Uterine Response to Infectious Bacteria in Estrous Cyclic Ewes

PROBLEM: Luteal‐phase uteri are susceptible to infections, and PGE2 and exogenous progesterone can down‐regulate, whereas PGF2α can up‐regulate, uterine immune functions. METHOD OF STUDY: Uteri of follicular‐ or luteal‐phase ewes were inoculated with either saline or bacteria (Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coli). Vena caval blood was collected for the next 3 days, and progesterone, PGE2, and PGF2α were measured. The effects of 10−7 m PGE2 (Experiment 1), 10−7 m PGF2α (Experiment 2), 10−7 m indomethacin (INDO), and diluent on proliferation of lymphocytes from the vena caval blood in response to mitogens was quantified. RESULTS: Experiment 1: Progesterone was greater (P