N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase activity in the endometrial epithelium of the cow's uterus during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy

Abstract

The levels of N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) were measured in the endometrial epithelial tissue of the bovine uterus during the oestrous cycle and during pregnancy. NAGase levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher in the epithelial tissue of the cow's uterus during the luteal phase of the cycle and during pregnancy than during the non-luteal phase. There were significantly (P<0.001) higher mean NAGase values in the epithelial than the subepithelial layers of the uterus in the two cycle phases and in pregnancy. Leucocyte numbers were significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.001) higher in the cows' uteri during the non-luteal phase than during the luteal phase and pregnancy, respectively. It is concluded that the endometrial epithelial layer is significantly active in terms of NAGase release and that this may be related to increased progesterone concentrations. In addition, the epithelial tissue (not leucocytes) appears to be the main contributor to the total NAGase activity in uterine tissue.