Endometrial change in the annual reproductive cycle of the mare.

The research study explores the changes in endometrial cells in mares throughout different stages of their oestrous cycle, and after undergoing endometrial biopsy. The study didn’t find consistent variations in cell types or any noticeable alterations in endometrial histology during an 8-month span.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted on seven mares, investigating their endometrial changes at variant stages of the oestrous cycle.
• Both cervical and endometrial swabs were collected for analysis.
• In addition to this, endometrial biopsies were periodically taken every 2-3 weeks over an 8-month span, from the onset of spring to the conclusion of autumn.
• Microbiological tests were conducted by culturing cervical swabs under aerobic conditions.

Research Findings

• The research did not uncover any regular pattern of cellular changes during the oestrous cycle.
• The dominant cell type found in the smears from healthy mares was determined to be the columnar epithelial cell, particularly during oestrus.
• Ciliated columnar epithelial cells, although less common, were more often present in smears collected prior to oestrus.
• Throughout the 8-month period, no significant changes in the histology of the endometrium were identified.
• There was no evidence of acute or chronic inflammation found in the sequential biopsies.
• The inflammatory response to a single endometrial biopsy, as well as successive ones, was minimal, as revealed by exfoliative cytology conducted 48 hours post-biopsy.
• More bacteria were found in aerobic cultures of cervical swabs after the uterine biopsy than before, but these bacteria were deemed insignificant.

Research Implications

• The research provides valuable insights into the cellular changes in the endometrium of mares throughout their reproductive cycle.
• It also provides an overview of the aftermath of conducting an endometrial biopsy on a mare, underscoring minimal inflammatory response and the presence of bacteria that were considered insignificant.
• The research might be useful in equine reproductive medicine to enhance the understanding of equine endometrium during various stages of the oestrous cycle and the potential effects of endometrial biopsy.