Sperm are allogenic to the female genital tract; however, oviducts provide optimal conditions for survival and capacitation of these non-self cells until fertilization. Recently, we showed that oviduct-conditioned media and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) suppress sperm phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) under physiological conditions. We hypothesized that sperm binding to bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) could change the local innate immunity via PGE2. As the first step to obtain basic information, sub-confluent BOEC monolayers were co-cultured with swim-up sperm for 2 h. BOECs with viable bound sperm were cultured for an additional 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. Then, we confirmed the impact of the sperm-BOEC binding on both BOECs and PMN gene expression. Immunohistochemistry revealed that BOECs strongly express TGFB1 and IL10 in the oviduct. Sperm binding to BOECs in culture induced the anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGFB1 and IL10) and PGE2 production by BOECs. Exogenous PGE2 in vitro suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF and IL1B) in BOECs. Moreover, pre-exposure of PMNs to BOEC-conditioned media suppressed the TNF expression, but the BOEC media co-cultured with sperm stimulated PMNs to express TGFB1 and IL10, with increasing PGE2 secretion. Of note, exogenous PGE2 led PMNs in vitro to decrease their TNF expression and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines expression. Our findings strongly suggest that BOECs provide an anti-inflammatory environment under physiological conditions and the sperm-BOEC binding further strengthens this milieu thus suppresses PMNs in the bovine oviduct. PGE2 is likely to drive this stable anti-inflammatory environment in the oviduct.

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The objective of this study was to investigate the common forms of reproductive disorders and trends of fertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt, and investigate nutritional deficiencies or imbalances as a cause of infertility. During the period from 2003 to 2006 a total of 4276 animals (2755 cattle and 1521 buffaloes) were examined, during winter and summer at three districts of Middle Egypt. Based on the owner complains, animals were categorized as anestrum, repeat breeder and those for pregnancy diagnosis. Feedstuffs of these districts were assessed for nutrient and mineral contents. Animals were examined by rectal palpation and by transrectal ultrasonography. The results showed that, ovarian inactivity was the most common cause of anestrum, whereas endometritis was the main frequent finding of repeat breeding. District, season and year affected the incidences of infertility. The pregnancy rate remained constant (cattle) or increased (buffaloes) from 2003 to 2006. The incidence of ovarian inactivity in both species decreased over the same period. In winter, the commonly used feedstuffs would be adequate to supply the animals with needs, but in summer, rations seem to be deficient in many essential nutrients. In conclusion, ovarian inactivity is the main cause of infertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt. There is a link between poor nutrition in summer and the high incidence of ovarian inactivity. Fertility trends during the past few years are encouraging.

The objective of the present study is to follow the growth of the testes and the pelvic genitalia in cattle bulls, using ultrasonographic examination and measurements of external genitalia by caliper. Six Friesian bulls were examined periodically from 3 to 24 months of age with 3-month interval. Scrotum circumference (SC) and length were measured by tape. Testicular length, width and depth were measured by caliper. Scrotal contents including testes and epididymis, and the pelvic genitalia including bulbourethral gland (BUG), prostate and seminal glands (SG) were examined using transrectal ultrasonography. Scrotal circumference, length and the three dimensions of the testes showed significant increase with the advancement of age. Significant correlation was present between SC and testes breadth. At the same time, testis breadth as estimated by sonar showed positive correlation with that estimated by caliper. A positive correlation was also found between testicular breadth with each of the BUG and SG. Finally, it was concluded that ultrasonography gave appreciable benefits in studying the developmental changes of the testes and accessory glands of growing bulls. The obtained data could provide a useful tool for predicting bull puberty and fertility.