A possible linkage between gonadal hormones, serum and uterine levels of IgG of dairy cows.
We have investigated the possible linkage between serum and uterine fluid immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and the hormonal status of the cow. In cycling cows there was a significant (P < 0.01) drop in average (of 4 consecutive days) serum IgG levels, from 36.4 +/- 6.7 mg ml-1 during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle to 28.3 +/- 5.3 mg ml-1 during and around estrus. In prepartum cows, there was a significant drop (P < 0.01) from an average of 37.6 +/- 3.7 mg ml-1 from 5 consecutive days, i.e. 11-7 before parturition, to 28.0 +/- 5.5 mg ml-1 on the day of parturition. Total IgG in the uterine fluid ranged from 30 to 115 mg in one horn and from 24 mg ml-1 to 70 mg ml-1 in the other horn during the luteal phase, but was essentially undetectable at estrus. The drop in serum and uterine IgG occurred concomitantly with the drop in peripheral serum progesterone, from 2-3 ng ml-1 at the luteal phase, and 11-7 days before calving to less than 0.5 ng ml-1 around estrus and calving. Data suggest a possible linkage between steroid hormone and IgG levels.
Department of Immunology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel.
J
J
Brenner
M
M
Shemesh
L S
LS
Shore
S
S
Friedman
Z
Z
Bider
U
U
Moalem
Z
Z
Trainin
D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000276:immunology; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005779:Immunodiffusion / Q000662:veterinary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000662:veterinary; D014599:Uterus / Q000276:immunology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011374:Progesterone