Inflammatory Lesions in the Oviducts and Its Relationship With Endometrial Inflammation and Ovarian Activity in Criollo Mares (original) (raw)
Related papers
Inflammatory and degenerative changes in the endometrium of mares of the Crioulo breed
Pferdeheilkunde Equine Medicine, 2012
In order to study the causes of infertility in mares of the Crioulo breed, we examined 960 mares served at pasture by 33 different stallions. At the end of the breeding season, open mares (118) were separated by rectal palpation (pregnancy rate of 87.7%). Those mares were subjected to endometrial biopsy and uterine swab for bacteriological examination. Histologically, the endometria were classified in 4 grades according to Kenney and Doig (1986). Endometria classified as Grade I was observed in 49.2% of the open mares, grade II in 33.1%, grade III in 12.7% and grade IV in 5.1%. Severe inflammatory lesions were observed in 36/118 (30.5%) cases and degenerative lesions in 16.9% of the endometrium (20/118). In the following breeding season, the pregnancy rate of mares with or without inflammation was 59.3 and 85.5% respectively (P<0.01) and the pregnancy rate of mares with or without degenerative lesions, 47 and 84.8%, respectively (P<0.01). Old mares (> than 15) had a significantly (P<0.001) lower pregnancy rate (15/27, 55.5%) than young (= to or < than 15) mares (54/61, 88.5%). The frequency of inflammatory lesions was not significantly different (P>0.8) among older and younger mares (28.6 vs. 31.0 %, respectively), however, degenerative lesions were more frequent (P<0.001) in older mares than younger mares (40.0 vs. 7.0 %). We conclude that inflammatory and degenerative lesions are important causes of infertility in the Crioulo breed.
Post-breeding inflammation and endometrial cytology in mares
Theriogenology, 2005
Endometritis has been reported to be the third most common medical condition of horses. Timely diagnosis and treatment of endometritis in mares increases the chance of pregnancy. Exfoliative endometrial cytology is often used as a clinical tool to evaluate endometrial inflammation through detection of neutrophils. There is a lack of information on the time frame for changes in endometrial cytologic parameters following breeding. The main objectives of this article are to use current information to describe systematic analysis of endometrial cytology using standardized methods for sample collection and interpretation, and discuss how these parameters change in relationship to postbreeding interval and mare susceptibility.
Post breeding inflamation and endometrial cytology in mares
Endometritis has been reported to be the third most common medical condition of horses. Timely diagnosis and treatment of endometritis in mares increases the chance of pregnancy. Exfoliative endometrial cytology is often used as a clinical tool to evaluate endometrial inflammation through detection of neutrophils. There is a lack of information on the time frame for changes in endometrial cytologic parameters following breeding. The main objectives of this article are to use current information to describe systematic analysis of endometrial cytology using standardized methods for sample collection and interpretation, and discuss how these parameters change in relationship to postbreeding interval and mare susceptibility. #
Analysis of Uterine and Systemic Parameters in Fertile and Barren Mares
Indian Journal of Animal Research
Background: Breeding success in mares is dependent on both local and systemic factors. Uterine conditions such as endometritis have a negative impact on fertility. Similarly, poor body scores and systemic inflammatory conditions are associated with reduced pregnancy rates. This study aimed to investigate differences in uterine and systemic status between fertile and barren mares. Methods: Uterine ultrasonographic findings, endometrial cytology, body condition score, rectal temperature and complete blood count were evaluated in sexually mature fertile (n=15) and barren (n=15) thoroughbred mares. Differences in the mean values of various parameters between the two groups were evaluated for statistical significance through independent t-tests using commercial statistical software. Result: Compared to fertile mares, barren mares had a significantly higher number of neutrophils and a significantly higher neutrophils: epithelial cell ratio as per endometrial cytology. The ultrasonography ...
Theriogenology, 2013
Persistent endometritis in the mare is associated with hypersecretion of mucus by endometrial epithelium and migration of neutrophils into the uterine lumen. This study examines the relationships between N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent with anti-inflammatory properties, and endometrial architecture, serum neutrophil function, post-breeding therapy, and reproductive performance of NAC-treated mares in a clinical setting. In study 1, endometrial biopsies from mares receiving intrauterine saline (fertilecontrol, n ¼ 6) or 3.3% NAC (fertile-treatment, n ¼ 6; barren-treatment, n ¼ 10) were evaluated by histology and image analysis. In study 2, phagocytic activity of serum-derived neutrophils was measured after adding 0.5% or 3% NAC. In study 3, pregnancy rates of repeat breeders (n ¼ 44) receiving an intrauterine infusion of 3.3% NAC 24-36 hours before mating (group 1) was recorded, as was first cycle of the season pregnancy rates of reproductively normal mares (group 2, n ¼ 85), and mares treated for bacterial endometritis the cycle before mating (group 3, n ¼ 25). Intrauterine NAC did not adversely affect endometrial histology. Extracellular mucus thickness and staining intensity were reduced in fertile-treatment mares (P < 0.03). Neutrophil function was inhibited by 3% NAC solution, but not by 0.5% NAC (P < 0.05). In study 3, for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, the firstcycle pregnancy rates were 77%, 74%, and 56%, and early embryonic death rates were 15%, 13%, and 7%. In group 2 mares treated with uterine lavage and oxytocin post-mating, the pregnancy rate was 89% (39/44), whereas in mares treated with uterine lavage and 1 g ceftiofur, it was 60% (24/40). Of the oxytocin-treated mares, 18% (8/44) had !1 cm of intrauterine fluid or marked uterine edema, whereas 80% (32/40) of the antibiotic-treated mares did. In conclusion, intrauterine infusion of a 3.3% solution of NAC was not irritating and inhibited the oxidative burst of neutrophils. Repeat breeder mares, with evidence of mucus hypersecretion, but no uterine pathogens, when treated with NAC followed by post-mating uterine lavage and oxytocin (and in some cases intrauterine antibiotics), achieved a pregnancy rate of 77%.
Uterine clearance and resistance to persistent endometritis in the mare
Theriogenology, 1999
The objective of this article is to review the role of uterine defense mechanisms in natural resistance to chronic or persistent endometritis. A breakdown of uterine physical clearance mechanisms is currently believed to play a major role in susceptibility to persistent endometritis. Mares with increased susceptibility to persistent endometritis have impaired myometrial contmdhy in response to an acute inflammation, resulting in an accumulation of fhrid and inflammatory products within the uterine lumen. The origin of this defect remains unlcnown. Recent studies have demonstrated that spermatozoa trigger PMN chemotaxis into the uterine lumen. This obsetvation suggests that a transient endometritis is a normal physiological response to breeding. However, in mares with impaired uterine defense mechanisms, the condition may develop into a persistent endometritis and subsequent subfertility. In contrast to spermatozoa, seminal plasma has a suppressive effect on complement activation and PMN chemotaxis (65). The exact role of seminal components in breeding-induced inflammation needs further investigation. Based on current information, persistent endometritis can be divided into (1) sexually transmitted diseases (STD), (2) chronic infectious endometritis, (3) persistent breeding-induced endometritk, or (4) chronic degenerative endometritis (endometrosis). While treatments of STD and chronic infectious endometritis need to be directed against a specilic microbial agent, treatment of mares with persistent breeding-induced endometritii should assist the uterus to physically clear contaminants and inflammatory products. This can be achieved by the use of uterine lavage with sterile saline, or by the adminktmtion of uterotonic drugs, such as oxytociu or PGF,a.
Pubvet
Endometritis, which refers to chronic inflammation of the superficial layers of the uterus, is caused by a failure of the defense mechanism to eliminate antigens, and is a common cause of infertility in mares. Therefore, ultrasound examination is essential during diagnosis to perform the differentials. Typically, treatments that cleanse the uterus are used to treat endometritis and are they also beneficial in mare reproduction. However, alternative therapies, which are less expensive, are needed for the treatment of this disease. Taking this into account, ozone gas was used to control the microorganisms associated with this disease (virus, bacteria, and fungi). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of ozonized Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS) infused into the uterus, as an alternative therapy for recurrent endometritis. Five animals (n = 5) with previous reproductive issues were treated during the estrus phase with ozonized Lactated Ringer's Solution. Cytology, microbiology, and uterine and ovarian ultrasound examinations were performed to evaluate uterine edema and follicular dynamics. At the end of the treatment, 20% of the animals showed positive results in embryo recovery. Such improvement in embryo recovery is the caused by the decrease in polymorphonuclear cells and the absence of infection by microorganisms in the uterus. In some mares, it was possible to observe a recovery in embryo production despite a history of infertility. Therefore, the use of ozone in the uterus could modulate inflammatory responses to increase embryo recovery in mares with fertility problems.
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2012
Reasons for performing the study: Ascending placentitis results in premature birth and high foal mortality. By understanding how placentitis induces premature delivery, it may be possible to develop diagnostic markers and to delay premature delivery pharmacologically, thereby decreasing perinatal foal mortality. Objective: To identify relationships between bacterial infection, inflammation and premature parturition in mares with experimentally induced placentitis. Materials and methods: Experiment 1: Concentrations of allantoic fluid prostaglandins (PGs) F2a and E2 were measured in 8 mares after intracervical inoculation with Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (at Days 285-291 of gestation) until parturition and compared with controls (n = 4). Experiment 2: mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a and IL-8 in the chorioallantois from inoculated mares in Experiment 1 were compared with 7 mares that foaled normally. Results: Bacterial inoculation resulted in 7 aborted fetuses and birth of one premature, viable foal. Infection was associated with inflammation of the chorioallantois in the region of the cervical star, isolation of bacteria and high concentrations of PGE2 and PGF2a in allantoic fluid obtained within 48 h of delivery (P = 0.04). Chorioallantois from all mares expressed mRNA for IL-8, TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-1b. Experimentally infected mares expressed more mRNA for IL-6 (P = 0.003) and IL-8 (P = 0.009) in the cervical star region and more mRNA for IL-6 (P = 0.004) in tissues from placental horns than control mares. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Bacterial placentitis may result in liberation of cytokines from the chorioallantois and prostaglandin formation leading to abortion or birth of a precociously mature foal.
Effect of seminal plasma on uterine inflammation, contractility and pregnancy rates in mares
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2010
Reasons for performing study: There is conflicting evidence over the role seminal plasma plays in sperm transport and inflammation within the uterus of mares. In in vitro studies, seminal plasma has been shown to reduce polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function, but the opposite effect on uterine inflammation has been reported in vivo. Objectives: To study the effect of seminal plasma on uterine contractility, inflammation and pregnancy rates by inseminating mares with low doses of sperm free from seminal plasma (Group 1) and containing seminal plasma (Group 2). Methods: Synchronised mares were inseminated with 50 x 10 6 sperm in either skim milk extender or seminal plasma. Uterine lavage was performed 6 h after insemination to assess the inflammatory response. The contraction frequency of the uterus was measured over a 4 min period 10 mins and 6 h after insemination, using B-mode ultrasonography. Pregnancy rates were assessed 16 days after insemination. Results: Uterine contractions were less frequent in Group 1 mares inseminated with seminal plasma and significantly more PMNs were found in the lavage fluid of those mares. Pregnancy rates were identical in both groups (62%). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that seminal plasma decreases uterine contractility and increases the inflammatory response of the uterus to semen. No effect of seminal plasma on pregnancy rates was demonstrated. Potential relevance: Mares that develop persistent matinginduced endometritis may have inherently poor uterine contractility and impaired uterine clearance. The presence of seminal plasma during breeding may not be desirable in these mares. The role of seminal plasma in problem mares warrants additional study.