The experiments were carried out in five clinically normal virgin heifers. Before the experimental infection and at 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after the infection, respective mammary glands were rinsed with phosphate buffered saline. Neutrophils as well as macrophages underwent a classic exocytosis accompanied by translocation of lysosomal granules. The granules filled the protuberances of the plasmalemma and after the protuberances separated from the cell, they entered the extracellular space in the shape of round bodies of different sizes. After exocytosis, neutrophils displayed a smaller nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, a greater chromatin density of the nucleus, and an overall smaller size. Macrophages phagocytosed bacteria and/or neutrophils with and without signs of apoptosis (early and late apoptotic respectively) and neutrophils after exocytosis. Macrophages underwent cytolysis that was accompanied by extrusion of granules, phagosomes and phagolysosomes containing phagocytosed bacteria or neutrophils. Confluences were formed in which the process of digestion continued. Apoptosis of neutrophils gradually appeared and intensified in resolution of inflammation. The macrophages contributed to the inactivation of bacterial noxa as well as of histotoxic contents of neutrophils. Nevertheless, macrophages often underwent cytolysis at the site of inflammation.

Department of Dairy Science and Pathophysiology of Mammary Gland Veterinary Research Institute Hudcova 70 62132 Brno Czech Republic

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Apoptosis of resident and inflammatory macrophages before and during the inflammatory response of the virgin bovine mammary gland