Changes in expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells during early pregnancy

Abstract

Conceptus-derived signals are involved in the maternal systemic immune regulation through blood circulation and lymph circulation by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in cattle. There exists a Th2-biased response in maternal uterus during early pregnancy in cattle. However, it is unclear that the changes in expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in PBMC during early pregnancy in cows. At present study, the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in PBMC were explored at day 18 non-pregnant cows, day 18 and day 30 pregnant cows. Our results showed that IFN-?, was attenuated in PBMC, but TNF-a and IL-4 in PBMC were up-regulated during early pregnancy in cows. However, the member of the Th2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13, was augmented in day 30 pregnant PBMC. In conclusion, there existed a Th2-biased response in PBMC during early pregnancy, which was essential for successful pregnancy in cattle.