Adiponectin in Cattle: Profiling of molecular weight patterns in different body fluids at different physiological states and assessment of adiponectin's effects on lymphocytes

Adiponectin (AdipoQ), one of the most abundant adipokines found in circulation exerts various metabolic functions. It is negatively correlated with body fat content and is known to be a key regulator of insulin sensitivity and tissue inflammation. Different molecular weight (MW) forms of AdipoQ are found in circulation: a low molecular weight (LMW) trimer, a middle molecular weight (MMW) hexamer and a high molecular weight (HMW) form which is built of 12 to 18 monomers. Cattle are used for milk and meat production and contribute greatly to the human food supply. Dairy cows undergo various metabolic changes in the time from late pregnancy to early lactation. This causes a mobilization of body reserves which may lead to a higher risk for infectious diseases and possible problems in fertility later. The aims of this thesis were estimated the molecular weight pattern of AdipoQ in several body fluids e.g. serum, milk, follicular fluid and seminal plasma of cows and bulls. Additionally the potential influences of AdipoQ on lymphocyte function were estimated.