Biomaterial Database

Opsonization of bacteria by uterine secretions of cyclic mares. 1985

A E Brown, and P J Hansen, and A C Asbury

Uterine flushings collected from mares before and after bacterial-induced inflammation were assayed for ability to opsonize Streptococcus zooepidemicus for phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Opsonization was measured as the peak phagocytic rate of bacteria preincubated with uterine flushings relative to the peak phagocytic rate of unopsonized bacteria. Flushings from four mares with noninfected uteri were unable to opsonize bacteria regardless of whether uteri were flushed at estrus or on day 10 postovulation. In a second experiment, 7 X 10(9) live S. zooepidemicus were inoculated into the uterus of five mares during estrus. Uterine flushings collected at the estrus before inoculation or at the estrus after inoculation did not opsonize bacteria. Four of five flushings collected 6 hr post inoculation, however, were capable of opsonization. Based on heat inactivation at 56 degrees C, the opsonizing activity of one of four flushes was due to a complement protein. It was concluded that one aspect of the acute inflammatory response of the mare's uterus is accumulation of opsonins in the uterine lumen.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009895	Opsonin Proteins	Proteins that bind to particles and cells to increase susceptibility to PHAGOCYTOSIS, especially ANTIBODIES bound to EPITOPES that attach to FC RECEPTORS. COMPLEMENT C3B may also participate.	Opsonin,Opsonin Protein,Opsonins,Protein, Opsonin
D010587	Phagocytosis	The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (PHAGOCYTES).	Phagocytoses
D004716	Endometritis	Inflammation of the ENDOMETRIUM, usually caused by intrauterine infections. Endometritis is the most common cause of postpartum fever.	Endomyometritis
D004971	Estrus	The period in the ESTROUS CYCLE associated with maximum sexual receptivity and fertility in non-primate female mammals.
D005260	Female		Females
D006734	Horse Diseases	Diseases of domestic and wild horses of the species Equus caballus.	Equine Diseases,Disease, Equine,Disease, Horse,Diseases, Equine,Diseases, Horse,Equine Disease,Horse Disease
D006736	Horses	Large, hoofed mammals of the family EQUIDAE. Horses are active day and night with most of the day spent seeking and consuming food. Feeding peaks occur in the early morning and late afternoon, and there are several daily periods of rest.	Equus caballus,Equus przewalskii,Horse, Domestic,Domestic Horse,Domestic Horses,Horse,Horses, Domestic
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013290	Streptococcal Infections	Infections with bacteria of the genus STREPTOCOCCUS.	Group A Strep Infection,Group A Streptococcal Infection,Group A Streptococcal Infections,Group B Strep Infection,Group B Streptococcal Infection,Group B Streptococcal Infections,Infections, Streptococcal,Infection, Streptococcal,Streptococcal Infection
D013291	Streptococcus	A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria whose organisms occur in pairs or chains. No endospores are produced. Many species exist as commensals or parasites on man or animals with some being highly pathogenic. A few species are saprophytes and occur in the natural environment.