Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
White blood cell activity changes in female dogs during luteal phase
By Holst, Bodil Ström et al.·Published in Veterinary immunology and immunopathology·2013·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Leucocyte phagocytosis during the luteal phase in bitches.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of female dogs (bitches) was studied to understand how their immune system changes during the luteal phase of their reproductive cycle, particularly in relation to a serious infection called pyometra. Researchers found that the ability of certain white blood cells to engulf and destroy bacteria, like E. coli, decreased in the later stages of this phase. This reduced immune response could explain why older intact female dogs are more prone to developing pyometra. Understanding these changes can help veterinarians better manage the health of female dogs during this time.
People also search for: dog pyometra symptoms · why is my dog getting infections · female dog reproductive health
Abstract
Pyometra is a disease that affects a large proportion of intact bitches, and typically is seen during the latter half of dioestrus. Several factors contribute to the development of pyometra, including genetic factors, an infectious component (most often Escherichia coli), and hormonal factors. Hormones may act directly on the endometrium, and also affect the immune system. In dogs, the phagocytic ability has been shown to decrease with age, and ovarian hormones have also been shown to affect immune resistance. The aim of the present study was to examine whether phagocytosis by canine leucocytes varies significantly during the luteal phase. Eight bitches were followed by repeated blood sampling. Samples were taken at the calculated optimal day for mating (Day 1), and thereafter on days 8, 15 and 22 (early luteal phase) and 29, 43, 57 and 71 (late luteal phase). Blood was collected from the cephalic vein into EDTA tubes for leucocyte counts and heparinised tubes for testing of phagocytosis and oxidative burst using commercial kits and flow cytometry. The cell activity of the phagocyting leucocytes, expressed as mean fluorescence activity, MFI, was significantly lower during late luteal phase than during early luteal phase. The proportion of leucocytes that was induced to phagocyte did not differ significantly. The percentage of cells stimulated by E. coli to oxidative burst was significantly lower during late luteal phase. Their activity did not differ between the two periods. The number of cells stimulated to oxidative burst by a low stimulus was too low to evaluate, and leucocytes stimulated with the high stimulus did not vary in oxidative burst between the two periods. The changes in phagocytic activity and in the number of leucocytes that showed oxidative burst were not associated with any change in the proportion of different leucocytes. The decreased phagocytic capacity possibly contributes to the higher incidence of diseases such as pyometra during the latter part of the luteal phase.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23477931/