Chemotactic properties and protein of equine uterine fluid.

The research examines the chemotactic properties and protein concentration of equine uterine fluid. The study finds no significant difference between the volumes of fluid obtained during different stages of the estrous cycle and no direct correlation with the migration of neutrophils. However, protein concentration was found to be significantly higher in samples from infected uteruses.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study involved collecting 40 uterine fluid samples from 4 horses that were resistant to uterine bacterial infection. The uterine flushing was carried out with saline solution during two stages of the estrous cycle: estrus and diestrus.
• Additional samples from an infected uterus were also collected to observe any noticeable differences.
• Parameters such as fluid volume, protein concentration, and chemotactic properties were studied.

Findings

• The mean volume of fluid collected during the estrus stage was a little higher than that during the diestrus stage, but the difference was not statistically significant.
• The research found that the protein concentration in the fluid remained uniform during different stages of the estrous cycle. Nevertheless, protein concentration was significantly higher in samples taken from infected uteruses.
• In terms of the ability of the fluid to attract neutrophils (white blood cells), no significant difference existed between samples taken during estrus or diestrus.

Conclusion

• The differences in chemotaxis scores were higher in case of samples from infected uteruses, indicating a possible link between infection and altered neutrophil behavior.
• However, the study concludes that chemotaxis is not significantly correlated with the protein concentration in uterine fluid, nor with serum concentrations of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the estrous cycle.