Unraveling the immune and metabolic changes associated with metritis in dairy cows

The objective was to unravel the peripartum immune and metabolic changes associated with metritis in Holstein cows. cows (n = 128) had blood collected at −14, 0, 3, 7 d relative parturition (DRP). Flow cytometry used evaluate leukocyte counts, proportions, activation. Total cells, live cells (LiveDead-), single monocytes (CD172α+/CD14+), polymorphonuclears (PMN; CD172α+/CD14-/SSChigh), B-cells (CD21+/MHCII+), CD4+ T-cells (CD4+), CD8+ (CD8+), γδ (γδTCR+) were evaluated. CD62L CD11b as markers of cell Major histocompatibility complex class II a marker antigen presentation monocytes. A MILLIPLEX Bovine Cytokine/Chemokine 08-plex kit plasma concentrations interferon-γ, Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α. body weight (BW) change prepartum calculated difference between calving BW divided by number days measurements. Plasma fatty acids (FA) measured −14 0 DRP using untargeted gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Data analyzed ANOVA for repeated measures. Cows that developed 57) greater BW, loss, FA calving. positively correlated IL-1β. persistent systemic inflammation, which demonstrated B-cell activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations, damage pre- postpartum. Postpartum, we observed polymorphonuclear activation extravasation but lesser extravasation, suggests postpartum tolerance. Greater adiposity may lead inflammation tolerance postpartum, failure prevent bacterial infection, development puerperal metritis.