Two-Way Calf to Dam Major Histocompatibility Class I Compatibility Increases Risk for Retained Placenta in Cattle

Lindert Benedictus, A.J. Thomas, R. Jorritsma, C.J. Davies, A.P. Koets

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Problem
In cattle, retained placenta (RP) is suggested to arise from failure of immune-mediated rejection of the fetal membranes by the maternal immune system and is associated with major histocompatibility (MHC) class I compatibility between calf and dam.

Method of study
To study the association between RP and different MHC class I compatibilities between calf–dam–granddam combinations, massively parallel pyrosequencing was used to determine the MHC class I haplotypes of cows with and without RP.

Results
Two-way calf to dam MHC class I compatibility gave a high risk for RP. There was a tendency for a higher risk for RP with calf to dam MHC class I compatibility.

Conclusions
We concluded that in two-way compatible pregnancies, the maternal immune system fails to reject the fetal membranes, and the fetal immune system does not mount an immune response against maternal MHC class I antigens that could influence the immune-mediated rejection of the fetal membranes by the maternal immune system. The lack of immune-mediated rejection of the fetal membranes by the maternal immune system increases the risk of occurrence of RP.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-183
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Volume67
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Two-Way Calf to Dam Major Histocompatibility Class I Compatibility Increases Risk for Retained Placenta in Cattle'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this