Immunological induction of endometritis-model investigations in cows

The course of the inflammatory reaction in the uterus after local or systemic administration of specific or non-specific antigens was studied. The study was carried out on 40 cows, 10-11 weeks after labour and between 6 and 8 days after ovulation. A specific cell-mediated type of reaction was induced by intrauterine challenge with PPD in cows previously vaccinated with M. bovis subcutaneously or by intrauterine administration. A specific inflammatory process of the type of Arthus reaction was induced by intrauterine challenge with C. fetus ssp. veneralis in animals immunized with these bacteria subcutaneously or by intrauterine instillation of these bacteria. A non-specific inflammatory process in the uterus was initiated by one instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the left uterine horn. The cells were washed out from the uterus before and 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after initiation of the specific or non-specific inflammatory process. The per cent proportions of various cell types were determined. It was demonstrated that intrauterine instillation of specific or non-specific antigens in cows caused a significant rise in PMNs per cent in relation to the control group.