Lipopolysaccharide induces SBD-1 expression via the P38 MAPK signaling pathway in ovine oviduct epithelial cells

Background Beta defensins are secreted from ovine oviduct epithelial cells (OOECs) in response to microbial infection, and are potential alternatives to antibiotic agents in the treatment of microorganism infection, particularly given the abuse of antibiotic agents and the increasing number of drug-resistant bacteria. The aberrant expression of defensins may result in disorders involving organ and oviduct inflammation, such as salpingitis.