The Functional Competence of Uterine-Derived Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils (PMN) from Mares Resistant and Susceptible to Chronic Uterine Infection: A Sequential Migration Analysis1

The functional competence of uterine-derived polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from 28 mares was measured for migration responsiveness by use of a chamber (filter) assay. Uterine infection was induced with Streptococcus zooepidemicus in mares considered resistant to chronic uterine infection (Grade I). In sequential analysis of uterine flushings obtained from these mares 5, 12, 15, 20, and 25 h after infection was induced, PMNs showed an initial rise at 12 h (from 5), then a general decline in migration response and in concentration of cells per ml from 12 through 25 h post-inoculation. In contrast, PMNs obtained from the uterine flushings from mares considered susceptible to chronic uterine infection (Grade III) demonstrated premature migration dysfunction 12 h after infection. Subsequent increases in functional competence of the PMNs were demonstrated at 15 and again at 25 h after induced infection. The concentration of uterine PMNs per ml from mares considered susceptible to chronic endometritis remained elevated from 12 through 25 h after inoculation, which suggests a possible continued recruitment of new PMNs from the peripheral circulation. The results of this study suggest that uterine-derived PMNs obtained from mares susceptible to chronic uterine infection have a compromised ability to migrate. This dysfunction may play an important role in rendering the endometrium (uterus) susceptible to chronic endometritis.