الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 109 |  |  |
| | | from | 109 | | |
Abstract
Abstract
Pneumonia is a common problem of sheep and associated with severe inflammatory response. The goals of this study were to measure serum protein fractionations, serum electrolytes status, acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines concentrations and to assess histopathological changes; phagocytic activity and index in pneumonic sheep. Fifty adult sheep were examined and divided into healthy (n = 20) and pneumonic sheep (n = 30). Pneumonia was confirmed clinically; ultrasonography and histopathologically in sheep. Serum protein concentrations were measured by protein electrophoresis, while inflammatory biomarkers were measured by immunoassays. Serum total protein, globulin, 1α-globulins, β-globulins, and γ-globulins, IgG and IgM concentrations were significantly increased, while albumin concentrations were decreased in pneumonic sheep compared to healthy ones (P < 0.05). Serum haptoglobin and serum amyloid A concentrations were significantly higher in pneumonic sheep than healthy sheep (P < 0.05). Cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly higher, while serum interleukin (IL-10) concentrations were lower in pneumonic sheep than healthy sheep (P < 0.05). Serum TP and globulin concentrations were positively associated with serum immunoglobulins, while albumin was inversely associated (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were statistically lower in diseased than apparently healthy sheep (P < 0.05). Histopathologically, lung tissues showed acute pneumonia with thickening of interalveolar septa, congestion, alveolar hemorrhages, hemosiderophages, and infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages. In conclusions, pneumonia is associated with severe pro-inflammatory conditions that enhance pro-inflammatory factors resulting in organ dysfunction and death. Serum HP and SAA concentrations are diagnostic biomarkers for pneumonia in sheep with good sensitivity and specificity.
Keywords Acute phase proteins; Cytokines; Immunoglobulins; Phagocytic index and activity.