Acute phase response in naturally occurring coliform mastitis

Changes in the activities of serum cytokines and in acute phase response we re observed in dairy cows with naturally occurring coliform mastitis. Seven cows with severe mastitis showed systemic and mammary inflammatory respons e throughout the observation period, and 11 cows with mild mastitis recover ed and were able to be milked within 3 days of onset of mastitis. Serum int erleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activities were higher in t he severe group than in the mild group at the first appearance of symptoms. Elevated IL-1 activity was evident in the severe group throughout the obse rvation period. Serum alpha -1-acidglycoprotein (alpha 1AG) concentration b egan to rise with the beginning of mastitis in the severe group, and peaked at 9 days. Serum haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations peaked at 3 days, and dec reased gradually after 3 days in the severe group. These results showed tha t there are dynamic changes in serum IL-1 activity and in serum alpha 1AG a nd Hp concentrations in cows with severe coliform mastitis.