In this study, we focused analyzing γδ T cells during bovine mammary gland inflammation induced by Streptococcus uberis. A mammary gland cell suspension was obtained using lavage 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after intramammary-induced infection. The proportion of lymphocytes increased during the entire week in which inflammation was present. The γδ T cells were also elevated during inflammation, reaching their peak at 72 h following induced inflammation. The percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes continually increased, with the highest proportion occurring 168 h after S. uberis infection. The results show that γδ T cells may be involved in the resolution of inflammation in bovine mammary glands, with the apoptosis of those cells potentially playing an important role.
Keywords: Streptococcus uberis; T cell; apoptosis; lymphocyte; mammary gland; mastitis.