T-cell distribution in two different segments of the equine endometrium 6 and 48 hours after insemination.
The T-cell response after the introduction of semen into the uterine cavity in the mare was studied by examining, immunohistochemically, the distribution of helper T-cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+) in endometrial biopsy specimens. Endometrial tissue samples were obtained from twenty-five gynecologically healthy mares during estrus before and 6 or 48 h after deposition of a single dose of stallion semen. An increase (P=0.04) in the number of helper T-cells (CD4+) compared to pre-insemination values was observed in the uterine body in both groups, 6 and 48 h, after insemination. No significant variations in numbers of CD8+ cells were recorded either 6 or 48 h after insemination. There seems to be an early (6 h) recruitment of helper T-cells to the equine endometrium after semen deposition, which might be related to the activation of the endometritis-like reaction seen as part of the equine uterine immune defense during estrus.
Tunón A-M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala.
Katila
T
T
Magnusson
U
U
Nummijärvi
A
A
Rodriguez-Martinez
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary; D018655:Lymphocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol