Background: Insemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma and extender, cause a rapid inflammatory response in the pig endometrium, which is characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the uterus. The transient inflammatory response to semen involves induction of cytokines. In this study, potential functions for Interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the inflammatory response to different insemination treatments were examined by studying mRNA expression and immunostaining in gilt oviduct and endometrium

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... 5-40 h after insemination. Insemination was performed with either seminal plasma (SP, n = 4), spermatozoa in the extender Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) (SPZ, n = 4), or BTS alone (n = 4). In control gilts (n = 4) an insemination catheter was inserted without anything being inseminated. Results: Results showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in the oviduct and in the endometrium. There was an approximate 2-4-fold increase in expression of IL-23 mRNA in catheter-only control compared with SPZ, SP and BTS treatment groups. IL-23 immunolabelling was detected in a small number of separate cells as well as in the sub-epithelial connective tissue of the endometrium, the endosalpinx of the isthmus and infundibulum. Conclusions: All fluids used for insemination decreased the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the endometrium compared to catheter-insertion alone, indicating a possible role for IL-23 in the inflammatory response after insemination in gilts.