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Nitric Oxide Levels and Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Uterine Samples from Mares Susceptible and Resistant to Persistent Breeding‐induced Endometritis
Author(s) -
Alghamdi Abdorrahman S.,
Foster Douglas N.,
Carlson Cathy S.,
Troedsson Mats H. T.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2005.00270.x
Subject(s) - endometritis , nitric oxide , nitric oxide synthase , biology , insemination , uterus , andrology , endocrinology , contractility , medicine , pregnancy , sperm , genetics
Problem: Breeding‐induced endometritis (BIE) in the mare is resolved by 36 hr after insemination in resistant mares. However, 10–15% susceptible broodmares fail to do so because of impaired uterine contractility between 7 and 19 hr after exposure to seminal or bacterial challenge, which reduces their fertility. Method of study: Nitric oxide (NO) in uterine secretions, and expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in uterine biopsies were compared between susceptible and resistant groups 13 hr after insemination. Results: Susceptible mares had a higher NO in their uterine secretions and greater inducible NOS (iNOS) expression in their biopsies compared with resistant mares. Conclusions: The NO mediates smooth muscle relaxation, but its role in persistent BIE has not been determined. Our data suggests a possible role of NO, either directly or in a NO‐associated pathway, in delayed uterine clearance.