The contribution of complement to opsonic activity in the uterine secretions of mares free of endometritis.

The research seeks to understand if complement, a part of the immune system, aids in enhancing the immune response in the uterine secretions of healthy horses, specifically mares. The results show that complement does significantly contribute to immune activity in the uterine secretions.

Selection of the Sample

• The participants of the study were five healthy mares averaging nine years old.
• The health and the absence of endometritis in these mares were established through a series of medical assessments including clinical history review, palpation, ultrasound, videoendoscopy, breakdown of endometrial biopsies, bacteriological and cytological swab examinations.
• The hormonal statuses of the mares were noted as part of the study.

Collection of Data

• Uterine secretions were collected through the insertion of a tampon into the uterus during the mares’ estrus cycle.
• Both the secretion and serum samples were divided into two, one half was exposed to heat treatment to inactivate the complement.

Analysis of Data

• The opsonic activity of the complement i.e., its efficiency in marking foreign particles for immunity response was determined using a chemiluminescence assay with zymosan as the target particle.
• The heat treatment served the purpose of discerning the contribution of complement. If the heat-treated samples showed lesser opsonic activity, it would indicate that complement was indeed instrumental in opsonic activity.

Results of the Study

• Heat treatment of the secretions did reduce peak luminescence significantly indicating that the complement contributes to the opsonic activity of the uterine secretions.
• Also, the heat treatment lengthened the time to reach peak luminescence showing that the presence of active complement helps in a speedy immune response.
• The research findings affirm that the complement plays a significant role in the immunity response of the equine uterus even before any inflammatory response in the uterus.