MHC Class II+ (HLA-DP-like) Cells in the Cow Reproductive Tract: I. Immunolocalization and Distribution of MHC Class II+ Cells in Uterus at Different Phases of the Estrous Cycle

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of major histocompatibility complex class II positive (MHC II+) (HLA-DP-like) cells in the cow uterus (cervix, corpus and cornu uteri) and to compare these cells between the estrus and diestrus phases of the estrous cycle. Twenty-nine multiparous cows were used. Tissue samples from the middle of the cervix, the corpus and the right cornu were taken immediately after slaughter at the estrus or diestrus phase. Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex staining was used to detect MHC II+ cells. The number of MHC II+ cells per unit area of tissue was counted using image analysis software under a light microscope. Numerous MHC II+ cells were found in the endometrium (cervix, corpus and cornu uteri) in both estrus and diestrus. MHC II+ cells were found in the surface epithelium of the cervix uteri in diestrus, but in the corpus uteri in both estrus and diestrus and in the cornu uteri in estrus. MHC II+ cells were also found freely in the lumen of the glands and between the gland epithelia of the corpus and cornu uteri in both estrus and diestrus. There were also MHC II+ cells in the connective tissue of the myometrium and perimetrium (outside the endometrium) and around the blood vessels. Endothelial cells were frequently positive for MHC II staining. More MHC II+ cells were found in the endometrium than outside the endometrium in both estrus and diestrus (p<0.001). However, there was no difference in the numbers of positive cells between estrus and diestrus either in the endometrium or outside it. These results are the first evidence for HLA-DP-like MHC II+ cells in the bovine uterus. They indicate that antigen presentation by HLA-DP-like MHC II+ cells of the uterus is not influenced by hormonal status.

MHC class II expression by mast cells in the genital tract of cows

“…In that study (Eren et al 2008) mast cell-like MHC II + cells were also observed in the sections prepared from oviduct, uterus and vagina.…”

“…The distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells (Küther et al 1998;Eren et al 1999, Ozen et al 2002Vale et al 2009) and MHC II + cells (HLA-DP like, H42A) (Eren et al 2008(Eren et al , 2009 were studied previously in the genital tract of cows. In that study (Eren et al 2008) mast cell-like MHC II + cells were also observed in the sections prepared from oviduct, uterus and vagina.…”

“…An anti-bovine monoclonal MHC II antibody (HLA-DP, Clone H42 A; Veterinary Medical Research and Development, VMRD) (Martinez et al 2005;Eren et al 2008) diluted in PBS with a ratio of 1:250 was used as the primary antibody. Positive control sections from bovine spleen were also stained.…”

“…In our literature review we were not able to find a report investigating antigen presentation of mast cells in cows. We previously observed MHC II + cells which morphologically resembled mast cells, especially in the connective tissue surrounding blood vessels in the uterus of cows (Eren et al 2008). Thus, this study concentrated to investigate the presence of MHC II+ mast cells in oviduct, uterus and vaginal tissues of the cow.…”

MHC Class II+ (HLA‐DP‐like) Cells in the Cow Reproductive Tract: II. Immunolocalization of MHC Class II+ Cells in Oviduct and Vagina

“…Oviduct is of upmost importance for the maintenance of fertility in the cattle as is the case in all other mammals. We previously determined the immunolocalization and distribution of MHC Class II + cells in the uterus at different phases of the oestrous cycle (Eren et al., 2008). Distribution of these cells in other parts of the genital tract remained to be determined to obtain a more comprehensive picture of antigen presenting cells within the genital tract.…”