title: Lipid mobilization and inflammatory responses during the transition period of dairy cows.
abstract: The transition period of dairy cattle is characterized by dramatic changes in metabolism and host defense mechanisms that are associated with increased disease. Intense lipid mobilization from tissue stores is an important metabolic adaptation during the transition period that results in significant release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) into the blood stream. Whereas these fatty acids are important sources of energy during times of increased metabolic demands, elevated concentrations of NEFA are known to disrupt several immune and inflammatory functions. This review will discuss the implications of lipid mobilization on inflammatory responses with special emphasis on leukocytes and endothelial cell functions during the transition period of dairy cows.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
authors.forename: G Andres
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: Lorraine M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sordillo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003612:Dairying; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008053:Lipid Mobilization / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified