Changes in the uterine metabolome of the cow during the first seven days after estrus.

The uterine microenvironment during the first 7 days after ovulation accommodates and facilitates sperm transit to the oviduct and constitutes the sole source of nutrients required for development of preimplantation embryos. Knowledge of the composition of uterine fluid is largely incomplete. Using untargeted mass spectrometry, we characterized the uterine metabolome during the first 7 days of the estrous cycle. Bovine uteri were collected on day 0 (N=4), 3 (N=4), 5 (N=3) and 7 (N=4) relative to ovulation and flushed with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline. A total of 1,993 molecular features were detected of which 184 peaks with putative identification represent 147 unique metabolites, including amino acids, benzoic acids, lipid molecules, carbohydrates, purines, pyrimidines, vitamins, and other intermediate and secondary metabolites. Results revealed changes in the uterine metabolome as the cow transitions from ovulation to day 7 of the estrous cycle. The majority of metabolites reached maximum intensity on either day 5 or day 7 relative to ovulation. Moreover, several metabolites found in uterine fluid have signaling capabilities and some have been shown to affect preimplantation embryonic development. In conclusion, the metabolome of the bovine uterus changes during early stages of the estrous cycle and is likely to participate in the regulation of preimplantation embryonic development. Data reported here will serve as basis for future studies aiming to evaluate maternal regulation of preimplantation embryonic development and optimal conditions for culture of embryos. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.