PSV-B-16 Correlation between Plasma, Uterine, and Vaginal Cytokine Concentrations in Postpartum Beef Cows Prior to Artificial Insemination

Abstract Cytokines have a vital role in reproductive immune environment during the postpartum period. Previous data evaluated uterine and vaginal cytokine concentrations prior to insemination; however, was unable correlate these with plasma concentrations. The objective of this study determine relationships between uterine, vaginal, pro- anti-inflammatory beef cows timed artificial insemination (TAI). Bos indicus-influenced (n=20) free any physical, health or reproductive-related issues were subjected Bee Synch II protocol 8 days (d-8) TAI (d0). Uterine flushes blood collected on d-3 d-1. Pregnancy determined by transrectal ultrasonography d28 (Pregnant, n=7; Open, n=13). Using RayBiotech Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Array 1 following cytokines determined: interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-1α, IL-1-F5, IL-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, chemokine ligand (CXCL)-9, CXCL-10, 4 (CCL4). Concentration analyzed using PROC GLM correlations Pearson correlation SAS. For samples, pro-inflammatory (IFN-α, IL-13, CXCL-9, TNF-α) had greater (P< 0.05) open compared pregnant cows. flushes, 3 (IFN-γ, IL-21) IFN-α cows, while CXCL-10 There no significant samples (P>0.05). Interestingly, for there (r=0.46; P=0.02), IFN-γ (r=0.58; P=0.002), IL-21 (r=0.54; P=0.004) samples; observed These results suggest abundance within uterus, vagina, peripheral circulation resulting TAI.