Effects of Age on The Concentrations of Plasma Cytokinesand Lipidperoxidation in Sheep

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effectsof age on blood cytokine levels and lipid peroxidationproductmalondialdehyde (MDA) levels and thyroid hormones levels in sheep of different ages. Female sheep oflamb (4-6months), young (12-18 months) and adult (36-40 months) from a herd in same care and feeding conditions wereused in the study. Blood samples were taken before morning feding from 30 sheep in total, 10 heads from eachage group. MDA, glutathione (GSH), interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), interleukin-6(IL-6) and T3 and T4 levels were determined in blood samples. Young animals have significantly higher MDAand lower IL-6 levels than lambs. There was no difference between age groups in terms of GSH, IL-1?, TNF-?,T3 and T4 levels. As a result, age has an effect on blood lipid peroxidation and IL-6 levels in sheep.