Histochemical Characterization of Mucins in the Cervix and Uterus of Cows during the Sexual Cycle

Abstract

In all mammals, including humans, the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, genital and urinary systems are the gateway for infectious agents. Against these factors cause diseases, mucosal surfaces are covered with a slimy substance called mucus, which acts as a physiochemical barrier. The study was conducted to investigate the types and distributions of mucins secreted in the bovine uterus and cervix during the follicle and luteal phases of the sexual cycle. For this purpose, organs of 23 healthy Holstein cows were used. After the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, paraffin was embedded following routine histological procedures. In both cervix and the uterus, the mucins were more dominant in luminal epithelial and gland epithelial cells during the luteal phase than those of the follicular phase. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Aldehyde Fuchsin (AF) were dominant in the cervix during the luteal phase. Uterinal gland epithelial cells reacted more intensely in both follicular and luteal phases in the Best's Carmine staining. In Periodic acid-Phenilhydrazine-Schiff (PAPS) staining, there was no staining of gland epithelial cells in the uterus during sexual cycle. As a result, bovine cervix and uterine mucosae secreted neutral, sulphated acid mucins, Nacetyl sialomucins and glycogen at varying densities during sexual cycle, while carboxylated acid mucins were not present. Considering the physiological functions of the mucus, we can say that they are also involved in creating a protective barrier in the cervix and uterine mucosa and during the implantation periods © 2022, Journal of International Dental and Medical Research. All Rights Reserved.