MACROMOLECULAR COMPONENTS OF THE LUMINAL FLUID FROM THE BOVINE UTERUS

Abstract

Summary. The macromolecular components of the luminal fluid from the uterine horns of 135 cows at different stages of the oestrous cycle or early pregnancy were examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4·5 and pH 8·9, isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide, immunoelectrophoresis and gel filtration. The components present were mainly serum proteins but small amounts of uterine-specific proteins were detected by disc electrophoresis at pH 4·5. The mobility and amounts of these proteins varied according to the reproductive state. The possible significance of these uterine-specific proteins on embryonic development and control of luteolysis is discussed.