Depression of B-Lymphocytes by Mastitis and Treatment with Levamisole

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Abstract
The proportion of B lymphocytes in cow milk and blood decreased simultaneously with development of mastitis induced with endotoxin [Escherichia coli] and recovered with disappearance of clinical signs. The change in T lymphocytes was slight. The reduced percentage of B lymphocytes reflected a reduction in absolute number of such cells. When used orally, levamisole increased the proportion of B lymphocytes in milk to a level the same as or more than that in peripheral blood. This compound may enhance activity of the bovine mammary immune system and be of value for control of bovine mastitis.