Intrauterine infusion of killed semen adversely affects uterine blood flow and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis.
Abstract: Persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) is a leading cause of infertility in mares. The objective of the study was to assess genital perfusion and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares classified as susceptible (n = 5) or resistant (n = 5) to PBIE. Ten mares were examined daily during estrus until 6 d after hCG-induced ovulation for two estrous cycles. Twenty-four hours after application of 1500 IU hCG, 4 mL of killed (by repeated freezing in liquid nitrogen and thawing at 50 °C) deep-frozen semen or sterile saline was instilled into the uterine body and examinations were carried out immediately before and 3, 6, and 12 h after intrauterine infusion. Examinations included blood sampling to determine plasma progesterone (P) concentrations, and transrectal ultrasonography in B- and color Doppler mode to determine follicular and luteal size and blood flow, the extent of intrauterine fluid, as well as time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), blood flow volume (BFV), and blood flow resistance (expressed as pulsatility index, PI) of the uterine arteries. Additionally, endometrial biopsies were obtained at 24 h before, and 2 and 7 d after infusion, and mRNA expressions of IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNF, CASP3, and COX2 were determined by qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses were performed with mixed models. Intrauterine fluid retention (diameter >20 mm for at least 3 d) was found after infusion of killed semen in five susceptible mares. There was no treatment effect (semen vs saline; P > 0.05) on genital blood flow, plasma P concentration, and endometrial gene expression. In comparison to resistant mares, susceptible mares had an increased (P = 0.04) BFV of the uterine arteries at 24 h before intrauterine infusion of killed semen, and an increased (P = 0.03) PI at 2 d after infusion. The TAMV, plasma P concentrations, and follicular and luteal size and blood flow did not differ (P > 0.05) between resistant and susceptible mares. Endometrial mRNA expression of IL1B increased (P = 0.05) at 2 d after the infusion of killed semen in the susceptible mares, and the expression of IL10 increased (P = 0.003) at 7 d after the infusion within the resistant mares. Interleukin 6 mRNA was increased (P = 0.05) in susceptible compared to resistant mares at 2 d after infusion. In summary, an intrauterine infusion of killed semen increases uterine blood flow resistance and alters endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines for at least 7 d but does not affect ovarian blood supply and luteal function in mares susceptible to PBIE.
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-01-14 PubMed ID: 33493874DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.029Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research paper evaluates the negative impact of introducing killed semen into the uterus on uterine blood flow and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares prone to a reproductive disorder known as persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE).
Objective and Methodology
- The primary objective of the study was to examine the effect of killed semen on uterine perfusion and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares.
- The researchers selected ten mares classified as susceptible or resistant to PBIE for the study, monitoring them daily during estrus for two estrous cycles.
- After the application of an ovulation-inducing hormone (hCG), killed semen or a saline solution was introduced into the uterine body. Examinations were carried out before and at regular intervals after this intrauterine infusion.
- The examinations involved blood sampling, transrectal ultrasonography, and endometrial biopsies to measure various factors such as progesterone concentrations, follicular and luteal sizes, extent of intrauterine fluid, blood flow metrics, and the expression of specific inflammation-related genes.
Key Findings
- The researchers noted increased retention of intrauterine fluid in five susceptible mares after infusion of killed semen.
- They found no significant impact of the treatment type (semen vs. saline) on genital blood flow, plasma progesterone concentrations, and endometrial gene expression.
- Compared to resistant mares, susceptible mares showed increased blood flow of the uterine arteries before the infusion of killed semen, and increased blood flow resistance after the infusion.
- Distinct differences were seen in the expression of various inflammation-related genes (IL1B, IL6, IL10) between susceptible and resistant mares after the infusion of killed semen.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the infusion of killed semen into the uterus of mares susceptible to PBIE resulted in increased uterine blood flow resistance and altered endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines.
- These changes lasted for at least seven days post-infusion, although they did not affect the ovarian blood supply or luteal function.
- The findings underscore the adverse effects of intrauterine infusion of killed semen in mares prone to PBIE, potentially informing future fertility treatments for these horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Lüttgenau J, Imboden I, Wellnitz O, Romer R, Scaravaggi I, Neves AP, Borel N, Bruckmaier RM, Janett F, Bollwein H.
(2021).
Intrauterine infusion of killed semen adversely affects uterine blood flow and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis.
Theriogenology, 163, 18-30.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.029 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: jluettgenau@vetclinics.uzh.ch.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Faculdade de Zootecnia, Unipampa Campus, Dom Pedrito, Brazil.
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cytokines / genetics
- Endometritis / veterinary
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Horse Diseases / genetics
- Horses
- Placental Circulation
- Pregnancy
- Semen
- Uterus
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Freccero F, Mislei B, Bucci D, Dondi F, Mari G. Effects of Intra-Uterine Fluid Accumulation after Artificial Insemination on Luteal Function in Mares.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 23;13(1).
- Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gómez-Arrones V, Martín-Cano FE, Gil MC, Peña FJ, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Da Silva-Álvarez E. Advances in the ultrasound diagnosis in equine reproductive medicine: New approaches.. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Oct;57 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):34-44.
- Da Silva-Álvarez E, Gómez-Arrones V, Martín-Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Carrasco JJ, Gil MC, Peña Vega FJ, Ortega Ferrusola C. Endometrial area of the blood flow as a marker of endometritis in equine.. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Oct;57 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):98-102.
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