Distribution of mast cells in vaginal, cervical and uterine tissue of non-pregnant mares: investigations on correlations with ovarian steroids.

The research article focuses on the investigation of how hormones oestradiol-17β and progesterone affect the distribution of mast cells, a crucial part of the immune system, within the genital tract of mares. The study indicated an increase in mast cell density in the cervical tissue with an increase in oestradiol-17β concentrations, potentially influencing cervical remodelling during the oestrous cycle.

Research Method

• The study investigated the link between ovarian hormones and the distribution of mast cells in equine genital tissues.
• Genital tracts were collected from healthy mares from a local slaughterhouse for the study.
• The cervix was divided longitudinally into five equivalent regions from cranial (neck) to caudal (tail) labeled R1 to R5.
• To identify and look into the distribution of mast cells, toluidine blue staining was utilized, a method designed to detect mast cells.
• Hormone levels were measured through a technique known as radioimmunoassay.

Research Findings

• In comparison to vaginal and uterine tissue, the cervical tissue had a higher frequency and density of mast cells.
• Statistically significant differences were noted between the cranial (R1) and uterus as well as between R2 region of the cervix and the uterus.
• The study noted a noticeable association between the presence of mast cells and peripheral oestrogen concentrations in cervical tissue. Such correlation, however, was not found in vaginal and uterine tissues.
• The research also observed that with increasing oestradiol-17β concentrations, the density of mast cells in cervical tissues significantly rose in the cranial and caudal regions.

Implications and Future Research

• The researchers propose that mast cells could play a role in the cyclic remodelling of the equine cervix during the oestrous cycle, which is the reproductive cycle in many mammal species.
• Understanding the mechanisms controlling cervical remodelling could be useful in developing treatments for mares that have difficulty in cervical opening during oestrus.