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Difference in localization of eosinophils and mast cells in the bovine ovary
I Reibiger1, K Spanel-Borowski
1Department of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 13, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Insights
Bovine ovaries house leucocytes, including eosinophils and mast cells, identified by CD18. Eosinophils peak during early corpus luteum development, while mast cells are concentrated in specific ovarian regions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Ovarian Histology
Background:
- Leucocytes, identified by CD18, are present in the bovine ovary.
- Understanding immune cell distribution is crucial for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To subtype and quantify leucocyte populations in the bovine ovary.
- To investigate the distribution and dynamics of eosinophils and mast cells.
Main Methods:
- Histological sections stained with Sirius red (eosinophils) and toluidine blue (mast cells).
- Immunohistological identification of CD18+ cells.
- Cell counting and subtyping within ovarian structures.
Main Results:
- Eosinophils and mast cells form a significant portion of CD18+ cells.
- Eosinophils rapidly increase in the corpus luteum during early development (up to 90%) and decrease during later stages.
- Mast cells are found in the interstitial cortical stroma and medulla, constituting 60-76% of CD18+ cells, with stable numbers throughout the oestrous cycle.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils are selectively recruited to the bovine ovary around the periovulatory period.
- Mast cells exhibit an uneven distribution within the ovarian cortex and medulla.
- Immune cell dynamics play a role in bovine ovarian function and reproductive cycles.
Abstract:
The bovine ovary contains a considerable number of leucocytes which can be located with an antibody against the CD18 molecule. In the present study, subtyping and cell counting were carried out on histological sections stained with Sirius red for eosinophils and with toluidine blue for mast cells. The CD18(+) cells were identified immunohistologically. Eosinophils and mast cells contributed considerably to the CD18(+) pool. The number of eosinophils in the corpus luteum increased rapidly in early development to approximately 90% of the CD18(+) cells, and decreased to 30% during secretion and to 10% during regression. Mast cells were not detectable in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the periphery of the cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the medulla. The number of mast cells in these regions, which corresponded to 60-76% of the CD18(+) cells, did not change significantly throughout the oestrous cycle. It is concluded that eosinophils are selectively recruited at the periovulatory period and that mast cells are unevenly distributed.
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