Mavrogianni V.S., Fthenakis G.C.

In the present article the literature on the defence mechanisms of the bovine mammary gland is reviewed. The article is divided into three sections: (i) The teat, (ii) Cellular defence mechanisms (number of somatic cells, type of somatic cells, counting of somatic cells, defence role of somatic cells: macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes) and (iii) Chemoral defence mechanisms (cytokines: IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor and TNF-α , immunoglobulins, complement, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase/ thiocyanate/ H2O2 system, lysozyme).

Key words: cows, mastitis, cellular defence, chemoral defence, defence mechanisms

Volume 55 (No. 3 p. 235 - 246) / 2004