J Vet Sci.  2019 Mar;20(2):e11. 10.4142/jvs.2019.20.e11.

Classification, bacteriological findings, and analysis of sex hormone receptors and cytokine expression in mammary lesions of abattoir sows

• Ju JH
• Shin JI
• Lim HY
• Kim HW
• Seung BJ
• Cho SH
• Kim SH
• Sur JH

• KMID: 2454014
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2019.20.e11

Abstract

Mammary lesions in sows can prevent suckling piglets from consuming colostrum that provides fundamental nutrients and protective immunity. Although mammary gross lesions are frequently found in sows at farms or slaughterhouses, with the exception of mastitis, they have received little research attention. In this study, we investigated mammary lesions observed in South Korean sows between 2015 and 2016. Mammary tissue samples of 82 sows showing gross lesions during meat inspection were histologically classified and immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ER-β, and progesterone receptor (PR) for mammary hyperplastic lesions as well as that of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3, CD79a, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 for mastitis. Furthermore, 20 swab samples were cultured, and the isolated bacteria were identified using polymerase chain reactions for 16S ribosomal RNA genes. The lesions were classified as hyperplasia, mastitis, or hyperplasia with mastitis. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that there was neither expression of ER-α nor of ER-β, but all examined hyperplastic samples expressed PR. In addition, there was a significant correlation between CD3 and IL-1β expressions, as well as between IL-1β and IL-6 expressions. Regarding the identity of the isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. were most frequently detected. The results of this study have revealed the incidence and characteristics of porcine mammary lesions.

Keyword

Swine; mammary gland; mastitis; bacterial infection; cytokines

MeSH Terms

Abattoirs*
Agriculture
Bacteria
Bacterial Infections
Classification*
Colostrum
Cytokines
Estrogens
Female
Hyperplasia
Immunohistochemistry
Incidence
Interleukin-6
Interleukin-8
Interleukins
Mammary Glands, Human
Mastitis
Meat
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Pseudomonas
Receptors, Progesterone
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Swine
Cytokines
Estrogens
Interleukin-6
Interleukin-8
Interleukins
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Receptors, Progesterone