Spermatozoa and seminal plasma induce a greater inflammatory response in the ovine uterus at oestrus than dioestrus
Jennifer L. Scott A B , Natkunam Ketheesan A and Phillip M. Summers AA School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Solander Drive, Douglas, Qld 4811, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: jennifer.scott1@jcu.edu.au
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 21(7) 817-826 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD09012
Submitted: 15 January 2009 Accepted: 3 May 2009 Published: 17 July 2009
Abstract
Leukocyte infiltration and increased synthesis of cytokines in response to insemination is considered to enhance reproductive success. The present study investigated the inflammatory response to whole semen, spermatozoa and seminal plasma, with and without the addition of antibiotics, in the ovine uterus at oestrus and dioestrus. Seminal plasma and spermatozoa both contributed to increased IL-8 secretion (P < 0.01) by endometrial epithelial cells and a concurrent infiltration by neutrophils (P < 0.01). Increased GM-CSF secretion (P < 0.01) occurred in response to whole semen and spermatozoa when antibiotics were not used. Macrophages and eosinophils increased (P < 0.05) in the endometrial stroma when antibiotics were not used, and fewer mast cells were detected in the deep endometrial stroma after treatments containing antibiotics (P < 0.05). Neutrophil and IL-8 responses to insemination were greater at oestrus (P < 0.01) than at dioestrus and the GM-CSF response followed a similar trend. Eosinophil numbers were increased at oestrus (P < 0.01) but minimally affected by insemination. More macrophages were located in the superficial endometrial stroma at oestrus. These results indicate that spermatozoa, seminal plasma and possibly bacteria contribute to the post-insemination inflammatory response, and that leukocytes, GM-CSF and IL-8 secretion in the ovine uterus are influenced by ovarian hormones.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Mr Chris Coleman for assistance with the management of animals and Mr Laurie Reilly for advice on immunohistochemical techniques.
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