Existence of immune cells in uterine luminal flush of repeat breeding Egyptian buffalo-cow (Bubalus bubalis): salpingitis and endometritis as a major cause

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of immune cells in uterine flush of repeat breeding Egyptian buffalo-cow (Bubalus bubalis) during follicular and luteal stages of estrous cycle. Furthermore, histopathological examination of fallopian tubes and uteri was conducted. A total of 30 reproductive tracts of buffalo-cow were obtained from a local slaughterhouse directly aft er slaughter. Collected genital tracts were transported to the laboratory within 1.5 h. Samples of uterine fluids were collected, centrifuged, stained and used for quantification of immune cells during follicular and luteal stages. Tissue specimens from fallopian tube (infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus) and uteri were used for histopathological examinations. Results showed up-regulation of luminal polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes in the uterine flush samples of follicular stage compared to luteal stage. Reversely, eosinophils and lymphocytes were higher in luteal stage samples compared to follicular one. Histopathological examinations revealed purulent endometritis and chronic lymphocytic endometritis with disrupting of uterine architecture and massive inflammatory cells infiltration. Oviduct lesion revealed, chronic inflammation and sever chronic interstitial inflammation with disruption in microarchitecture of different regions of oviducts with inflammatory cells infiltrations. In a conclusion, endometrial and oviductal lesions represent a crucial problem in repeat breeding buffaloes. In addition, luminal uterine PMNs and monocytes were elevated in follicular stage of oestrous cycle. These findings, might explain in a part, loss of conception of repeat breeding buffaloes particularly those which did not express clear clinical signs of inflammations.