Enhancement of lymphocyte function and interleukin 1β transcription by recombinant bovine interleukin 1β

Abstract

SUMMARY Six nonpregnant, nonlactating Jersey cows, averaging 4 to 6 years old, were used to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of recombinant bovine interleukin 1β (rBoIL-1β). Cows were given 166 ng of rBoIL-1β/kg of body weight at 8-hour intervals for 96 hours. Persistent leukocytosis was observed within 3 hours of rBoIL-1 treatment, peaking 24 hours after the first IL-1β injection and returning to baseline values within 72 hours after cessation of IL-1β treatment. Injection of cows with rBoIL-1β stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis and mitochondrial methyl-thiazoltetrazolium cleavage activity in resting cell cultures. Increases in the aforementioned lymphocyte activities were also observed in stimulated blood mononuclear cell cultures during IL-1β administration. Change in IgM production in cell cultures was not observed during IL-1β treatment. Within 24 hours of the first IL-1β injection, IL-1β mRNA transcription in stimulated blood mononuclear cell cultures was markedly increased, suggesting that IL-1β upregulates its own production in mononuclear cells. These data provide evidence that administration of cytokines, such as rBoIL-1β, enhances immune cell function and, therefore, may be useful in alleviating immunosuppression in cattle.