Alterations in polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions during periparturient period in buffaloes

The study was planned to evaluate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions in normally calved and dystocia affected buffaloes. Normally calved buffaloes (6) were blood sampled for 7 days around calving and 14 dystocia affected buffaloes were sampled from the day of delivery by obstetrical means to day 3 post delivery. Plasma cortisol concentration, total and differential leukocyte counts and PMNL phagocytosis and killing abilities were evaluated. In dystocia affected buffaloes, plasma cortisol was significantly higher than of normally calved buffaloes on all the days of observation and the neutrophil counts were significantly lower during the immediate postpartum period. In normally calved buffaloes, the changes in PMNL phagocytosis around calving were not significant. The percentage extra cellular killing activity decreased from prepartum to postpartum period. In dystocia affected buffaloes, the phagocytic activity was nonsignificantly higher whereas killing capacity was significantly lower as compared to normally calved buffaloes on the day of calving. In conclusion, this study revealed derangement in PMNL functions around calving that predispose the buffaloes to postpartum infections.