The cytokines expression in the milk somatic cells of goats infected with small ruminant lentivirus

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2016-09, Vol.94, p.150-151
• Main Authors: Jarczak, J, Kościuczuk, E, Kaba, J, Słoniewska, D, Bagnicka, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Caprinae; Cytokines; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Gene expression; Goats; Immune response; Immune system; Infections; Interferon; Interleukin 1; Interleukin 10; Interleukin 12; Interleukin 16; Interleukin 18; Interleukin 2; Interleukin 4; Interleukin 6; Interleukins; Lactation; Mammary gland; Milk; Organs; Protein expression; Proteins; Somatic cells; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Viruses; γ-Interferon
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163

The aim of this study was to determine the level of mRNA and protein expression of selected cytokines in milk somatic cells of dairy goats infected with small ruminant lentivirus. The study was performed on 26 dairy goats, Polish White Improved and Polish Fawn Improved breeds, which were from their second to the sixth lactation. The animals were divided into two groups: control, with animals free from infection and experimental, with animals infected with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). Selection of animals for both groups was based on the results of at least two serological analyses. The level of mRNA in milk somatic cells was determined using real-time PCR method for: interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin 16 (IL-16), interleukin 18 (IL-18), interferon α (IFNα), interferon β (IFNβ), interferon γ (IFN γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α). The protein level was measured in protein extracts from milk somatic cells using specific ELISA tests for: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNβ, IFNγ and TNF α. An increase in gene expression levels of IFNβ, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-16 in milk somatic cells from infected individuals as compared to goats free from infection has been stated. The presence of transcripts of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 in milk somatic cells, regardless of whether animals were infected with SRLV or free of the infection has not been found. In protein extracts from milk somatic cells the presence of IL-1α, IL-6 and IFNβ has been confirmed. Expression of IL-1a and IFNβ was increased in the group of animals infected with SRLV. The expression level of IL-6 was at the border of detection, however, a slight but statistically confirmed increased was observed in infected goats. The presence of IL-1β and IFNγ, was not observed in milk somatic cells regardless of health status of animals, their age or stage of lactation. TNFα was present only in the first stage of lactation, 1 wk after birth in a few animals from both groups. The virus probably suppresses the immune response of the body, not allowing the activation of defense mechanisms. The immune response of the mammary gland of goats, one of the target organs of small ruminant lentivirus is local and independent of the systemic. The study was financed by the National Science Center within the Preludium grant, number 2013/09/N/ NZ9/03134.