Effects of LPS-induced inflammation on leukogram and biochemical parameters in feedlot beef heifers

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Abstract
Beef cattle in feedlot systems may develop diseases associated with endotoxin release, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, few studies have evaluated experimental acute endotoxemia in beef heifers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of LPS-induced inflammation on biochemical and leukogram parameters in feedlot beef heifers. Sixteen beef heifers were randomly assigned to two groups: the LPS group (n = 8), which received two intravenous doses of 0.5 μg/kg BW Escherichia coli LPS (O111:B4) administered with a 24-hour interval between injections, and the control group (CTR, n = 8), which received two intravenous doses of saline solution. Body temperature was measured using intravaginal digital thermometers for 8 hours after the first and 12 hours after the second injection. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4, 8, 24, 28, 32, and 72 hours in relation to the first challenge, for hematological analysis and evaluation of energy and lipid metabolism, protein profile, hepatic enzymes, minerals, and inflammatory markers. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures model including group, time, and group x time interaction, with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. LPS administration induced an increase in body temperature, a leukocytosis characterized by neutrophilia and monocytosis and a decrease in paraoxonase-1 (PON1). These findings demonstrate that experimental, acute endotoxemia induces alterations predominantly associated with the acute inflammatory response in feedlot beef heifers.

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