Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein from the transferrin family, present in mucosal secretions, granules of neutrophils and the serum of mammals. Many biological functions have been attributed to lactoferrin, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence has not been detected in poultry and its influence on their mechanisms of resistance has not been investigated. The aim of present in vitro study was to investigate the influence of bovine lactoferrin on the activity of chicken blood leukocytes. After isolation cells were cultured in complete RPMI - 1640 medium containing 0 (control), 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 mg/ml of bovine LF, lymphocytes for 48 h and granulocytes for 18 h, respectively. Then the effect of LF on the activity of phagocytes (RBA and PKA tests) and lymphocytes (MTT test) was evaluated. The obtained results suggest that bovine lactoferrin has significant influence on the activity of chicken leukocytes in vitro. The use of LF increased the ability of chicken granulocytes for respiratory burst, however no stimulation of the killing activity was observed. Bovine lactoferrin also increased the proliferative response of lymphocytes T stimulated by ConA, whereas a similar effect on lymphocytes B stimulated by LPS was not noticed. The observed stimulation of the investigated parameters is encouraging for further research concerning the possibility of the use of LF as immunostimulant in poultry husbandry.
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