Author/Authors :
Tharwat, M. Zagazig University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Animal Medicine, Egypt , Tharwat, M. Rakuno Gakuen University - School of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Japan , Endoh, D. Rakuno Gakuen University - School of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Veterinary Radiology, Japan , Oikawa, S. Rakuno Gakuen University - School of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Veterinary Herd Health, Japan
Abstract :
This study was designed to investigate the apoptotic process in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMN) in dairy cattle during the transition period. Blood samples were collected from 4 dairy cattle at 3 weeks before the expected parturition (wk -3), parturition (wk 0) and 3 weeks after parturition (wk +3). The DNA damage of PBMC and PMN was evaluated based on the comet assay using visual scoring (arbitrary units). Undamaged DNA remained within the core (score 0) and the broken DNA migrated from the core towards the anode forming the tail of a comet (scores 1-4). Significantly higher scores in PBMC at wk 0 and wk +3 were observed compared with those in PMN although there were no significant changes of scores in either cell type during the experimental period. It is suggested that the apoptotic rate of PBMC is accelerated compared with that of PMC during the transition period.
Keywords :
Apoptosis , Comet assay , Cow , Leukocytes , Transition period.
