Certain physiochemical properties of uterine tubal fluid, follicular fluid, and blood plasma in the mare.

This research explored the physiochemical properties of uterine tubal fluid, follicular fluid, and blood plasma in mares, focusing on osmolarity, dry matter, lipids, fatty acids, and other compounds. Notably, the study found that osmolarity varied between uterine tubal fluids collected during estrus and anestrus, while the concentration of certain fatty acids varied cyclically.

Research Methodology

• The researchers collected uterine tubal fluids from mares, twice a day for 5 consecutive estrous cycles between March 15 and September 1.
• Follicular fluids were drawn from the follicles of exteriorized ovaries of three mares between days 2 and 5 of estrus.
• Blood samples were also collected throughout the estrous cycle.
• These fluids were analyzed for various elements including osmolarity, dry matter, total lipids, free fatty acids, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid.

Key Findings

• A significant difference was observed in osmolarity between uterine tubal fluids collected during estrus and those collected during anestrus.
• The osmolarity of uterine tubal fluid during anestrus was greater than that of blood plasma, while the osmolarity of follicular fluid was similar to blood plasma.
• Dry matter was found to be greater in blood plasma than in either uterine tubal fluid or follicular fluid, with no observed cyclic variations in uterine tubal fluid.
• Total lipids were found to be greater in blood plasma and follicular fluid than in uterine tubal fluid, with a similar concentration of total lipid in uterine tubal fluid during estrus and anestrus.
• Myristic acid in blood plasma and myristoleic acid in uterine tubal fluid were the only free fatty acids found to have a cyclic variation.
• The greatest concentration fatty acids in uterine tubal fluid and blood plasma were palmitic acid and linoleic acid.
• Concentrations of linoleic acid and stearic acid were found to be significantly greater in follicular fluid than in uterine tubal fluid or blood plasma.
• Only trace amounts of glucose were observed in uterine tubal fluid, whereas a much larger amount was found in follicular fluid. Fructose was not detected in any of the fluids.
• Concentrations of lactic acid showed no variation between estrus and anestrus, but the concentration was significantly greater in uterine tubal fluids and follicular fluids than in blood plasma.

Implications of the Study

• The discovery of variations in these physiochemical properties across different fluids and at different stages of the estrous cycle could contribute to a better understanding of reproductive processes in mares.
• The identification of cyclic variations in certain fatty acids may indicate their role in fertility and could present potential areas for further research into equine reproductive health.