RETAINED PLACENTA - AN IMMUNOLOGICAL APPROACH

The underlying pathogenic mechanism of retained placenta in cattle is not fully understood. However, recent data have led us to believe that products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) can be involved in the etiology of retained placenta. We provide a short review of the risk factors and relevant morphological and endocrinological changes implicated in the shedding or retention of the fetal membranes. We then discuss in more detail the alleged role of the immune response in gestation. Finally, we focus on the potential role of histo (in)compatibility between dam and calf in the etiology of retained placenta.