Reproductive immunology and endocrinology of pregnant mare

Abstract

MarePregnancy is a distinct event that induces a unique relationship between immune and endocrine systems. In humans, there is growing evidence that pregnancy is regulated by both immune-immune and immune-endocrine interactions, and that these are constantly shifting throughout pregnancy. Pregnancyrelated hormones (progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin) are critically involved in successful establishment, maintenance, and termination of pregnancy. In humans, these hormones suppress detrimental maternal alloresponses to semi-allogeneic fetus while promoting tolerance pathways. Although there is a better understanding of endocrinology of equine pregnancy, minimal inferences are made understanding immune-endocrine interactions. Our current understanding of endocrinology and immunology of equine pregnancy is reviewed and advancements needed to properly identify interactions between these 2 systems are provided.