Interferon gamma and prostaglandin in BSE-infected cattle

Suspect field cases of BSE infection (displaying clinical signs) were exami ned for possible alterations of cytokine/autacoid plasma levels and were co mpared to control cases (not displaying clinical signs of BSE infection). I nterferon gamma (IFN-gamma) plasma levels were demonstrated as being elevat ed in all suspected field cases of BSE infection (irrespective of BSE statu s; determined via postmortem histopathological examination). We demonstrate d that plasma IFN-gamma levels were significantly (P<0.005) higher in suspe ct cases of BSE infection than in control cases. BSE-positive prostaglandin -E-2, (PGE(2)) plasma levels were demonstrated as being elevated 1.25-fold above BSE-negative cases and 2.22-fold above control cases. No significant (P>0.5) increase in PGE(2) plasma levels was recorded between BSE-positive and -negative. IFN-gamma and PGE(2) plasma levels were examined using comme rcially available ELISA assay. The results presented in this publication ar e the first demonstration of alteration in immune state in animals with BSE . (C) 2001 Academic Press.