The evaluation of inflammation and oxidative stress following successful non-surgical uterine flushing in Tuj sheep using a Wallace Sure Pro® catheter

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of negative pressure and the efficacy of flushing the ovine uterus using Wallace Sure Pro® catheter on 20 Tuj breed sheep. The effects were measured by total duration (TD), cervical transit time (CTT), flushing duration (FD), and recovery rate of infused fluid (V). The study also assessed the intensity and duration of inflammation by analyzing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentration. Blood samples were collected from the sheep one hour before, immediately following, and at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours after the application. The average TD was 34.44 ± 1.40 min, with a CTT of 66.18 ± 13.65 s and a FD of 24.62 ± 1.15 min. The average V was 97.28 ± 0.42%. Serum cortisol levels increased immediately after the procedure, but reduced to the control level during the second hour. Malondialdehyde level rose at 2, 4, and 6 h, while reduced glutathione levels declined at 4 h. Total oxidant concentration and oxidative stress index increased at the second hour post-procedure and total antioxidant concentration decreased at the fourth hour. Tumor necrosis factor alpha concentrations increased immediately after the procedure but declined to a control level by the fourth hour post-procedure. In conclusion, the use of Wallace Sure Pro® catheter combined with negative pressure is effective for transcervical flushing and fluid recovery in sheep, induces manageable levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. The animals also showed quick decreases in inflammation and physical stress response, but oxidative stress requires additional post-procedure interventions.