Distribution, location, and ultrastructure of plasma cells in the uninfected, lactating bovine mammary gland.

Quantitative cytological analysis demonstrated a marked and progressive increase in concentration of subepithelial plasma cells from milk-secreting parenchyma to the distal teat end mucosa in the normal, lactating bovine mammary gland. Parenchymal plasma cells exhibited typical ultrastructure with abundant, flattened stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and hypertrophied Golgi components, while many cells in the teat end mucosa displayed an ergastoplasm distended with fine, flocculent material. Intraepithelial plasma cells were also observed in teat end mucosa. Results suggest that teat end tissues function by recruiting plasma cells to serve as protection against invading mastitis-causing organisms.