Abstract
Simple SummarySemen deposition into the uterus during mating or artificial insemination induces a rapid inflammatory response, and, in susceptible mares, persistent endometritis can develop. Cytokines are mediators involved in the regulation of the inflammatory process, and acute phase proteins are the most sensitive indicators of the inflammatory process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins in the uterus before and after artificial insemination in the mare. The obtained results indicate that the status of the mare before artificial insemination has little effect on the response measured shortly after artificial insemination. The presence of intrauterine fluid during estrus is not connected with the inflammation parameters investigated in this study at 7 h post artificial insemination. Detailed examination of the mare’s reproductive tract before and after artificial insemination guarantees high fertility.The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-10 (IL-10), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in uterine lavage fluid before and after artificial insemination (AI). Based on ultrasound examination, mares were divided into: Group 1 (n = 9), no fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus and 7 h after AI; Group 2 (n = 8), no fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus but 7 h after AI fluid was detected in the uterus; Group 3 (n = 8), fluid was detected in the uterus during estrus and also 7 h after AI. In all groups of mares, a significant increase in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and a significant increase in IL-1RA and SAA were recorded 7 h after AI. The obtained results show that, regardless of the status of the mare before AI, the endometrial response characterized by PMN influx, and SAA, Hp, IL-1RA and IL-10 production, is similar. The presence of intrauterine fluid during estrus is not connected with PMN influx but can impact uterine IL-1RA production at this time.
Highlights
Semen deposition into the uterus during mating or artificial insemination (AI) induces rapid chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells into the endometrial tissue and uterine lumen [1].This process is accompanied by lymphatic drainage and by uterine contractions
All procedures performed on these mares were approved by the owners and did not go beyond the routine veterinarian procedures performed on mares introduced to AI
LeBlanc et al [34] considered that the flushing should be regarded as contaminated if bacteria are isolated but the efflux is clear, there is no change in pH, cytology is either hypocellular or non-inflammatory, and, if biopsy is obtained, no neutrophils are present in the endometrial tissue
Summary
Semen deposition into the uterus during mating or artificial insemination (AI) induces rapid chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells into the endometrial tissue and uterine lumen [1]. This process is accompanied by lymphatic drainage and by uterine contractions. In mares resistant to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE), this process enables the clearing of the uterus from inflammatory fluid, bacteria and excess spermatozoa [2,3]. This process is called a transient breeding-induced endometritis (TBIE) and occurs in each mare, and it should be considered an innate immune defense mechanism. Risk factors associated with IUF accumulation in diestrus are as follows: age of the mare, parity, poor perineal conformation, infection of the uterus, uterine position within the abdominal cavity, abnormal cervical function, excess fluid retention during estrus, and uterine biopsy scores IIB and III (increasing of fibrotic and inflammatory changes in the endometrium) [1,3,5,10,11,12,13,14]
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