الفهرس 
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate physiological and immunological effects of dexamethasone and lactoferrin on rats during pregnancy. Study was conducted on thirty-six female rat weighting ±250 g in addition to six male rats for insemination. The rats were reared in separate cages and then divided into three groups, G1: (control group) consisted of twelve rats. G2: (dexamethasone group): consisted of twelve rats injected one week before and one week after insemination with 50 µg/kg dexamethasone (I/M). G3: (lactoferrin group): included of twelve female rats take 50 µg/kg of lactoferrin orally using stomach tube one week before and one week after insemination. All 36 female rats were examined for detection of stage of estrus cycle by taking vaginal smear and examine it under microscope to determine which female in estrous phase in order to put the female with male rat for insemination. Blood samples were taken for hematological assay for counting of total and differential leukocytic count, biochemical and hormonal assay for measuring estrogen, progesterone, total antioxidant capacity, tumor necrosis factor and c-reactive protein. Uterine tissues were taken at different four time of pregnancy (5hrs,1day,3days and 7 days) in all three groups for gene expression of IL1a and IL10 by real time PCR.
Both uterine horns were excised from all pregnant rats at different four time of pregnancy (5hrs,1day,3days and 7 days) in all three groups and one sample from each horn was taken and fixed immediately in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, then stained by Hand E stain for histopathological examination of epithelial height, uterine gland diameter, uterine gland lumen and leukocyte in uterine tissue. Uterine sections from day 7 after insemination were additionally stained with Masson’s trichrome stain. Another uterine section taken and stained by giemsa stain. Results showed that dexamethasone was immunosuppressive substance that decreased number of some leukocytes in blood and in tissues particularly decreased eosinophil number as well as decreased total antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress and decreased TNF at 3 days but increased at 1 and 7 days and increased CRP. Lactoferrin was immune stimulator substance that increased count of leukocytes in blood and in uterine tissues, had an essential role in stimulating proliferation of uterine epithelial cells and secretion of important cytokines that enable preparation of uterus and implantation of embryo as well as reduced oxidation and oxidative products and increased interleukin 10 and increased number of uterine gland and blood vessels and increased eosinophil cells. At conclusion, lactoferrin improve immunity and support pregnancy but dexamethasone decrease immunity and not preferable at early pregnancy.