Short Communication: Effects of Nonesterified Fatty Acids on Lymphocyte Function in Dairy Heifers

Abstract

This in vitro study was performed to assess the effects of various concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on lymphocyte function of heifers. Nine Holstein heifers were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with various concentrations of NEFA (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mmol/L). The mixture of NEFA was represented by C16:0 (30%), C16:1 (5%), C18:0 (15%), C18:1 (45%), and C18:2 (5%). The DNA synthesis was diminished at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, and 0.5 mmol/L. The IgM secretion was inhibited at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mmol/L. Secretion of IFN-gamma was depressed at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mmol/L. Increases of plasma NEFA might contribute to explain the higher incidence of infections observed in cows suffering from energy deficit.

Impacts of CLA and dietary concentrate proportion on blood metabolite concentration and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of periparturient dairy cows

“…With the progress of lactation, the SI of PBMC increased while blood NEFA concentration decreased, as also reported by Renner et al (2012b). This observation may confirm the inverse correlation between the function of PBMC and blood NEFA concentration (Lacetera et al, 2004).…”

“…Consequently, findings indicate a depressed immune function of dairy cows around parturition. Lacetera et al (2004) observed that NEFA reduce the mitogen-stimulated proliferation of PBMC in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, higher NEFA concentrations, as occurring through increased body fat mobilization, are discussed to contribute to immune modulation in dairy cows around calving.…”

“…Dairy cows are known to have a suppressed immune system in this time (Vangroenweghe et al, 2005), reflected in a reduced response of PBMCs to mitogen-stimulation (Nonnecke et al, 2003;Loiselle et al, 2009). The underlying reasons are not entirely clear, but Lacetera et al (2004) assumed that increased blood non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, as occurring through increased body fat mobilization around parturition, have a negative influence on the function of PBMCs and thus may be responsible for the immunosuppression of transition cows.…”

Nutrition, immune function and health of dairy cattle

“…With regard to specific immunity, in vitro studies have shown that incubation of BHBA decreased blastogenesis and mitogenic responses and inhibited IgM secretion and proliferation in bovine blood lymphocytes (Targowski and Klucinski, 1983;Nonnecke et al, 1992;Sato et al, 1995 Lacetera et al (2004) reported that a higher concentration of NEFA (1.0 mM) suppressed DNA synthesis, IgM secretion and IFN-g production for blood monocytes when compared with lower NEFA concentrations in vitro (0.0625 and 0.125 mM). Several studies have also reported that NEFA alter the oxidative burst, apoptosis and necrosis of PMN and macrophages in vitro that may be responsible for host cell damage and death via necrosis during early lactation.…”

Desempenho produtivo e resíduos no leite de vacas suplementadas com monensina sódica nas rações

“…Stephenson et al (1997) sugere que a superioridade na absorção dos cations bivalentes com o tratamento da monensina poderia também influenciar nas respostas a doenças, porque esses cations são importantes nos mecanismos anti-oxidantes e nos mecanismos de defesa dos neutrófilos e macrófagos. Monensina tem sido demonstrada para melhorar quimiotaxia dos neutrófilos, e elevações nas concentrações de betahidroxibutirato (BHBA) e ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA) tem sido associada com função imune afetada (SURIYASATHAPORN et al, 2000;LACETERA et al, 2004 …”