FIG. 5.

Cytokine gene expression in calf tissues at different times following infection with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the transcription of bovine cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12). The fold changes in transcriptional levels in infected animals were estimated by comparison with the control calf tissue at 6, 8, and 9 months postinfection. Colony counts for the same tissues were also determined (y axis on the right). (A) Transcriptional profile of cytokines in mesenteric lymph nodes. (B) Transcriptional profile of cytokines in intestinal tissues.