STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVARIAN HORMONES AND UTERINE INFECTION

Abstract

SUMMARY: Experiments to determine the role of the granulocyte system in uterine defence against bacterial infections have given the following results: (1) There were significant differences in the bacterial content of the uteri of oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits as little as 2 hr following experimental infections. The uterus of oestrous animals was almost sterile 24 hr after such infections but, at this time, the uterus of pseudopregnant animals still contained some residual infection. (2) Ligation of the uterus in oestrous animals impeded drainage and prevented the escape of leucocytes and bacteria from the lumen. The leucocytes accumulated to form a sterile pyometritis similar to that observed in the non-ligated uterus of the pseudopregnant rabbit. (3) Mobilization of leucocyte occurred more rapidly in the uterus of the oestrous animal, and t was also shown that a highly significant negative relationship existed in oestrous animals between bacterial numbers and leucocyte numbers within the uterus following experimental uterine infections. The slower rate of leucocyte mobilization in pseudopregnant animals is thought to be the main factor responsible for the different bactericidal activities of the uteri of oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits.