Immunohistological studies of the local immune system in the reproductive tract of the mare

Abstract

The immunoperoxidase technique was adapted for the identification of free immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin producing cells in equine tissues. Staining specific for free IgG, IgA and IgM was detected at all levels of the reproductive tract, and secretory component staining was present in the uterine epithelium but not in the oviduct, cervix or vagina. Immunoglobulin producing cells were present at all levels of the tract, with IgG and IgA cells at equivalent concentrations, but with fewer IgM cells. There was no cyclical trend in free immunoglobulin staining, or plasma cell numbers. IgG and IgM plasma cell numbers declined from uterus to vagina, as did epithelial staining, and the ratio of IgG:IgA cells declined from oviduct to vagina.