Uterine Response to Infectious Bacteria in Estrous Cyclic Ewes

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) 2003-05, Vol.49 (5), p.269-278
• Main Authors: Seals, Richard C., Wulster-Radcliffe, Meghan C., Lewis, Gregory S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Bacterial Infections - immunology; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Division - immunology; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections - immunology; Estrous Cycle - immunology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Immunosuppression; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocytes - immunology; Mammalian female genital system; progesterone; Progesterone - blood; prostaglandins; Prostaglandins - blood; sheep; Sheep - immunology; uterine infection; Uterus - immunology; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 8755-8920; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00039.x

PROBLEM: Luteal‐phase uteri are susceptible to infections, and PGE2 and exogenous progesterone can down‐regulate, whereas PGF2α can up‐regulate, uterine immune functions. METHOD OF STUDY: Uteri of follicular‐ or luteal‐phase ewes were inoculated with either saline or bacteria (Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coli). Vena caval blood was collected for the next 3 days, and progesterone, PGE2, and PGF2α were measured. The effects of 10−7 m PGE2 (Experiment 1), 10−7 m PGF2α (Experiment 2), 10−7 m indomethacin (INDO), and diluent on proliferation of lymphocytes from the vena caval blood in response to mitogens was quantified. RESULTS: Experiment 1: Progesterone was greater (P