European journal of histochemistry : EJH2026; 70(4); doi: 10.4081/ejh.2026.4584

Telocytes are associated with uterine remodeling during pregnancy in Kyrgyz mares.

Risvanli, A
·
Salykov, R
·
Timurkaan, N
·
Seker, I
·
Ekinci, E
·
Abdullayevich, IS

Abstract: The relationship between telocytes and the changes occurring in the morphometric structure of the uterus during pregnancy has not yet been sufficiently clarified. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pregnancy-related morphometric changes in the uteri of Kyrgyz mares and telocyte counts. A total of 53 mares, both pregnant and non-pregnant, aged 2-6 months, were examined; uterine tissues were analyzed using light microscopy and immunohistochemical methods. In general, a positive relationship was found between gland density and telocyte count, while in non-pregnant mares, this relationship was found to be inversely and significantly correlated. A negative correlation between gland diameter and telocyte count was detected in many groups, particularly in the 5-month pregnancy group. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between endometrial thickness and both myometrial and total telocyte counts in 6-month pregnant mares. Consequently, it is thought that telocytes are associated with structural changes in the uterus during pregnancy and may play an important role in the remodeling and functional adaptation of the uterus, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

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Publication Date: 2026-11-03 PubMed ID: 42984439DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2026.4584Google Scholar: Lookup

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Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

This study investigates how telocytes, specialized cells found in the uterus, relate to structural changes in the uterus of Kyrgyz mares during pregnancy.
The research aims to understand the role telocytes play in uterine remodeling across different stages of pregnancy.

Introduction to Telocytes and Uterine Remodeling

Telocytes are a distinct type of interstitial cell involved in tissue regeneration and remodeling.
During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes significant structural changes, including increases in gland density, gland size, and endometrial thickness.
The exact relationship between telocytes and these morphometric changes in the uterus has not been fully elucidated before this study.

Research Objective

To examine the quantitative association between telocyte counts and uterine structural changes during pregnancy in Kyrgyz mares.
To compare these relationships in pregnant versus non-pregnant mares across various months of gestation (2-6 months).

Methodology

Sample: 53 Kyrgyz mares, both pregnant and non-pregnant, aged between 2 to 6 months of gestation.
Techniques:
- Light microscopy was used for visualizing uterine tissue morphology.
- Immunohistochemical methods helped identify and count telocytes within uterine tissues.
Parameters measured included gland density, gland diameter, endometrial thickness, and telocyte numbers in different uterine layers.

Key Findings

A positive correlation between gland density and telocyte count was observed in pregnant mares, suggesting that higher telocyte numbers relate to increased gland formation or maintenance during pregnancy.
In contrast, non-pregnant mares exhibited a significant inverse correlation between gland density and telocyte count, indicating different regulatory roles of telocytes when pregnancy is absent.
A negative correlation existed between gland diameter and telocyte count, especially notable in the 5-month pregnant group, potentially reflecting complex remodeling processes where telocyte presence limits excessive gland enlargement.
In mares at 6 months of pregnancy, a positive correlation was found between endometrial thickness and both myometrial (muscle layer) and total telocyte counts, implying telocytes contribute to thickening and functional adaptation of the uterine lining and muscle layers in later pregnancy stages.

Interpretation and Implications

The correlations suggest telocytes play a dynamic and stage-dependent role in uterine remodeling during pregnancy.
Telocytes may support both structural changes (such as gland density and endometrial thickening) and functional adaptation necessary for sustaining pregnancy, particularly in later gestational phases.
The inverse relationships in non-pregnant mares indicate telocytes might have differing functions depending on reproductive status, potentially involved in maintaining uterine homeostasis when not pregnant.
Understanding telocyte involvement sheds light on cellular mechanisms of uterine remodeling, which could have applications in veterinary reproductive health and possibly inform similar studies in other mammals.

Conclusion

Telocytes are closely associated with pregnancy-related structural changes in the uterus of Kyrgyz mares.
They are proposed to play an important regulatory role in uterine remodeling and functional adaptation during pregnancy, with marked effects in the later stages of gestation.
This research advances knowledge about uterine biology and may contribute to improved reproductive management and therapies.

Cite This Article

APA

Risvanli A, Salykov R, Timurkaan N, Seker I, Ekinci E, Abdullayevich IS. (2026). Telocytes are associated with uterine remodeling during pregnancy in Kyrgyz mares. Eur J Histochem, 70(4). https://doi.org/10.4081/ejh.2026.4584

Publication

European journal of histochemistry : EJH

ISSN: 2038-8306

NlmUniqueID: 9207930

Country: Italy

Language: English

Volume: 70

Issue: 4

Researcher Affiliations

Risvanli, Ali

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, Bishkek.

Salykov, Ruslan

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, Bishkek.

Timurkaan, Necati

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazığ.

Seker, Ibrahim

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazığ.

Ekinci, Elif

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakır.

Abdullayevich, Ilkhomjon Sobirov

Andijan Institute of Agriculture and Agrotechnologies, Andijan.

MeSH Terms

Female
Animals
Pregnancy
Horses
Telocytes / cytology
Telocytes / metabolism
Uterus / cytology

References

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