STIMULATION OF CELL DEFENSE-MECHANISM OF BOVINE ENDOMETRIUM BY TEMPORAL COLONIZATION WITH SELECTED STRAINS OF LACTOBACILLI

The aim of the experiments was to assess the response to topical admin istration of selected live strains of lactobacilli of the cells respon sible for the resistance of bovine endometrium. Experimental cows (a = 8) at 8 to 12 days of the estrous received one intrauterine dose of 2 0 mi of a suspension of lactobacilli in 1% glucose solution. Group I ( it = 4) was treated with the strain Lactobacillus spp. G 013 (5.5 x 10 (8) CFU/ml) and Group II (a = 4) with the strain Lactobacillus casei C CM 1753 (1.2 x 10(8) CFU/ml). Control cows (a = 4) received 20 mi of 1 % glucose solution. Samples of endometrial tissue were obtained by bio psy or from slaughtered cows on post-treatment days 5 or 6 and/or 10 o r 12. Colonization of the uterine cavity with lactobacilli for up to 1 2 days was confirmed by bacteriological examination and scanning elect ron microscopy. Highly significant increases (P < 0.01) were found in numbers of all cell types under study. The pronounced cellular infiltr ation of endometrium was mostly due to the accumulation of mononuclear cells, particularly lymphocytes forming often indistinctly demarcated lymphoid nodules. Also marked was the infiltration of mast cells and macrophages. The cellular infiltration of endometrium persisted still on post-treatment day 12. No signs of alteration of epithelial cells w ere observed. No principal differences in the effects on endometrium w ere found between the two lactobacilli strains. The proved stimulatory effect of lactobacilli on endometrial cell defense mechanisms demonst rated in our experiments and inhibitory effects of the former on the g rowth of pathogenic microorganisms are promising for practical applica tion in the prevention and alternative therapy of bovine endometritis.