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Inflammatory Responses of the Uterus

U. S. Department of Agriculture, ¹ Beltsville, Maryland 20740

Abstract

STUDIES on uterine defensive mechanisms and inflammatory responses evolved from attempts to induce pregnancy in luteal phase animals by depositing semen in the uterine lumens after artificial ovulation or by transferring ova through the cervixes and into the uterine lumens (Black et al., 1953b; Rowson, Lamming and Fry, 1953). Invasion of the uterine lumen during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle was usually followed by infection and pyometra. This type of reaction did not follow invasion of the uterus during the follicular phase of the cycle, suggesting that uteri of luteal phase animals were more susceptible to uterine infection than were uteri of estrous animals.

Several investigations followed on inflammatory responses in uteri of rabbits and cattle. Inflammation was induced by depositing semen or bacterial suspensions in the uterine lumen. At autopsy 1 or 2 days later, the uteri of estrous animals usually contained little pus and few bacteria,indicating the operation of a highly effective uterine defense mechanism; uteri of luteal phase animals contained relatively large amounts of pus and greater numbers of bacteria, indicating impaired bactericidal capabilities despite the severe leukocytic response (McDonald et al., 1952; Black et al., 1953a, b, 1954; Rowson et al., 1953).

¹ Animal Husbandry Research Division, Agricultural Research Service.