Quantification of cytokine gene expression in lamina propria lymphocytes of cattle following infection with Ostertagia ostertagi.

Changes in cell surface markers and cytokine transcription were analyzed in lamina propria lymphocytes from control animals (noninfected calves) and calves after a single high but nonprotective primary infection with Ostertagia ostertagi. Flow cytometry of cells recovered from the lamina propria showed an increase in the percentages of IgM+, WC1+, and IL-2R+-bearing cells 10 days after infection; however, 2 mo after infection, cell staining was comparable to preinfection levels. Transcription levels of interleukins IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA were measured using a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results indicated elevated levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the infected animals at 10 days and at 60 days after infection. Transcription of IL-10 also increased; however, this change was not observed until 60 days postinfection.