Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES: Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to compare and identify isolates of Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Elizabeth Morse, 2007) and the equine cervix was evaluated by intravaginal endoscopy to detect mucociliary clearance (Jennianne O'Connor, 2007). Histologic assessment of mucociliary apparatus in the equine and human cervices was performed (Sonya Morse, 2007). In collaboration with Louisiana State University and Rood and Riddle Equine Practice in Lexington KY, endometrial biopies collected during estrus and diestrus from 10 reproductively normal mares were randomized with biopsies from 24 clinical cases of endometritis and stained with periodic acid-Schiff. Thickness and optical density of extracellular mucus, epithelial cell height, and dimension and staining intensity of intracellular mucus were measured under light microscopy using computerized image analysis. Biopsies from 32 clinical cases were then classified according to severity of inflammation (mild versus moderate to severe), distribution (focal versus diffuse), and duration (acute, subacute, chronic), and the same parameters were measured. The effect of N acetyl cysteine on the mucosal epithelium was assessed in fertile mares, barren mares, and in fertile mares post breeding. The anti-inflammmatory properties of N acetyl cysteine were then assesed in mares with post breeding inflammation induced by insemination. New techniques of biopsy assessment were developed involving computerized image analysis, special staining, and assessment of pathological lesions using a novel semi-quantitative method of scoring descriptive epithelial pathology. This new method was applied to uterine biopsies from 40 healthy mares in diestrus and estrus, and 30 biopsies from clinically infected mares. Finally, data from an earlier study on the efficacy of intranasal vaccination on the equine uterus was reanalyzed and the results published. EVENTS: Findings have been presented at annual meeting of the Society for Theriogenology (2007), American Association of Equine Practitioners (2008, 2009), Havemeyer workshop on the Chronically Infertile Mare (2008) and at the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction (2010). SERVICES: Telephone and email consulting with veterinary clinicians concerning mucus production of the equine endometrium. Clinical services to client mares in which mucus production of the uterus was clinically relevant. Providing isolates of Streptococcus zooepidemicus to workers in Louisiana. Instruction in mare palpation and equine theriogenology for senior veterinary students at Tufts University. PRODUCTS: Degrees completed: Ian Crowley, MS 2007; Amy Hofmann, MS 2010. Degrees in progress: Brenda-Kennedy Wade (MS), Gretchen Ziemer (MS), Clare Thomas (PhD), Amy Hofmann (PhD). Honors Theses: Elizabeth Morse (2007), Sonya Morse (2008), Nile McGhie (2010), Sarah Doucette (2010). DISSEMINATION: Findings have been disseminated through presentations at meetings, and through publications. PARTICIPANTS: Elizabeth Morse, Senior pre-veterinary student. Jennianne OConnor, Senior pre-veterinary Student. Michelle LeBlanc, Equine Clinician and Researcher, Rood-and-Riddle Equine Hospital. D. Michael Davis, Partner, New England Equine Medical Hospital. Dale Paccamonti, Lyle SK, Eilts BE, Researchers, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Kevin Anderson, Researcher, University of Florida, Gainesville. Calderwood Mays MB (Pathologist, FVP consusltants, Gaineville FL) Mary Tyler, Researcher, University of Maine. Kristin Williams DVM, 2008 graduate, Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Dennis Ruksznis DVM, Partner, Foxcroft Veterinary Services, Dover-Foxcroft, ME. Mary Rose-Paradis, Tufts Cummings School of veterinary Medicine. John Timoney, Researcher, University of Kentucky. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: American Association of Equine Practitioners, Society for Theriogenology, American College of Theriogenologists, Equine Practitioners of Maine, Maine Veterinary Medical Association, Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners association. EFFORTS: Presentations at meetings, publications, telephone and email contacts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The experiment outlined in objective one of the original proposal was not performed. Instead, in response to a time--sensitive opportunity, endometrial mucosal pathology of chronically infertile mares, and the therapeutic benefits of N-acetylcysteine were studied. In addition, data from a previous hatch project (Intranasal Vaccination to Immunize Uterine Mucosae) was, based on reviewers comments, re--analyzed and the manuscript extensively revised over a two year period, resulting in successful publication of the work in 2010.
Impacts
CHANGE IN KNOWLEDGE: The Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis study revealed a potential genetic site for strain switching of Streptococcus zooepidemicus through an inversion mutation. Two strains, the original and its inverted mutant, have been stored for further analysis. The endodoscopy study revealed, for the first time, direct evidence for the action of mucociliary currents in the equine cervix. Through light microscopy of histologic preparations, similar anatomical structure of the mucociliary apparatus were detected in human and equine cervices. The endometrial pathology study showed that inflammatory cells in the epithelium can disrupt mucosal architecture, thus inhibiting mucociliary clearance. They also show that epithelial vacuolization is not necessarily a sign of pathology, but a normal event in estrus mares. Although denuded epithelium was more prevalent in the infertile mares in the study, there was no statistical difference compared to the normal mares in the study. In the N-acetyl cysteine study, NAC appeared to suppress increase in epithelial height compared to saline controls, possibly indicating an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates that NAC quenches the respiratory burst of neutrophils. This provides additional support for the hypothesis that NAC has significant anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being a mucolytic. CHANGE IN ACTION: Over the course of this project, N-acetyl cysteine has become routinely used in cases of endometritis. In addition, the use of endoscopy to detect mucociliary currents has led to the submission to the Maine Technology Asset Fund of a grant in support of endoscopic detection of mucosal infectious diseases of the horse. CHANGE IN CONDITIONS: Reports from clinicians in Kentucky indicate that the conception rate in barren mares treated with NAC has approached that in foaling mares. Although a randomized double blinded clinical study has not been performed, clinical impression is that fertility of mares has improved following use of NAC. The MTAF grant was funded in full ($497,392), and will greatly improve our ability to further assess mucociliary currents by endoscopy, perhaps leading to a diagnostic test for mucociliary dysfunction, a surveillance program for Strangles in Maine, and improvements to the physical facilities at UMaine's J.F. Witter Center.
Publications
- Causey R, Ruksznis D, Miles R. Field management of equine uterine prolapse in a Thoroughbred mare. Equine Veterinary Education. 2007;19:254-259.
- Causey R. Mucus and the mare: How little we know. Theriogenology 2007;68:386-394.
- Causey R, Miletello T, ODonnell L, Lyle S, Paccamonti D, Anderson K, Eilts B, Morse S, LeBlanc MM. Pathologic effects of clinical uterine inflammation on the equine endometrial mucosa. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 2008;54:276-277 [Abstract].
- Gores-Lindholm AR, Ahlschwede1 S, Causey RC, Calderwood-Mays M, and LeBlanc MM. Effect of intra-uterine infusion of diluted N-acetylcysteine on equine endometrium. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 2009;55:326 [Abstract].
- Causey RC. The True Cost of Unsuccessful Breeding. The Practitioner 2009 (Official Publication of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners).
- Leblanc MM, Causey RC, Clinical and subclinical endometritis in the mare: both threats to fertility. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2009;44Suppl3:10-22.
- Causey RC, Artiushin SC, Crowley IF, Weber JA, Homola AD, Kelley A, Stephenson LA, Opitz HM, Guilmain S, Timoney JF. Immunisation of the equine uterus against Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus using an intranasal attenuated Salmonella vector. The Veterinary Journal. 2010;184:156-161.
- Causey R. Slip-sliding away: the role of mucus in equine uterine defense. Proceedings of The Chronically Infertile Mare Havemeyer Foundation Workshop, The Westin-Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 5 - 8 November 2008 [Abstract].
- Causey R. Eighty years of treating uterine infections. R Causey 2008. Proceedings of The Chronically Infertile Mare Havemeyer Foundation Workshop, The Westin-Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 5 - 8 November 2008 [Abstract].
- Causey RC, Calderwood--Mays MB, Anderson KJ, Lyle SK, Paccamonti DL, Eilts BE, LeBlanc MM. Alteration of the uterine epithelium in chronically infertile mares. Animal Reproduction Science 2010. [Abstract].
- Causey RC, Lyle SK, Wyllie AN, Morse ES, Homola AD, Stephenson LA.Genomic variation of uterine isolates of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. Clinical Theriogenology. 2010. [Abstract].
- Causey R, Miletello T, ODonnell L, Lyle S, Paccamonti D, Anderson K, Eilts B, Morse S, LeBlanc MM, 2008. Pathologic effects of clinical uterine inflammation on the equine endometrial mucosa. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 2008;54:276-277 [Abstract].
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES. Uterine biopsies (n=48) from infertile and normal mares in estrus and diestrus were analyzed by a semi-quantitative method of scoring epithelial pathology. In addition, the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as an anti-inflammatory agent was assessed by comparison of NAC and saline treated endometria infused with dead semen as an inflammatory agent. N-acetyl cysteine was also evaluated as a free radical scavenger by its abilty to quench the respiratory burst of equine neutrophils. The effect of various antifungals was assessed in vitro and compared to the literature. In addition, work on variability in uterine isolates of Streptococcus zooepidemicus was prepared for presentation. EVENTS include presentations at the 2010 International Symposium of Equine Reproduction, and the 2010 Annual Conference of the Society for Theriogenology. The above work was also presented by undergraduate students in final year presentations and honors theses. SERVICES include telephone consultations regarding equine uterine infections, mucolytics, and the use of NAC, and consultations with biotechnology companies. PRODUCTS include the development of a rapid detection kit by Maine Biotechnology services and New Horizons Diagnostics corporation. In addition, work with New Horizons has led to a proposed mucolytic treatment for strangles. DISSEMINATION includes presention at ISER and Theriogenology conferences and visits to Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Maine Biotechnology Services and New Horizons Diagnostics corporation. Work on intranasal vaccination to protect the equine uterus was published in a leading veterinary journal. PARTICIPANTS: Michelle M LeBlanc: An equine clinician and researcher at Rood and Riddle in Lexington KY, she collected the biopsy samples from infertile mares and assisted with biopsy analysis. Kevin Anderson: A faculty memeber at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine he provided equipment for image analysis of the endometrial biopsies. Maron Calderwood-Mays: A board certified pathologist she provided guidance on appropriate assessment of endometrial biopsies. Maine Biotechnology Services (Nathalie Forster and Michael Sullivan): Developed an antibody for rapid indentification of Strep equi. New Horizon's Diagnostics (Larry Loomis): Provided the lateral flow platform for the rapid strep test and the enzyme for an antistreptococcal topical treatment. Mary Rose-Paradis (Tufts Cummings School of veterinary Medicine): Collaborator on grant to improve our diagnostic capability at UMaine, specifically in providing training on use of endoscopy. John Timoney (University of Kentucky): Leading authority on Strep equi, has provided guidance on all aspects of work involving streptococci. TARGET AUDIENCES: Equine Veterinarians, Biotechnology Corporations involved with Disease Diagnostics, Animal Disease regulators, Equine industry members. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project was modified to take advantage of new data on the potential for N-acetyl cysteine as both an anti-inflammatory agent and a mucolytic. In addition, this line of enquiry of mucosal resistance and mucociliary clearance led to a successful grant application focussing on animal disease surveillance technology, including strangles detection by guttural pouch endoscopy, rapid detection methodology (lateral flow ELISA), and a topical treatment for mucosal streptococci.
Impacts
CHANGES IN KNOWLEDGE include the following. The endometrial pathology study showed that inflammatory cells in the epithelium can disrupt mucosal architecture. They also show that epithelial vacuolization is not necessarily a sign of pathology, but a normal event in estrus mares. Although denuded epithelium was more prevalent in the infertile mares in the study, there was no statistical difference compared to the normal mares in the study. In the NAC study, although sample size was low, NAC appeared to suppress increase in epithelial height compared to saline controls. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates that NAC quenches the respiratory burst of neutrophils. This provides additional support for the hypothesis that NAC has significant anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being a mucolytic. CHANGES IN ACTION include the following. Assessment of the epithelium in endometrial biopsies can now be made more accurately, focussing on the inflammatory changes and disruption of architecture, and not so much on the vacuolization of the epithelium. In addition, increased experience with NAC confirms its safety in the mare, and potential value as both a mucolytic and anti-inflammatory. CHANGES IN CONDITION are as follows. These results will improve fertility in the mare both through improved assessment of infertility, and through additional treatments (NAC).
Publications
- Causey RC, Calderwood-Mays MB, Anderson KJ, Lyle SK, Paccamonti DL, Eilts BE, LeBlanc MM. 2010. Alteration of the uterine epithelium in chronically infertile mares. Animal Reproduction Science. [Abstract - in press].
- Causey RC, Lyle SK, Wyllie AN, Morse ES, Homola AD, Stephenson LA. 2010. Genomic variation of uterine isolates of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. Clinical Theriogenology. [Abstract - in press].
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES:A collection of uterine biopsies from approximately 40 healthy mares in diestrus and estrus has been assembled, in conjunction with over 30 biopsies from clinically infected mares. The effect of N acetyl cysteine on the mucosal epithelium has been assessed in fertile mares, barren mares, and in fertile mares post breeding. The anti-inflammmatory properties of N acetyl cysteine are currently being assesed in mares with post breeding inflammation induced by insemination. Techniques of biopsy assessment have been devloped involving computerized image analysis, special staining, and systematic assessment of pathological lesions. 2 veterinarians have received training associated with the project, and 4 undergraduate students have used the work in senior research projects. EVENTS: Work has been presented at the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) meeting, accepted for presentation at the 2009 AAEP meeting, and submitted for presentation at the upcoming International Symposium on Equine Reproduction. Co-investigators met at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in January and July 2009 to perform image analysis and discuss project. SERVICES: Phone consultations with Kentucky equine veterinarians and breeders concerning N acetyl cycsteine PRODUCTS: Increased use of N acetyl cysteine on farms in the last year, and veterinary services to improve mare fertility. DISSEMINATION: Presentation at national meetings, publication of results and discussion with veterinary colleagues in practice and academia. Revision and publication of a manuscript studying the efficacy of an intranasal salmonella vaccine vector. PARTICIPANTS: Causey RC (Principal investigator) Calderwood Mays MB (Pathologist, FVP consusltants, Gaineville FL) Anderson KJ (Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Physiology, University of Florida), Lyle SK (Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University) Paccamonti DL (Chair, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University) Eilts BE (Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,Louisiana State University) LeBlanc MM (Private Practioner, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington KY) TARGET AUDIENCES: Equine Veterinarians and horse breeders PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A major shift in the project was made in light of recent information concerning the efficacy of N acetyl cysteine in improving conception rates. This led to greater reliance on equine endometrial biopsy and studies specifically focussing on N acetyl cysteine as a mucolytic and anti inflammatory agent.
Impacts
CHANGE IN KNOWLEDGE: Over the study period we have learned that N acetyl cysteine is non-irritating to the uterus, probably anti-inflammatory, and is associated with greatly increased conception rates. We have also learned that the endometrial architecture is disrupted by inflammation, leading to potential loss of ciliary clearance, but that loss of epithelium is an artifactual change during biopsy collection. Vacuolization of the epithelium is a normal finding during estrus. CHANGE IN ACTIONS: Through this research the use of N acetyl cysteine as a mucolytic in the mare's uterus has increased, with standard protocols now inplace. Conception rates in mares have increased as a result. CHANGE IN CONDITIONS: Mares who were culled for infertility have been able to carry foals to term. The overall standard of care for infertile mares has increased, and our practices are more heavily evidence based.
Publications
- Causey RC, Calderwood Mays MB, Anderson KJ, Lyle SK, Paccamonti DL, Eilts BE, LeBlanc MM, Alteration of the uterine epithelium in chronically infertile mares. Animal Reproduction Science 2009 (under review)
- Gores-Lindholm AR , Ahlschwede1 S, Causey RC, Calderwood-Mays M, and LeBlanc MM. Effect of intra-uterine infusion of diluted N-acetylcysteine on equine endometrium. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 2009
- Causey, RC. The True Cost of Unsuccessful Breeding. The Practitioner 2009 (Official Publication of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners - in press)
- Causey RC, Artiushin SC, Crowley IF, Weber JA, Homola AD, Kelley A, Stephenson LA, Opitz HM, Guilmain S, Timoney JF.Immunisation of the equine uterus against Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus using an intranasal attenuated Salmonella vector. 2009 The Veterinary Journal (in press doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.05.001)
- Leblanc MM, Causey RC, Clinical and subclinical endometritis in the mare: both threats to fertility. 2009 Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 44 Suppl 3:10-22.
- Causey R, Miletello T, ODonnell L, Lyle S, Paccamonti D, Anderson K, Eilts B, Morse S, LeBlanc MM, 2008. Pathologic effects of clinical uterine inflammation on the equine endometrial mucosa. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 54, 276-277.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES: Endometrial biopsies collected during estrus and diestrus from 10 reproductively normal mares were randomized with biopsies from 24 clinical cases of endometritis and stained with periodic acid-Schiff. Thickness and optical density of extracellular mucus, epithelial cell height, and dimension and staining intensity of intracellular mucus were measured under light microscopy using computerized image analysis. Biopsies from 32 clinical cases were classified according to severity of inflammation (mild versus moderate to severe), distribution (focal versus diffuse), and duration (acute, subacute, chronic), and the same parameters were measured. In addition, biopsies from 8 maiden mares, and 2 barren maiden mares have been collected and will be incorporated into the data set. EVENTS: Based on this project, a Maine Agricultural Center project was funded titled: "Establishing normal levels of uterine inflammation inhealthy mares: a collaborative project integrating equine reproductive research, veterinary medical education, and recruitment of new veterinarians to Maine." Data from this project was reported at the Dorothy Havemeyer Wokshop on the Infertile Mare, November 5-8 2008, Hilton Head SC, and at the 54 th AAEP Convention, December 7-11 2008, San Diego CA. SERVICES: Dr Kristin Williams, a senior veterinary student at Tufts University, visited UMaine and received instruction in mare palpation as part of this project. She also was exposed to stallion collection, performed artificial insemination, and received didactic reviews of equine Theriogenology from the principal investigator. PRODUCTS: As a result of this project a collection of biopsies from mares over a wide spectrum of repoductive health has been assembled and may be used for further image of the equine muco-ciliary apparatus. The biopsies are stained with routine histochemical stains, and with stains specifically to show mucopolysaccharides. DISSEMINATION: This project has sparked interest in clinical use of mucolytic agents in treatment of infertility, which has been discussed in formal and informal sessions at international meetings, and is the basis of a follow-up study using n-acetyl cysteine as an intrauterine mucolytic. In addition, Dr Williams was introduced to Dr Dennis Ruksznis as part of this project. As a result of this introduction she and her partner, Dr David Hernke, also a Tufts Graduate, were both offered and accepted positions at Foxcroft Veterinary Services where they are currently practicing Large Animal Veterinary Medicine. PARTICIPANTS: Robert C Causey DVM, PhD, Dip ACT. Equine Theriogenologist and PI Michelle M LeBlanc DVM Dip ACT. Equine Clinician, Rood and Riddle Equine Hopsital, Lexington Kentucky. Kevin Anderson, PhD. Veterinary Anatomist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dale L. Paccamonti, DVM, MS, Dip ACT. Equine Theriogenologist and Clinician, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Kristin Williams DVM. 2008 graduate, Tufts-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, now in practice at Foxcroft Veterinary Services, Dover-Foxcroft, ME. Dennis Ruksznis DVM, Partner, Foxcroft Veterinary Services, Dover-Foxcroft, ME. TARGET AUDIENCES: American Association of Equine Practitioners is the largest equine practitioners group in the world. Invited participants in Havemeyer workshop include recognized leaders in mare infertility. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
CHANGE IN KNOWLEDGE: This project has changed the knowledge of Dr Williams, a trainee, and the PI and Co-Investigator (myself and Dr Michelle LeBlanc) who are both equine clinical investigators. Dr Williams knowledge has increased in the area of basic repoductive management, whereas my own and Dr LeBlanc's knowledge has increased in recognizing the value of mucolytics in managing infertile mares. Especially through Dr LeBlanc, this knowledge is being disseminated to the equine practitioner community. CHANGE IN ACTIONS: Dr LeBlanc has immediately begun to apply this knowledge in management of her own cases, which represent some of the most valuable breeding stock in the country. Other practitioners are now beginning to follow her example in their management of chronically infertile mares, based on Dr LeBlanc's recommendations at practitioner conferences. CHANGE IN CONDITIONS: The economic value of individual mares rest on their fertility. By successfully breeding mares which otherwise might not become pregnant, the value of these animals is sustained, and their welfare as productive animals maintained. In addition, horse-owners see an economic benefit both through the sustained price of a mare, and through the sale of her off-spring. Furthermore, Maine livestock producers are now better serviced by the recruitment of new veterinarians to Maine as a direct result of this project. This trend may continue, since this project has been used as the basis of a USDA Challenge Grant proposal in which funding for expanded training of veterinary students for work in mixed practice in Maine is requested.
Publications
- Slip-sliding away: the role of mucus in equine uterine defense. R Causey 2008. Proceedings of The Chronically Infertile Mare Havemeyer Foundation Workshop, The Westin-Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 5 - 8 November 2008 [Abstract].
- Eighty years of treating uterine infections. R Causey 2008. Proceedings of The Chronically Infertile Mare Havemeyer Foundation Workshop, The Westin-Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 5 - 8 November 2008 [Abstract].
- Pathologic Effects of Clinical Uterine Inflammation on the Equine Endometrial Mucosa R Causey, T Miletello, L O'Donnell, S Lyle, D Paccamonti, K Anderson, B Eilts, S Morse, M LeBlanc. 2008. Proceedings of the 54th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, San Diego, California, 7 - 11 November 2008 [Extended abtract].
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES: Conducting and analyzing experiments and teaching/mentoring of senior students in Capstone Projects: "The use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare and identify isolates of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus." Elizabeth Morse. Completed May 2007; "The Endoscopic Detection of Mucociliary Clearance in the Mare." Jennianne OConnor. Completed May 2007; Conducting and analyzing experiments and teaching/mentoring of senior students in honors theses: "Analysis of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus samples by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis." Elizabeth Morse. Completed May 2007."Histologic assessment of mucociliary clearance in the equine and human cervix." Sonya Morse. In progress. Conducting and analyzing experiments in collaboration with Louisiana State University and Rood-and-Riddle Equine Hospital on assessment of endometrial mucus production in normal and inflamed mares. EVENTS: Conferences: Data associated with this project presented in
an invited lecture at The Society for Theriogenology Conference Annual Conference August 7-11 Monterey, California. SERVICES: Consulting: Telephone and email consulting with veterinary clinicians concerning mucus production of the equine endometrium. Clinical services to client mares in which mucus production of the uterus was clinically relevant. PRODUCTS: Knowledge: New knowledge concerning the ability of the uterus to fight infection and better understanding of the mucociliary escalator in the horse. New research collaborations with Lousisiana State University, Rood-and Riddle Equine Hospital, and New England Equine Medical Center.
PARTICIPANTS: Elizabeth Morse, Senior pre-veterinary student. Jennianne OConnor, Senior pre-veterinary Student. Michelle LeBlanc, Equine Clinician and Researcher, Rood-and-Riddle Equine Hospital. D. Michael Davis, Partner, New England Equine Medical Hospital. Dale Paccamonti, Researcher, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Kevin Anderson, Researcher, University of Florida, Gainesville. Mary Tyler, Researcher, University of Maine.
Impacts
CHANGES IN KNOWLEDGE: Detection of potential genetic site for strain switching of Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Observation, for the first time, of action of mucociliary currents in the equine cervix. Detection of similar anatomical features of mucociliary action in human and equine cervices. CHANGES IN ACTION: New methods under consideration in diagnosing and treating uterine infections, including use of alcian blue-pH 2.5 and Bouin's fixation of endometrial biopsies, and use of intrauterine mucolytics such as n-acetyl-cysteine. CHANGES IN CONDITIONS: Potentially improved fertility of horses and livestock.
Publications
- Morse, E. (2007). Analysis of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus samples by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Honors Thesis.
- Causey, R. (2007). Mucus and the mare: How little we know. Theriogenology 68 (2007) 386-394.
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