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Description
Consumption of ergot alkaloids by cattle is associated with reduced growth performance
and health. Previous research has shown that these same alkaloids alter lipid
metabolism and induce lesions in abdominal adipose depots; providing an avenue for
deleterious actions of these compounds. The mechanism(s) by which alkaloids impact
adipose tissues is unclear, however, the observed lesion sites and the demonstration
that alkaloids are capable of binding to receptors on immune cells and gut tissues which
in turn are linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and bowel disease,
suggest that their actions are mediated, at least in part, through inflammatory cytokines.
Thus, an experiment will be conducted to increase our understanding of the interaction
between fescue-derived alkaloids, immune function and associated changes in visceral
adipose metabolism and intestinal tissues. Experimental model will include abomasally
cannulated steers consuming alkaloid or alkaloid-free fescue seed and a luminal
challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Whole blood will be collected and adipose
and GIT tissues harvested for determination of changes in cellularity, lipid metabolism,
inflammatory cytokines, and gene expression. The results of this work will contribute to
the identification of mechanism(s) by which fescue-derived alkaloids affect tissue
metabolism and accretion including the specific effects of alkaloids on fat necrosis,
allowing for the use of practical management tools to overcome these adverse effects.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 7/1/16 → 4/30/18 |
Funding
- Agricultural Research Service
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Projects
- 1 Finished
-
FAPRU SCA
Bennett, A. (PI), Bennett, A. (PI), Workman, S. (CoI) & Cox, N. (Former PI)
5/1/13 → 4/30/18
Project: Research project