QUANTIFICATION OF CYTOKINE GENE-EXPRESSION IN LAMINA PROPRIA LYMPHOCYTES OF CATTLE FOLLOWING INFECTION WITH OSTERTAGIA-OSTERTAGI

Changes in cell surface markers and cytokine transcription were analyz ed in lamina propria lymphocytes from control animals (noninfected cal ves) and calves after a single high but nonprotective primary infectio n with Ostertagia ostertagi. Flow cytometry of cells recovered from th e lamina propria showed an increase in the percentages of IgM(+), WCl, and IL-2R(+)-bearing cells 10 days after infection; however, 2 mo af ter infection, cell staining was comparable to preinfection levels. Tr anscription levels of interleukins IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon ( IFN)-gamma mRNA were measured using a competitive reverse transcriptio n-polymerase chain reaction. Results indicated elevated levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the infected animals at 10 days and at 60 days after infection. Transcription of IL-10 also increased; however, this chang e was nor observed until 60 days postinfection.