Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the molecular impact of probiotic administration on genes involved in homeostasis and immunity in goat blood. Following initial screening for infection, one-week post weaning, female SpanishXBoer goats were drenched daily with the recommended doses of FASTtrak microbial pack (Conklin Company Inc., Shakopee, MN) in 10 mL sterile water over an 8-week period. The control group were given sterile water. Blood samples were collected weekly. Total RNA was isolated from blood collected at the beginning of the study (week 0) and at the end of the study (week 8) using Tri-reagent and then reverse-transcribed to cDNA using the Ambion-Retroscript kit. Quantification of genes was performed in the CFX96^TM Biorad Real-Time PCR detection system with the addition of the dye SYBR green. The cow Wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway, Human Innate & Adaptive Immune Responses and the Cow Inflammatory Cytokine & Receptors RT² Profiler™ PCR Arrays (QIAGEN, Valencia, CA) were used to profile the expression of 84 genes involved in each pathway. Probiotic treatment had no effect on body weight, body condition, fecal egg count and RNA concentration (p>0.05). Packed cell volume and FAMACHA scores were significantly improved by probiotic administration. Results from RT-PCR showed increased expression of genes in innate and adaptive immune response, cytokine and Wnt pathways in response to probiotics. Probiotics induced the expression of 32 genes involved in innate and adaptive immune response inflammatory cytokines, and 48 genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. This study provides evidence for a systematic effect of oral probiotic administration on expression of genes involved in immunity and homeostasis in goat blood.

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