Abstract
The mare’s innate immune response is essential for effective uterine clearance of excessive spermatozoa and bacteria following breeding. The resulting immune responses are modulated by a cascade of signaling molecules, specifically cytokines. The effects of freeze-killed spermatozoa, extender, and bacteria on proand antiinflammatory cytokines gene expression have been compared within and between susceptible and resistant mares, however data is lacking on the difference in the immune response following insemination with live versus dead spermatozoa. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the expression of IL-1b, IL-1RN, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in endometrial tissue after insemination with either 1x109 live (>70% PMS) or 1x109 freeze-killed sperm. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in the immune response of the uterus after insemination with either live or dead spermatozoa. Semen was collected and pooled from 2 stallions, centrifuged to remove seminal plasma, and resuspended in 30 mL Equipro extender (Minitube of America, Verona, WI). Four mares were
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