Effect of intramammary infusion of rbGM-CSF on SCC and expression of polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion molecules in subclinical mastitis cows.

The effect of rbGM-CSF intramammary infusion on the subclinical mastitis was evaluated by the somatic cell count (SCC) and expression of adhesion molecules (CD62L and CD11b) on the surface of neutrophils (PMN) in blood and milk. Fifteen cows diagnosed to have subclinical mastitis were used in this study. Seven cows showed a decrease in the SCC (decreased group), whereas 8 cows showed an increase in the SCC (increased group) 7 days after infusion of rbGM-CSF compared to pre infusion level. The percentage of CD62+ cells tended to be lower and CD11b+cells tended to be higher at 6 h on blood PMN in the decreased group of cows. Increased group of cows showed opposite tendencies. The mean fluorescent intensity of these adhesion molecules expressed on PMN in blood and milk was similar in both groups. These results suggested some association between expression of adhesion molecules and changes in SCC by rbGM-CSF. Responsiveness of PMN adhesion molecules to rbGM-CSF might determine the changes in SCC of the subclinical mastitic cows after infusion of rbGM-CSF.