The Localization of Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) in the Endometrium and the Cervix of Dogs at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle and with Pyometra

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals 2012-12, Vol.47 (s6), p.351-355
• Main Authors: Chotimanukul, S, Sirivaidyapong, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cervix Uteri - metabolism; Dog Diseases - metabolism; Dogs; Endometriosis; Endometrium - metabolism; Estrous Cycle - physiology; Female; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; Neurons; Pyometra - metabolism; Pyometra - veterinary; Toll-Like Receptor 2 - genetics; Toll-Like Receptor 2 - metabolism
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.12104

Content The aim of this study was to localize and evaluate the role of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) in the endometrium and cervix of bitches at different stages of the oestrous cycle and in bitches with pyometra. Sixty‐seven nulliparous dogs, ranging in age from 1 to 13 years, were allocated amongst five groups (pro‐oestrus; n = 7, oestrus; n = 10, dioestrus; n = 16, anoestrus; n = 11, pyometra; n = 23). Blood samples were collected for the measurement of progesterone concentration. The mean progesterone concentration was analysed as a parameter for validating the stage of the oestrous cycle in bitches. Tissues collected from uterine horn and cervix were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemical examination of TLR2. The expression of TLR2 was assessed semi‐quantitatively. No pathological changes were found in the uterine samples of healthy dogs. In bitches with pyometra, the glandular epithelium expressed TLR2 more intensely than the surface epithelium. The expression of TLR2 in the glandular epithelium was also significantly higher in healthy dogs at oestrus, dioestrus and dogs with pyometra compared with anoestrous dogs (p