Bovine uterine defense mechanisms: a review

Bovine uterine defense mechanisms during physiological and pathological conditions have been reviewed in this article. The initial uterine defense against bacterial infection is phagocytosis by uterine leucocytes (mainly neutrophils). The reported literature showed that very little work has been done on immunoglobulins and their role in the bovine uterine defense mechanisms; however, some investigators have found a positive correlation between gamma-globulin and the development of uterine infection after calving. Many explanations exist for the difference in susceptibility of the uterus to infection during the different phases of estrous cycle; however, most of the reports agreed that the uterine defense mechanism is inadequate during diestrus. The abnormal puerperium effects uterine defense mechanisms adversely and prolongs the time to complete uterine involution. Future treatment may utilise natural antimicrobial substances such as proteins or peptides derived from PMN, chemoattractant substances such as E. coli lipopolysaccharide or a bacteria-free filtrate of streptococci. Specific hyperimmunserum could also be used as opsonin for refractory cases of uterine bacterial infections.