Lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and neutrophils in uterine secretions of mares with differing resistance to endometritis.

This research explores the differences in inflammatory response to bacterial infection between mares with chronic endometritis and healthy mares. Furthermore, the study investigates if the activity of certain enzymes in uterine fluid could signify the degree of uterus inflammation.

Research Objective and Methodology

• The primary objectives of the paper were to identify any differences in the inflammatory response after a bacterial attack between normal mares and those suffering from chronic endometritis, and to establish whether lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities in the uterus fluid can be used as markers of inflammation within the equine uterus.
• The researchers conducted their study using two groups of mares – six healthy mares (Group 1) and four mares with chronic endometritis (Group 2). Each of these mares received an intrauterine infusion of beta-hemolytic streptococci (a type of bacteria) on the second day of their estrus cycle.
• By placing tampons within the mares’ uterus, the researchers were able to collect uterine secretions which were subsequently analyzed to determine neutrophil concentrations and lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase activities.

Research Findings

• Despite the different health states between the two groups, the study showed that all mares had comparable inflammatory responses to the bacterial challenge, as evidenced by similar neutrophil responses.
• It was recorded that neutrophil concentrations, along with lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase levels, increased in all mares 12 hours post-inoculation but remarkably declined to pre-inoculation values within 48 hours after the challenge.

Conclusions

• Although mares in both groups showed similar clinical signs, neutrophil concentrations, and enzyme activities, it was discovered that mares in Group 1 (the healthy group) were notably more capable of eliminating the bacterial infection than mares in Group 2 (endometritis group).
• The study concludes that factors other than neutrophil concentrations, lysozyme, and alkaline phosphatase activity could be responsible for the inability of some mares to eradicate uterine infections. This suggests that there might be other factors or mechanisms that need to be researched and considered in the understanding and treatment of endometritis.