et al. (2000) reported negative relationships between functions of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes and plasma concentrations of BHBA and NEFA. Finally, in a study carried out in periparturient sheep, we described negative relationships between humoral or cellular immunity and plasma concentrations of BHBA or NEFA (Lacetera et al., 2001).

A series of in vitro studies documented direct negative effects of NEFA on leukocyte functions in ruminants (Lacetera et al., 2002, 2004a). In detail, those studies were carried out using a mixture of fatty acids reflecting composition of NEFA in ruminant plasma, and at concentrations mimicking those occurring under conditions of intense lipomobilization. In sheep, that mixture of NEFA suppressed the ability of PBMC to proliferate and secrete IgM (Lacetera et al., 2002); in cows, the same mixture inhibited PBMC to synthesize DNA, and to secrete IgM and IFN-{gamma} (Lacetera et al., 2004a).

Studies carried out in other species suggested several mechanisms through which fatty acids can interfere with lymphoid cell functions. These include perturbation of properties of cellular membranes, suppression of cytokine synthesis, formation of lipid peroxides, gene regulation, and induction of necrosis or apoptosis (De Pablo and de Cienfuegos, 2000). However, literature on this matter is often limited or conflicting, and in most cases, the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes have not been elucidated.

Finally, it is interesting to note that other authors hypothesized or demonstrated that BCS, intensity of lipomobilization, or increase of plasma NEFA may by involved in alteration of other physiological functions of periparturient dairy cows, namely reproduction (Gillund et al., 2001; Jorritsma et al., 2003a,b) and liver activities (Drackley et al., 2001).

The observation that plasma glucose did not differ between the 3 categories of cows would indicate that this parameter is not helpful in explaining the differences in immune function observed between thin, medium, and overconditioned cows. On the other hand, this hypothesis is supported by results from previous in vitro or ex vivo studies, which indicated that glucose concentrations in the culture media (Nonnecke et al., 1992) or plasma (Lacetera et al., 2001) did not significantly affect lymphocyte functions of cows and sheep, respectively. Franklin et al. (1991) reported that glucose concentrations had minimal effects on bovine lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.


   CONCLUSIONS
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 
Overconditioned cows have to be considered at high risk of infection because the intense lipomobilization taking place around calving is associated with alterations of lymphocyte functions.

The present study added further evidence to consider plasma NEFA as biochemical indicators of the immune reactivity in periparturient dairy cows. In particular, results of our correlation analysis would suggest that in transition cows with plasma NEFA not exceeding 600 µmol/L (the thin cows of our study), there is no relationship between NEFA and lymphocyte function. These relationships are negative and increasingly significant only when plasma concentrations of these metabolites are beyond that limit (the medium and overconditioned cows in our study).

Further studies are being carried out to ascertain whether composition of plasma NEFA, in terms of proportions among single fatty acids, can interfere with immunoresponsiveness of dairy cows.


   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
REFERENCES
 
The authors gratefully acknowledge S. Jones (CSL, Victoria, Australia) for kind provision of bovine rIFN-{gamma}, and R. Signorelli for the analysis of plasma NEFA.


   FOOTNOTES
 
* The research was sponsored by MIUR (Special Projects FIRB and PRIN 2003), and Università della Tuscia (RSA). Back

Received for publication November 10, 2004. Accepted for publication February 16, 2005.


   REFERENCES
TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSIONS
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 REFERENCES
 


ADAS (Agricultural Development and Advisory Service). 1986. Condition scoring of dairy cows. Publ. 612, Agric. Dev. Advisory Serv., Min. Agric., Fisheries Food, Lion House, Alnwick, Northumberland, England.

AOAC. 1984. Official Methods of Analysis. 14th ed. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC.

Bernabucci, U., B. Ronchi, L. Basiricò, D. Pirazzi, F. Rueca, N. Lacetera, and A. Nardone. 2004. Abundance of mRNA of apolipoprotein B100, apolipoprotein E and microsomal triglycerides transfer protein in liver from periparturient dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87:2881–2888.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Bertics, S. J., R. R. Grummer, C. Codorniga-Valino, and E. E. Stoddard. 1992. Effect of prepartum dry matter intake on liver triglyceride concentration in early lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 75:1914–1923.[Abstract]

De Pablo, M. A., and A. de Cienfuegos. 2000. Modulatory effects of dietary lipids on immune system functions. Immunol. Cell Biol. 78:31–39.[Medline]

Doepel, L., H. Lapierre, and J. J. Kennelly. 2002. Peripartum performance and metabolism of dairy cows in response to prepartum energy and protein intake. J. Dairy Sci. 85:2315–2334.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Drackley, J. K., T. R. Overton, and G. N. Douglas. 2001. Adaptations of glucose and long-chain fatty acid metabolism in liver of dairy cows during the periparturient period. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. E):E100–E112.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Franklin, S. T., J. W. Young, and B. J. Nonnecke. 1991. Effects of ketones, acetate, butyrate and glucose on bovine lymphocyte proliferation. J. Dairy Sci. 74:2507–2514.[Abstract]

Gillund, P., O. Reksen, Y. T. Gröhn, and K. Carlberg. 2001. Body condition related to ketosis and reproductive performance in Norwegian dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84:1390–1396.[Abstract]

Goering, H. K., and P. J. Van Soest. 1970. Forage fiber analyses (Apparatus, Reagents, Procedures, and Some Applications). Agric. Handbook No. 379. ARS-USDA, Washington, DC.

Goff, J. P., and R. L. Horst. 1997. Physiological changes at parturition and their relationship to metabolic disorders. J. Dairy Sci. 80:1260–1268.[Abstract]

Grum, D. E., J. K. Drackley, R. S. Younker, D. W. LaCount, and J. J. Veenhuizen. 1996. Nutrition during the dry period and hepatic lipid metabolism of periparturient dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 79:1850–1864.[Abstract]

Hoeben, D., C. Burvenich, A. M. Massart-Leen, M. Lenjou, G. Nijs, D. Van Bockstaele, and J. F. Beckers. 1999. In vitro effect of ketone bodies, glucocorticosteroids and bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein on cultures of bone marrow progenitor cells of cows and calves. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 68:229–240.[Medline]

Hoeben, D., R. Heyneman, and C. Burvenich. 1997. Elevated levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in periparturient cows and in vitro effect on respiratory burst activity of bovine neutrophils. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 58:165–170.[Medline]

Hoeben, D., E. Monfardini, G. Opsomer, C. Burvenich, H. Dosogne, A. De Kruif, and J. F. Beckers. 2000. Chemiluminescence of bovine polymorphonuclear leucocytes during the periparturient period and relation with metabolic markers and bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein. J. Dairy Sci. 67:249–259.

Jorritsma, R., M. W. de Groot, P. L. A. M. Vos, T. A. M. Kruip, Th. Wensing, and J. P. T. M. Noordhuizen. 2003b. Acute fasting in heifers as a model for assessing the relationship between plasma and follicular fluid NEFA concentrations. Theriogenology 60:151–161.[Medline]

Jorritsma, R., Th. Wensing, T. A. M. Kruip, P. L. A. M. Vos, and J. P. T. M. Noordhuizen. 2003a. Metabolic changes in early lactation and impaired reproductive performance in dairy cows. Vet. Res. 34:11–26.[Medline]

Kaneene, J. B., R. A. Miller, T. H. Herdt, and J. C. Gardiner. 1997. The association of serum nonesterified fatty acids and cholesterol, management and feeding practices with peripartum disease in dairy cows. Prev. Vet. Med. 31:59–72.[Medline]

Kehrli, M. E., Jr., K. Kimura, J. P. Goff, J. R. Stabel, and B. J. Nonnecke. 1999. Immunological dysfunction in periparturient cows –What role does it play in postpartum infectious diseases? Pages 24–28 in Proc. Annu. Conf. Am. Assoc. Bovine Pract. AABP, Rome, GA.

Lacetera, N., U. Bernabucci, A. Nardone, and B. Ronchi. 2004b. Immunological parameters in periparturient sheep. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 13:601–604.

Lacetera, N., U. Bernabucci, B. Ronchi, and A. Nardone. 2001. Effects of subclinical pregnancy toxemia on immune responses in sheep. Am. J. Vet. Res. 62:1020–1024.[Medline]

Lacetera, N., O. Franci, D. Scalia, U. Bernabucci, B. Ronchi, and A. Nardone. 2002. Effects of nonesterified fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate on functions of mononuclear cells obtained from ewes. Am. J. Vet. Res. 63:414–418.[Medline]

Lacetera, N., D. Scalia, O. Franci, U. Bernabucci, B. Ronchi, and A. Nardone. 2004a. Effects of nonesterified fatty acids on lymphocyte function in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1012–1014.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Littell, R. C., P. R. Henry, and C. B. Ammerman. 1998. Statistical analysis of repeated measures data using SAS procedures. J. Anim. Sci. 76:1216–1231.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Mallard, B. A., J. C. Dekkers, M. J. Ireland, K. E. Leslie, S. Sharif, C. L. Vankampen, L. Wagter, and B. N. Wilkie. 1998. Alteration in immune responsiveness during the peripartum period and its ramification on dairy cow and calf health. J. Dairy Sci. 81:585–595.[Abstract]

Nieman, D. C., S. I. Nehlsen-Cannarella, D. A. Henson, D. E. Butterworth, O. R. Fagoaga, B. J. Warren, and M. K. Rainwater. 1996. Immune response to obesity and moderate weight loss. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. 20:353–360.[Medline]

Nonnecke, B. J., S. T. Franklin, and J. W. Young. 1992. Effects of ketones, acetate, and glucose on in vitro immunoglobulin secretion by bovine lymphocytes. J. Dairy Sci. 75:982–990.[Abstract]

Rukkwamsuk, T., M. J. Geelen, T. A. Kruip, and T. Wensing. 2000. Interrelation of fatty acid composition in adipose tissue, serum, and liver of dairy cows during the development of fatty liver postpartum. J. Dairy Sci. 83:52–59.[Abstract]

Rukkwamsuk, T., T. Wensing, and M. J. H. Geelen. 1998. Effect of overfeeding during the dry period on regulation of adipose tissue metabolism in dairy cows during the periparturient period. J. Dairy Sci. 81:2904–2911.[Abstract]

Saad, A. M., C. Concha, and G. Åström. 1989. Alteration in neutrophil phagocytosis and lymphocyte blastogenesis in dairy cows around parturition. Zentralbl. Veterinarmed. B 36:337–345.[Medline]

Samartín, S., and R. K. Chandra. 2001. Obesity, overnutrition and the immune system. Nutr. Res. 21:243–262.

Sartorelli, P., S. Paltrinieri, and F. Agnes. 1999. Non-specific immunity and ketone bodies. I: In vitro studies on chemotaxis and phagocytosis in ovine neutrophils. J. Vet. Med. A Physiol. Pathol. Clin. Med. 46:613–619.

Sartorelli, P., S. Paltrinieri, and S. Comazzi. 2000. Non-specific immunity and ketone bodies. II: In vitro studies on adherence and superoxide anion production in ovine neutrophils. J. Vet. Med. A Physiol. Pathol. Clin. Med. 47:1–8.[Medline]

SAS Institute. 1999. SAS User’s Guide: Statistics, version 8.0 ed. SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC.

Suriyasathaporn, W., A. J. J. M. Daemen, E. N. Noordhuizen-Stassen, S. J. Dieleman, M. Nielen, and Y. H. Schukken. 1999. ß-hydroxybutyrate levels in peripheral blood and ketone bodies supplemented in culture media affect the in vitro chemotaxis of bovine leukocytes. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 68:177–186.[Medline]

Szuster-Ciesielska, A., J. Filar, and M. Kandefer-Szerszen. 1995. Depression of interferon production in leukocytes of cows with fat mobilization syndrome. Arch. Immunol. Ther. Exp. (Warsz.) 43:61–65.[Medline]

Targowski, S. P., and W. Klucinski. 1983. Reduction in mitogenic response of bovine lymphocytes by ketone bodies. Am. J. Vet. Res. 44:828–830.[Medline]

Van den Top, A. M., M. J. Geelen, T. Wensing, G. H. Wentink, A. T. Van’t Klooster, and A. C. Beynen. 1996. Higher postpartum hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations in dairy cows with free rather than restricted access to feed during the dry period are associated with lower activities of hepatic glycerolphosphate acyltransferase. J. Nutr. 126:76–85.

Wagter, L. C., B. A. Mallard, J. C. M. Dekkers, K. E. Leslie, and B. N. Wilkie. 1996. Characterization of immune responsiveness and disease occurrence during the peripartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 79(Suppl. 1):119. (Abstr.)

Wentink, G. H., V. P. M. Rutten, T. S. van den Ingh, A. Hoek, K. E. Müller, and T. Wensing. 1997. Impaired specific immunoreactivity in cows with hepatic lipidosis. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 56:77–83.[Medline]


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
K. M. Moyes, T. Larsen, N. C. Friggens, J. K. Drackley, and K. L. Ingvartsen
Identification of potential markers in blood for the development of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle at parturition and during early lactation
J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2009; 92(11): 5419 - 5428.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
S. Hiss, C. Weinkauf, S. Hachenberg, and H. Sauerwein
Short communication: Relationship between metabolic status and the milk concentrations of haptoglobin and lactoferrin in dairy cows during early lactation
J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2009; 92(9): 4439 - 4443.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Physiol. GenomicsHome page
D. C. Wathes, Z. Cheng, W. Chowdhury, M. A. Fenwick, R. Fitzpatrick, D. G. Morris, J. Patton, and J. J. Murphy
Negative energy balance alters global gene expression and immune responses in the uterus of postpartum dairy cows
Physiol Genomics, September 1, 2009; 39(1): 1 - 13.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Professional Animal ScientistHome page
J. M. Bewley and M. M. Schutz
Review: An Interdisciplinary Review of Body Condition Scoring for Dairy Cattle
Professional Animal Scientist, December 1, 2008; 24(6): 507 - 529.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
A. T. M. van Knegsel, G. de Vries Reilingh, S. Meulenberg, H. van den Brand, J. Dijkstra, B. Kemp, and H. K. Parmentier
Natural Antibodies Related to Energy Balance in Early Lactation Dairy Cows
J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5490 - 5498.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
P. Rezamand, T. A. Hoagland, K. M. Moyes, L. K. Silbart, and S. M. Andrew
Energy Status, Lipid-Soluble Vitamins, and Acute Phase Proteins in Periparturient Holstein and Jersey Dairy Cows With or Without Subclinical Mastitis
J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2007; 90(11): 5097 - 5107.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
D. P. Berry, J. M. Lee, K. A. Macdonald, K. Stafford, L. Matthews, and J. R. Roche
Associations Among Body Condition Score, Body Weight, Somatic Cell Count, and Clinical Mastitis in Seasonally Calving Dairy Cattle
J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2007; 90(2): 637 - 648.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
M. R. Waldron, A. E. Kulick, A. W. Bell, and T. R. Overton
Acute Experimental Mastitis Is Not Causal Toward the Development of Energy-Related Metabolic Disorders in Early Postpartum Dairy Cows
J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2006; 89(2): 596 - 610.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J DAIRY SCIHome page
D. Scalia, N. Lacetera, U. Bernabucci, K. Demeyere, L. Duchateau, and C. Burvenich
In Vitro Effects of Nonesterified Fatty Acids on Bovine Neutrophils Oxidative Burst and Viability
J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 147 - 154.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Interpretive Summary
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Lacetera, N.
Right arrow Articles by Nardone, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Lacetera, N.
Right arrow Articles by Nardone, A.

HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS