Premium
Prostaglandin F 2α Upregulates Uterine Immune Defenses in the Presence of the Immunosuppressive Steroid Progesterone
Author(s) -
Lewis Gregory S.,
WulsterRadcliffe Meghan C.
Publication year - 2006
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.1600-0897.2006.00391.x
Subject(s) - luteal phase , luteolysis , uterus , estrous cycle , immune system , prostaglandin , endocrinology , endometritis , medicine , corpus luteum , biology , pregnancy , andrology , hormone , immunology , genetics
Problem Uterine infections often develop in some livestock species during the first luteal phase postpartum. Exogenous prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α ) induces luteolysis, reduces progesterone, and enables the uterus to resolve infections. However, the effects of PGF 2 α on luteal function and on immune functions are confounded. These effects must be disentangled to determine whether alternatives to antibiotic treatments can be successfully developed. Method of study Treatments were in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Main effects were ovariectomy or sham on day 0 (i.e. estrus), exogenous progesterone or sesame oil from day 0 to 11, and exogenous PGF 2 α or saline on day 9. Intrauterine inoculations with Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coli were administered on day 6. Results Ewes treated with exogenous PGF 2 α either did not have uterine infections, infections were less severe, or infections were resolving when uteri were examined on day 12, despite increased progesterone. Conclusions Exogenous PGF 2 α has effects on the resolution of uterine infections that are independent of its effects on luteal progesterone production.