Alterations of Circulating Biomarkers During Late Term Pregnancy Complications in the Horse Part I: Cytokines

Abstract Equine abortions are attributed to both infectious and noninfectious causes. Clinical extrapolations are often made from the experimental model for ascending placentitis towards other causes of fetal compromise, including various markers of inflammation, including the cytokines IL-2, 5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF. It is unknown if these cytokine changes are noted under field conditions, or if they increase preceding other pregnancy related complications.. To assess this, Thoroughbred mares (n=702) had weekly blood obtained beginning in December 2013 and continuing until parturition. Fetal membranes were submitted to the UKVDL for complete gross and pathologic assessment and classified as either ascending placentitis (n=6), focal mucoid placentitis (n=6), idiopathic abortion (n=6) or control (n=20). Weekly serum samples were analyzed via immunoassay for concentrations of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF. For both focal mucoid placentitis and ascending placentitis, an increase (P