CYTOKINE PROFILE INDUCED BY A PRIMARY INFECTION WITH OSTERTAGIA-OSTERTAGI IN CATTLE

Changes that occur in the local draining lymph nodes including, change s in cell surface markers and cytokine gene expression were studied ov er the first 4 weeks of a primary, Ostertagia ostertagi infection of t he abomasum. Cells recovered from the abomasal lymph nodes (ABLN) afte r infection showed a decrease in the percentage of CD3(+) cells, and a n increase in the percentage of IgM(+) cells and cells bearing the TcR 1 marker. These changes were coincident with an increase in the propor tion of activated cells (Il-2R). Analysis of mitogen-stimulated ABLN c ells by RNase protection assay (RPA) showed a dramatic reduction in IL -2 and IFN-gamma transcription after infection. In addition, analysis of unstimulated ABLN cells by competitive RT-PCR showed a similar decr ease in demonstrable levels of IL-2 mRNA, but IL-10, IL-4 and IFN-gamm a mRNA levels were elevated. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.