PROSTAGLANDINS, LEUKOTRIENES AND UTERINE SUBINVOLUTION IN THE COW

After calving, the uterine involution may be associated with subacute inflammatory process. Recent study demonstrated that metabolism of the arachidonic acid and the formation of the inflammatory mediators was altered in cows affected with uterine subinvolution (USI). The mainten ance of relatively high intrauterine concentrations of PGE(2) in early puerperal period might be one of the factors associated with USI in c ows. A decrease in the PGF(2 alpha/)PGE(2) and LTB(4)/PGE(2) ratios ea rly postpartum may be one of the factors associated with USI in the co w. These endocrine changes which occur in early postpartum, especially by affecting immunologic, cytologic, tonic and hemodynamic state of t he uterus, may impede uterine involution.