Immunomodulatory Effects of Tulathromycin in Rabbits

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagaig University, 44511, Egypt

2 Immunopharmacology Unit, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Egypt

3 Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig, Egypt

Abstract

Tulathromycin is a new injectable macrolid antibiotic used for treating pulmonary disease. Therefore, the present work was aimed to study the effect of tulathromycin administration only or in a combination with vitamin C (immunomodatory agent) on immnomodulating, apoptotic effect and DNA of some immune cells. Moreover, to investigate its effect on serum antioxidant activity. Twenty-five apparently healthy rabbits were divided into 5 equal groups, the 1st group was the control and the 2nd was the vaccinated group with 1 mL/rabbit S.C “Pasteurella multocida vaccine”. The 3rd group injected with 17.5 mg/rabbit of vitamin C and 1 mL/rabbit S.C “Pasteurella multocida vaccine” while, the 4th group was given 1 mL S.C/rabbit Pasteurella multocida vaccine and 2.5 mg/kg BW tulathromycin. The 5th group was treated S.C with 17.5 mg/rabbit vitamin C, 1 mL Pasteurella multocida vaccine and 2.5 mg/kg BW tulathromycin. The results showed a significant inhibition of lymphocyte transformation at 3rd day, phagocytic activity and lysozyme activity at 1st, 2nd and 3rd day of vaccination in the 4th group. Moreover, its total globulin level was significantly depressed at the 7th and 14th day with a depression of antibody titre against pasteurella till the 3rd week post vaccination. Comet results revealed a significant increase of DNA damage % on the 3rd and 7th days post vaccination. DNA fragmentation of neutrophil was transiently occurred in the 3rd and 7th days post treatment. It was concluded that, Tulathromycin has a transient immunosuppressive and genotoxic effect, therefore it should be administered in a combination with Vit C to overcome its side effects. 

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