Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation levels of blood and cervical mucus in cows in relation to pregnancy

Levels of vitamins A and E, beta carotene and lipid peroxidation product (T BARS) were determined in plasma and cevical mucus of 32 cows. Red blood cel l (RBC) reduced glutathione (GSH) and RBC glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) a ctivity as well as Vitamin C plasma levels were measured. After taking cerv ical mucus and blood samples the animals were insemineted artificially. Thr ee month later pregnant (n = 20) and non pregnant (n = 12) cattle were dete rmined. Correlations between investigated parameters and pregnancy rate wer e performed. In blood plasma, a significant correlation was observed betwee n vitamin A and beta carotene (P < 0.001) as well as Vitamin E (P < 0.05). There was a significant (P < 0.001) correlation in TEARS values of plasma a nd cervical mucus. However, none of the investigated parameters showed a si gnificant difference between pregnant and non pregnant cows. In conclusion, we did not find any difference and correlation between pregnant and nonpre gnant animals concerning the investigated antioxidants. A positive correlat ion was observed between lipid peroxidation levels of plasma and cervical m ucus. Our work provides basic informations about antioxidative parameters u nder physiological conditions. Further studies should investigate possible correlation between disturbed fertility and antioxidative status of plasma and cervical mucus in clinically healthy cows.