Uterine cytokine profile in a rat model of endometritis.

PROBLEM: Endometritis is a common reproductive disorder in female domestic animals. Roles of cytokines and chemokines have been implicated in this disease. To date, no comprehensive panel of the cytokine profile in inflammatory sites of endometritis has been reported.

METHOD OF STUDY: To address cytokine profiles in endometritis, a bacteria-induced rat model of endometritis was developed and levels of 27 cytokines were measured in paired uterine horn tissues using a multiple cytokine array.

RESULTS

Of the 27 cytokines, five pro-inflammatory mediators, including three cytokine-induced neutrophil chemo-attractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2 and CINC-3, interleukin (IL)-1a and CXC family member CXCL5/LIX were increased upon the stimulation of bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of CINCs as well IL-1a and CXCL5/LIX suggests their potent roles in the pathogenicity of endometritis.