Flow cytometric analysis of an immunodeficiency disorder affecting juvenile llamas.

The present study was undertaken to characterize the immune system of llamas and alpacas and establish the basis for an immunodeficiency disorder affecting juvenile llamas. Flow cytometric (FC) analysis of the immune system with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed the immune system of llamas and alpacas is similar in leukocyte subset composition to that in ruminants. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adults are comprised of surface immunoglobulin (sIg(+)) B-cells (31%+/-8 S.

Modulatory effects of dietary beta-carotene on blood and mammary leukocyte function in periparturient dairy cows.

Beginning 4 wk prior to predicted calving, 14 Holstein cows per treatment were fed diets 1) unsupplemented (control) or supplemented daily with 2) 300 mg of beta-carotene, 3) 600 mg of beta-carotene, or 4) 120,000 IU of vitamin A. Blood was collected around calving on wk -4, -2, -1, 0 (within 24 h postcalving), 1, 2, and 4 for isolation of lymphocytes and neutrophils and for the analysis of plasma vitamins. Lacteal secretions were collected on wk 0, 1, 2, and 4 for the isolation of phagocytes.

Subcellular distribution of beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in porcine lymphocytes after a single injection of beta-carotene.

The subcellular distribution of beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in lymphocytes was studied in pigs (50 to 55 kg) injected once with 0, 20, or 40 mg of beta-carotene. Blood was sampled at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h postinjection. Plasma beta-carotene in treated pigs peaked at 24 h and decreased rapidly thereafter.

Kinetic characteristics of beta-carotene uptake after an injection of beta-carotene in pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to study the uptake of beta-carotene in plasma, lipoproteins, and blood cells in pigs (50 to 55 kg; n = 40) after an i.m. injection of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg of beta-carotene.