Dynamics of macrophages and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the cervix of late pregnant cows.

Cervical ripening is associated with M1 macrophages and inflammatory cytokines in mice and rats, but its mechanism in cattle is unclear. In this study, to elucidate some of the mechanisms of normal cervical maturation in cows, we examined the expressions of M1 macrophages and mRNA of interleukin (IL)-1α, 1β, 6, 8, and 10, as well as TNFα in cervical tissue and the mRNA expressions and protein concentrations of these cytokines in cervical mucus from late pregnancy to parturition. Forty-one Japanese Black cows were sampled at 200, 230, and 260 d of gestation and then at 7 d intervals until parturition to obtain cervical mucus and tissue samples.

Inflammatory Changes and Composition of Collagen during Cervical Ripening in Cows.

Dystocia and stillbirths in cows pose a high risk of loss of both dams and fetuses, thereby resulting in high economic losses. One of the causes of these problems is birth canal abnormalities. Thus, to prevent these occurrences, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying cervical ripening.