Selected cytokines and acute phase proteins in heifers during the ovarian cycle course and in different pregnancy periods

The studies were done on 30 heifers with synchronized oestrus. IFN-gamma was found in sera of 4 heifers in luteal phase and in I heifer in follicular phase. Moreover, an increased level of serum haptoglobulin (Hp) and serum amyloid component (SAA) was found in 8 heifers in follicular phase. The presence of IFN-gamma a proinflammatory cytokine may point to an active inflammation, whereas an increased level of Hp and SAA in oestrus could be connected with an approaching ovulation. It was also found that in pregnant heifers with a detected IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and an increased level of Hp and SAA retention of placenta and post parturient metritis was diagnosed