The B abortus–injected mice develop both acute and chronic inflammation, with an early rise in hepcidin mRNA. Compared with saline-injected mice, the B abortus–injected mice develop (A) increased SAA-1 mRNA by 3 hours, peaking at 1 day, and a gradual return to normal by 21 days; (B) increased hepcidin mRNA, with a peak at 6 hours, a slight but consistent increase through 7 days, followed by significant decrease at 14 and 28 days; (C) increased serum hepcidin protein at 6 hours; (D) increased WBCs by 7 days, with partial recovery by 28 days; and (E) hepatic perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells by 7 days. (A-B) Means ± standard error, with each B abortus–treated group referenced to contemporaneous saline-treated group. (C-D) Means ± SD, *P < .05 and **P < .001 by Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test.