Association of increased estradiol and progesterone blood values with altered bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte function.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol (hydrocortisone) were monitored concurrently in clinically normal cows during the estrous cycle. Five parameters were used to evaluate PMN function: (i) random migration under agarose, (ii) ingestion of 125I-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, (iii) nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, (iv) iodination, and (v) antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Increased serum estradiol concentrations were associated with enhanced random migration, but had no apparent effect on NBT reduction, iodination, or ingestion of S aureus by bovine PMN. Increased serum estradiol was also associated with increased serum cortisol. Increased serum progesterone values were associated with a depression of NBT reduction and iodination by PMN, but with enhanced random migration and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These results indicate that physiologic changes in steroid hormone values during the normal estrous cycle of the cow are associated with alterations in PMN function.