An investigation of enzymes and hormone binding proteins in the luminal fluid of the bovine uterus

Abstract

Saline flushings from the uterine horns of cows in different stages of early pregnancy were examined for a number of enzymes and hormone binding activities. The activities of several glycosidases were elevated when compared with serum; β N acetylglucosaminidase, β N acetylgalactosaminidase and α fucosidase were particularly active. The activities of some of these glycosidases increased with duration of pregnancy up to 21 days. No proteinase or neuraminidase activity was detected, and the antitrypsin activity was similar to, or lower than, the values observed in serum. No progesterone or oestrogen binding activity was detected in the flushings. The possible biological implications of the glycosidases in early embryonic development and implantation are discussed.