Uterine clearance of non-antigenic markers (51Cr) in response to a bacterial challenge in mares potentially susceptible and resistant to chronic uterine infections
Troedsson, M.H.; Liu, I.K.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement 44: 283-288
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 1795272 Document Number: 384606
The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical ability of the mare's uterus to eliminate non-antigenic 51Cr microspheres during an infectious challenge. Mares both potentially susceptible and resistant to chronic uterine infections were used in this study. The procedure described serves as a model of the uterine capacity to clear physically infectious agents and inflammatory products during the acute phase of an infection. Based on the results from intra-uterine bacterial challenges, reproductive history, examination per rectum, and endometrial biopsies, mares were classified as potentially susceptible (n = 6) or resistant (n = 5) to chronic uterine infections. On the third day of oestrus the mares were infused with Streptococcus zooepidemicus followed immediately by an inoculation of 51Cr labelled microspheres into the uterus. At 24 h post infection the uterus was lavaged to recover remaining microspheres. The procedure was repeated during the next 2 cycles to determine the retention of microspheres at 48 and 96 h post infection. Mares classified as potentially susceptible to chronic uterine infections demonstrated a significant delay in physical clearance of microspheres from the uterus compared to the resistant mares. Uterine retention of microspheres in mares classified as potentially resistant was insignificant 24 h post inoculation. In contrast, mares classified as potentially susceptible to chronic uterine infections failed to clear microspheres from the uterus before 96 h post inoculation. It is concluded that the physical ability of the uterus to clear infectious agents and inflammatory products may be a critical factor as a first line of defence against uterine infections.