Very little is known about the occurrence of immune system cells in the canine uterus. The aim of this study was to generate information about lymphocyte subsets that are present in the healthy canine uterus and that are recruited under inflammatory conditions caused by pyometra. Using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, a significant influx of γδ T lymphocytes was found in pyometra samples mainly due to recruitment of γδ(+)/CD8(-) T lymphocytes. The relative expression of genes encoding selected cytokines/chemokines was evaluated in samples from healthy and pyometra-affected uteri. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17 and IFN-γ) and chemokines (including CXCL10, CCL4 and CCL5) was upregulated in pyometra samples confirming the presence of inflammation. In contrast, the expression of the homeostatic chemokine CCL25 and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was downregulated and unchanged, respectively.
- MeSH
- Chemokines genetics immunology metabolism MeSH
- Cytokines genetics immunology metabolism MeSH
- Immunohistochemistry veterinary MeSH
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary MeSH
- Dog Diseases immunology metabolism MeSH
- Flow Cytometry veterinary MeSH
- Dogs genetics immunology metabolism MeSH
- Pyometra immunology metabolism veterinary MeSH
- Gene Expression Regulation MeSH
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets immunology metabolism MeSH
- Uterus immunology metabolism physiopathology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Dogs genetics immunology metabolism MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
