Expression of IL-23 in gilt endometrium and oviduct after insemination with seminal plasma, spermatozoa or semen extender

Anna Svensson,Anne-Marie Dalin,Jatesada Jiwakanon,Caroline Fossum

doi:10.1186/s13104-021-05630-8

Anna Svensson, Anne-Marie Dalin + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-021-05630-8

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Abstract

ObjectiveInsemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma and extender, cause a rapid inflammatory response in pig endometrium, characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the uterus. The transient inflammatory response to semen involves cytokine induction. Potential functions for Interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the inflammatory response to different insemination treatments were examined by studying mRNA expression and immunostaining in gilt oviduct and endometrium 35–40 h after insemination. Insemination was performed with seminal plasma (SP), spermatozoa (SPZ) without SP in the extender Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), or BTS alone. In control gilts an insemination catheter was inserted without anything being inseminated.ResultsResults showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in oviduct and endometrium after insemination regardless of treatment. There was an approximate two- to fourfold increase in expression of IL-23 mRNA in catheter-insertion control compared with SPZ, SP and BTS treatment groups. IL-23 immunolabelling was detected in a small number of separate cells and in the sub-epithelial connective tissue of the endometrium, the endosalpinx of isthmus and infundibulum.ConclusionIn conclusion, insemination with SP, SPZ in BTS, and BTS alone decreased the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the endometrium compared to catheter-insertion control, indicating a possible role for IL-23 in the inflammatory response after insemination in gilts.

Highlights

Insemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma (SP) and extender inserted into the uterus via a catheter, causes a rapid inflammatory response in pig endometrium, characterized by neutrophil influx into the uterine lumen [1–3]
Results showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in oviduct and endometrium after insemination regardless of treatment
There was an approximate two- to fourfold increase in expression of IL-23 mRNA in catheter-insertion control compared with SPZ, SP and Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) treatment groups

Summary

Results

Real-time PCR showed IL-23 mRNA to be expressed in gilt oviduct (isthmus and infundibulum) and endometrium 35–40 h after insemination regardless of treatment (Fig. 1). There were differences (p < 0.01) in IL-23 mRNA expression due to treatment. When all tissues within a treatment group were analyzed together, the SPZ in BTS, SP and BTS groups differed (p < 0.05) from the catheterinsertion control group but not from each other (NS). Endometrium from the catheter-insertion controls exhibited highest IL-23 mRNA expression. The effect of treatment was more pronounced in the endometrium than in the oviduct when tissues were analyzed separately. The results indicated a difference between individual animals. IL-23 immunolabelling was found in the endometrium and in the endosalpinx of the isthmus and infundibulum.

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