The incidence of periparturient disease in dairy cows continues to remain unacceptably high. This persists despite an industry research focus into both managemental and nutritional intervention over the last few decades. The intense lipomobilization and glycemic dysregulation during early lactation have drawn parallels with human metabolic conditions and states of immune dysfunction. The pronounced glucose demand by the mammary gland for milk synthesis leads to substantial metabolic change. Little is known how glucose uptake in key immune cells such as the monocyte may be affected. The objective of this study was to identify and examine the expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) in bovine monocytes and how they may alter as a consequence of lactogenesis and upon stimulation with endotoxin. Sampling points were refined to select 10 cows at 28-35d before expected calving and at 5 ± 2d after calving. Monocytes were isolated from total peripheral blood mononuclear cells, GLUT isoforms 1,3 and 4 were assessed for mRNA and protein expression following endotoxin stimulation. GLUT isoforms were found to change expression as a consequence of lactogenesis and endotoxin stimulation. This finding warrants further investigation into energy utilization of immune cells during the periparturient period and how it may contribute to immune dysfunction.
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