Effect of Baypamun (R) on blood leucocytes in normal and dexamathasone treated goats

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Bappamun(R) on selecte d lymphocyte subpopulations and granulocyte phagocytic activity mediated by lectin-like receptors in goats of normal immune status and in goats experi mentally immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Eighteen goats in total were used. Blood samples were collected 24 h before immunomodulation and 5 and 1 0 days after immunomodulation. Animals in group I were immunostimulated wit h Baypamun(R) for 2 days and immunosuppressed with Dexafort for the next 2 days. Animals in group II received Dexafort first and then Baypamun(R). The number of leucocytes in total and in subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. Application of Baypamun(R) before (group I) or after (group II) immunosuppression caused significant (P < 0.001) and lasting changes in th e percentage of CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Significant but transient chan ges were observed in CD19+ (B) and WC1-N2+ (null) cells. Results show that application of Baypamun(R) to modulate non-specific defence is advisable fo llowing immunosuppression (group I). When Baypamun was applied after immuno suppression (group II), although there was no reaction during the initial p hase, an increase in the activity of cells responsible for non-specific imm unity was noticeable after 10 days.