The role of cytokines in immune regulation of female reproductive physiology

Cytokines act as protein mediators of the immune system and exert pleiotropic effects on the source cells and/or on target cells. Cytokines are formed in a cascade, bind to specific receptors, and influence the activity, differentiation, proliferation, and survival of immune cells of both T helper 1 (Th1) type (which has proinflammatory properties) and Th2 type (with an anti-inflammatory function). The female reproductive system is regulated by the immune system via cytokines at various physiological stages: during the ovarian cycle, maternal recognition, embryo implantation, gestation, and birth, participating in homeostasis and protection from pathogens. These processes interact under the hormonal influence of the hypothalamic­pituitary­gonadal axis. This review is aimed at addressing the involvement of some cytokines in female reproductive physiology, highlighting the maternal recognition of the embryo and implantation as immunologically important steps for fetal survival. The scientific knowledge on the role of cytokines in female reproduction processes, such as the Th1/Th2 balance and immune tolerance should advance the research in various fields of assisted reproduction in humans and animals, such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilization. The same is true for the development of contraceptive methods and understanding of pathological processes such as uterine infections and autoimmune diseases.

[The relationship between the peri-parturient period and output of nematodes eggs in naturally infected Anglo Nubiana goats in a semi-extensive system of production]. / Relação entre o periparto e a eliminação de ovos de nematóides gastrintestinais em cabras Anglo Nubiana naturalmente infectadas em sistema semi-extensivo de produção.

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between the excretion of nematodes eggs in naturally infected Anglo-Nubians breed goats under conditions of semi-extensive production system and the peri-parturient period. Were used 63 goats, with weight average 35, 05 +/- 6, 54 kg and reproductive cycle from goats. Animals were separated and two groups homogeneous as to the age and nutritional status and two groups (pregnants and nonpregnants). Faecal samples were collected weekly during the periparturient period (ended four weeks of pregnancy and the four first weeks of post-parturition) and equal dates in non-pregnants group. The group of pregnant animals showed increasing EPG (eggs per gram of faeces) in the 5th and 8th week of collection and animals not pregnant and in the 5th and 6th week. The highest counts of EPG were coincident with the highest concentration of births; there is a direct relationship between to release eggs from gastrointestinal nematodes in the female goats, near to birth.