Dexamethasone-induced bovine T-lymphocyte suppression and the effect upon susceptibility to sheep scab mite (Acari: Psoroptidae) infestation.
The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone was used to suppress bovine T-lymphocyte function. Dexamethasone-treated animals were challenged with Psoroptes ovis (Hering) to determine if the immunosuppressive treatment would normalize susceptibility to infestation. Dexamethasone suppressed T-lymphocyte function and anti-P. ovis antibody production, and delayed the onset of scab lesions. All animals were not equally susceptible to infestation as a result of dexamethasone treatment. These data further support the importance of anti-P. ovis antibody in colonization of cattle by P. ovis and the pathology associated with scab mite infestation.
Pruett
J H
JH
Fisher
W F
WF
DeLoach
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D003907:Dexamethasone