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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Cytokines may play a dual role in the reproductive tract – either involved in physiologic processes or mediating inflammation and other
pathologic processes. Physiologic secretory and angiogenic function in the equine endometrium appears to be regulated by cytokines
TNFa, FasL, IFNg through their receptors. These receptors are present in glandular epithelium, and stroma cells and their mRNA expression
changes throughout the estrous cycle. Besides, interleukins (IL-1a and IL-1b) and their receptors mRNA expression vary according to
various degrees of endometrium inflammation (endometritis) and fibrosis (endometrosis). A novel paradigm in innate immunity and neutrophils
(PMN) hyperactivation is PMN ability to cast out their DNA in response to infectious stimuli. These PMN extracellular traps (NETs)
bind and kill pathogens, at the infection site. The intriguing dilemma is that even though NETs may function as a first line of defense, they
also release molecules that may contribute to tissue damage. Thus, we postulate that PMN present in the endometrium at estrus, mating
or infection, might form NETs, and release nucleic and cytoplasmic proteins with immunomodulatory properties. Equine PMN stimulated in
vitro showed NETs formation capacity when in contact with some bacteria strains obtained from mares with endometritis, such as Streptococcus
zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococus capitis. In this regard, even though NETs and cytokines function as an effective
antimicrobial first line of defense or modulate physiologic endometrial function, respectively (friends), they may also be involved in endometrial
fibrosis pathogenesis and endometrial secretory function impairment, due to enhanced NETs formation and/or a decrease on NETs
degradation (foes).
Description
Articles in International Journals
Keywords
Neutrophil extracellular traps cytokines mare endometrium endometritis reproduction
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Galvão, António ... [et al.]. 2012. Cytokines and neutrophil extracellular traps and in the equine endometrium: friends or foes?. Pferdeheilkunde, 28 (1):4-7
Publisher
Pferdeheilkunde