Construction of a model of endometritis in domestic rabbits using equine-derived pathogens and evaluation of therapeutic effect of sensitive drugs.
Authors: Ding Xuanpan, Cui Xiao, Shi Jinlian, Cheng Xiaoli, Yao Dan, Gao Yujin, Zhang Yong
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Modelling Equine Endometritis for Drug Testing and Mechanistic Understanding Researchers isolated pathogenic bacteria from an equine endometritis case and successfully induced similar uterine inflammation in rabbits, creating an experimental model that replicates key aspects of the equine condition. The infected rabbits demonstrated hallmark signs of endometritis—significantly elevated circulating leukocytes (P < 0.01), uterine congestion with purulent discharge, compromised endometrial integrity, and heightened lymphocytic infiltration—alongside marked increases in inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α at both mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.01). Mechanistic investigation revealed these inflammatory factors operate through NF-κB signalling pathways, providing insight into how bacterial infection triggers the cascade of uterine inflammation seen clinically. Antibiotic treatment confirmed the model's reliability and responsiveness to therapy. For equine practitioners, this work establishes a cost-effective, reproducible research platform for evaluating antimicrobial efficacy and testing novel therapeutic interventions against endometritis—ultimately supporting evidence-based treatment protocols and potentially advancing our understanding of which mares are predisposed to chronic or recurrent infection.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This research establishes a validated laboratory model for testing anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapies for equine endometritis, potentially accelerating development of clinical treatments
- •The activation of NF-κB pathway in endometritis suggests that dual targeting of bacterial load and inflammatory signaling may be beneficial in clinical treatment strategies
- •Practitioners should monitor elevated systemic leukocytes and uterine changes as key indicators of endometritis severity, as these correlate with inflammatory cytokine levels
Key Findings
- •Equine-derived pathogenic bacteria successfully induced endometritis in rabbit models with significantly elevated blood leukocytes (P < 0.01) and uterine lymphocyte infiltration
- •Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in infected rabbit uteri (P < 0.01) via qPCR and ELISA
- •NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in endometritis, with increased protein expression of NF-κB and TNF-α contributing to inflammatory cascade
- •Rabbit model using equine pathogens provides a simple, economical, and reliable experimental system for studying equine endometritis pathogenesis and treatment