Pathological changes of the mare endometrium and genotypes for transferrin and ELA.
Abstract: Histological features of the endometrium, as assessed in biopsy samples, were related to Standardbred mare genotypes for transferrin, esterase (as a control) and equine leucocyte antigens (ELA). Pathological changes were found more frequently in each successively older age group of mares. Among mares aged 6-19 years, there were significant pathologic changes on first examination following an infertile breeding season for 46 of 90 (51%) of transferrin homozygotes and 50 of 146 (34%) of transferrin heterozygotes. The difference between the two groups was significant for the total data (chi 1(2) = 6.56, P = 0.010) and when the data were stratified for mare age at biopsy (chi 1(2) = 7.33, P = 0.0068). The effect of transferrin was similar in both trotters and pacers, especially for frequent genotypes commonly found in horses of both gaits. There was no effect of esterase and, in a smaller set of ELA-typed mares, no significant effect of ELA genotype on uterine biopsy category. Transferrin has a well-established microbiostatic and biocidal effect. Conceivably, heterozygotes for some combinations of transferrin variants could have a slower natural rate of endometrial deterioration than homozygotes.
Publication Date: 1991-01-01 PubMed ID: 1795271
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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The research article is essentially studying the relationship between the genotypes for transferrin, esterase, and equine leucocyte antigens (ELA) in Standardbred mares and the pathological changes in the endometrium. The study found a higher rate of significant pathologic changes in transferrin homozygotes than in transferrin heterozygotes.
Understanding the Research Objective
- The research aims to study the correlation between certain genetic markers, specifically genotypes for transferrin, esterase, and Equine Leucocyte Antigens (ELA), and pathological changes in the endometrium of Standardbred mares (a breed of horse). This is done by analysing biopsy samples of the endometrium and relating it with different genotypes of the mares.
Methodology and Findings
- The study observed that the rate of pathological changes increased with age in the mares studied. This means that older mares were more likely to have endometrial pathological modifications.
- Among the group of mares aged between 6 and 19 years, significant changes were observed after an infertile breeding season. 51% of transferrin homozygotes showed significant pathologic changes, compared to 34% of transferrin heterozygotes which was statistically significant.
- The effect of transferrin was consistent across all breeds and genotypes that were common in both trotters and pacers.
- No notable effect was observed in relation to esterase genotype or ELA genotype.
Interpretation of the Results
- Given that transferrin is known to have a microbiostatic and biocidal effect, it could be inferred that heterozygotes for some combinations of transferrin variants might have a slower rate of endometrial deterioration than homozygotes. This could be the explaining factor for the recorded higher rate of pathological changes in transferrin homozygotes as compared to transferrin heterozygotes.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the research paper suggests a correlation between the genotype for transferrin and pathological changes in the mare’s endometrium, offering a potential element of influence over endometrial health and fertility in horses. The findings also hint at a potential genetic factor that could be manipulated to improve equine reproductive health and breeding success.
Cite This Article
APA
Weitkamp LR, Kenney RM, Bailey E, MacCluer JW, Brown JS, Blanchard TL, Sertich PL, Love CC, Hunt PR.
(1991).
Pathological changes of the mare endometrium and genotypes for transferrin and ELA.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 44, 275-282.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642.
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Endometrium / anatomy & histology
- Female
- Gait
- Genotype
- HLA Antigens / genetics
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / genetics
- Phenotype
- Transferrin / genetics
Grant Funding
- 1-R01-HD14487 / NICHD NIH HHS
Citations
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