Concentrations of total protein, albumin and immunoglobulins in undiluted uterine fluid of gynecologically healthy mares.

This research investigated the protein concentrations within the uterine fluid of 20 healthy mares, observing differences according to age but not parity, and noting significant transudation to the uterine cavity.

Objective of Study

• The objective of this study was to examine the protein content of uterine fluid in healthy mares, in order to understand how factors such as the age of the mare may influence the composition of the fluid.

Methods Used

• The uterine fluid was obtained from twenty gynecologically healthy mares, aged 5 to 14 years, of Warmblood/Standardbred breed, using an intrauterine tampon method.
• The health status of the mares was determined through clinical examination, bacterial and cytological uterine swabs, as well as biopsy examinations of the endometrium.
• The researchers examined the protein profiles (using a method called SDS-PAGE) and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, along with immunoglobulins (Ig) A and G, in the collected uterine fluid. This was then compared with the same proteins found in serum.

Findings of the Study

• The study showed a clear similarity between the protein profiles of the uterine fluid and serum.
• However, there was a greater variability in protein concentrations in uterine fluid among the mares compared to that of the serum. Most proteins were less concentrated in the uterine fluid than in the serum, apart from the immunoglobulin A, which had similar concentrations in both liquid types.
• The study also discovered that younger mares had higher concentrations of a particular protein that corresponds to peak No. 3 (with a molecular weight of 60 to 71 kDa).
• In contrast to age, the number of foals a mare had birthed (parity) did not affect the protein concentrations.

Implications of Research

• The findings of this research give insights into the protein composition of uterine fluid in healthy mares. The large individual variation observed indicates that factors such as the body’s natural protein regulation and individual health status may significantly affect protein levels.
• The result showing that age, but not parity, influences protein composition may be significant for managing and understanding the reproductive health of mares.
• The study also implies a significant level of protein transudation to the uterine cavity, which might have implications for the uterine environment and potential consequences for fertilization and embryo development.