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Zhao F, Wei QW, Li BJ, Weng QN, Jiang Y, Ning CB, Liu KQ, Wu WJ, Liu HL. Impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone administration on the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows. Endocr J 2022; 69:23-33. [PMID: 34456194 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress affects the reproductive health of mammals; however, the impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) level elevation during chronic stress on the reproduction of weaned sows remains unclear. In this study, nine weaned sows with the same parturition date were randomly divided into control group (n = 4) and ACTH group (n = 5). Each group received intravenous administration of ACTH three times daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected every 3 h after injection. A radioimmunoassay was used to measure the concentrations of cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) in the blood. Estrus was determined according to changes in the vulva and the boar contact test. The mRNA expressions of glucocorticoid receptor, FSH receptor, LH receptor (LHR) in the corpus luteum (CL) were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that ACTH administration substantially delayed the initiation of estrus and the pre-ovulatory LH peak. The sows of control group ovulated within 10 days and the ovulation rate was 100%, while it was 60% in the ACTH group. Two sows of ACTH group showed pseudo-estrus. The E2 concentrations significantly decreased in the ACTH group at 36 h, 42 h and 66 h of the experimental period. The P4 concentrations in the ACTH group significantly decreased at 132, 138, and 147 h of the experimental period. ACTH significantly reduced the LHR mRNA expression in CLs. In conclusion, long-term repeated ACTH administration affects the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
- Key Laboratory of Crop and Animal Integrated Farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Quan-Wei Wei
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Bo-Jiang Li
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qian-Nan Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Cai-Bo Ning
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Kai-Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wang-Jun Wu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hong-Lin Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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Pastorelli G, Serra V, Turin L, Redaelli V, Luzi F, Barbieri S. Tranquillizing Effect of Passiflora incarnata Extract: Outcome on Behavioral and Physiological Indicators in Weaning Pigs with Intact Tails. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020203. [PMID: 35049826 PMCID: PMC8773376 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Post-weaning is the most critical phase in pig farming, characterized by efforts to ensure health, performance and welfare of animals. Despite that EU Directive 2008/120/EC prohibits the practice of tail docking, it is still commonly applied in intensive farming to avoid tail biting. From a nutritional perspective, the dietary supplementation with natural extracts with calming properties could represent a promising approach to overcome common production stressors, reducing abnormal behaviors such as tail biting. This study intended to determine the effects of the dietary inclusion of Passiflora incarnata, known for its tranquillizing activity, on skin lesions, thermal imaging, behavior, salivary cortisol and IgA levels on post-weaning piglets reared with intact tails. Growth performances were also monitored. No differences were recorded between diets regarding growth performance, whereas findings concerning aggressive and abnormal behaviors, such as tail and ear biting, and lower levels of cortisol confirmed the hypothesis of the calming effect of P. incarnata on post-weaning piglets. Abstract Tail docking has been used in the pig industry to decrease the occurrence of tail biting behavior. This abnormal behavior has a multifactorial origin since it is a response to simultaneous environmental, nutritional and management changes. Given the calming properties of Passiflora incarnata, we hypothesized that dietary supplementation with the extract in weaned pigs could result in a modification of behavior and physiologic indicators linked to stress. Weaned piglets (n = 120, mean body weight 9.07 ± 2.30 kg) were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments: control diet (CON) and CON supplemented with 1 kg/t of P. incarnata (PAS). The trial was 28 days long. The presence of skin lesions was assessed at d-1, d-10, d-19, and d-28, and saliva samples were collected for IgA and cortisol determinations at the same sampling times. Results showed the PAS group was characterized by equal growth performance as the CON group, fewer ear lesions (p < 0.05), less aggressive behavior (p < 0.001), higher enrichment exploration (p < 0.001) and lower cortisol levels (p < 0.01). Time effect was observed for tail lesions (p < 0.001) and behavioral observations (p < 0.001). Additional research is required to determine the effect of P. incarnata extract using a larger number of animals and longer period of supplementation when risks associated with tail biting are uncontrolled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Pastorelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Valentina Serra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (L.T.); Tel.: +39-02-503-34762 (V.S.); +39-02-503-34518 (L.T.)
| | - Lauretta Turin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (L.T.); Tel.: +39-02-503-34762 (V.S.); +39-02-503-34518 (L.T.)
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milano, Via della Commenda 10, 20100 Milano, Italy; (V.R.); (F.L.)
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milano, Via della Commenda 10, 20100 Milano, Italy; (V.R.); (F.L.)
| | - Sara Barbieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
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Davidson A, Malkinson D, Schonblum A, Koren L, Shanas U. Do boars compensate for hunting with higher reproductive hormones? CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab068. [PMID: 34512990 PMCID: PMC8415534 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The predation-stress hypothesis has been proposed as a general mechanism to explain the negative effect of predation risk on reproduction, through a chronic activation of the stress response. However, in some cases, stress appears to augment the reproductive potential of mammals. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are on a rise worldwide, despite the high hunting pressure that they are exposed to. This hunting pressure instigates, among other effects, earlier sexual maturity in juvenile females, leading to the shortening of wild boars' generation time. The mechanism that underlies this earlier sexual maturity under high hunting pressure has not been examined to date. To explore the physiological effects that hunting has on the reproductive system and whether the stress response is involved, we examined steroid hormone levels in the hair of female wild boars in northern Israel, comparing populations exposed to high and low hunting pressure. Furthermore, we compared steroid levels in the hair of female wild boars that were roaming alone or as a part of a group. We found no hormonal signs of stress in the hunted boars. Cortisol levels were low in both the high and low hunting-pressure groups. Yet, progesterone levels were higher in females that were exposed to high hunting pressure. Females roaming in a group also had higher progesterone levels compared to females that were alone, with no distinguishable differences in cortisol levels. These elevations in reproductive hormones that were associated with hunting may lead to a higher reproductive potential in female wild boars. They further show that high hunting pressure does not necessarily lead to chronic stress that impairs the reproductive potential of female wild boars. This data suggests that a reproductive hormonal response may be one of the factors leading to the rapid wild boars population growth worldwide, despite the high hunting pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achiad Davidson
- Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Dan Malkinson
- Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave.,Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Qatzrin, 1290000, Israel
| | - Anat Schonblum
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Lee Koren
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Uri Shanas
- Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Biology and Environment, University of Haifa–Oranim,
Tivon, 3600600, Israel
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Belotti EM, Amweg AN, Matiller V, Varela ML, Stassi AF, Velázquez MML, Ortega HH, Rey F, Salvetti NR. Effects of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine ovary. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:748-762. [PMID: 32362313 DOI: 10.1071/rd19232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle undergo numerous environmental and management stressors that reduce fertility and affect ovulation. The extracellular matrix of the follicle wall can be altered by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the activities of which are regulated by interleukins and tissue-specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), especially during ovulation. The aims of the present study were to: (1) evaluate changes in the hormone milieu, the localisation and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 and the localisation of MMP14, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) during the preovulatory period in cows; and (2) determine the direct effects of ACTH on the mRNA expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the cultured follicle wall of bovine ovaries obtained from an abattoir. 100IU ACTH was administered during pro-oestrus every 12h until ovariectomy, which was performed before ovulation. Cortisol concentrations in the plasma and follicular fluid (FF) of preovulatory follicles were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows. Progesterone presented subluteal concentrations in plasma of ACTH-treated cows (P<0.05). MMP2 immunostaining and activity in ovaries were higher in ACTH-treated than control cows (P<0.05), whereas MMP9 immunostaining was similar between the two groups. However, unlike in control cows, MMP9 activity was absent in the FF of ACTH-treated cows. These results suggest that the administration of ACTH during the preovulatory period in cows could cause changes that culminate in modifications in the content and activation of MMPs and TIMPs in the ovary, which could interfere with the ovulation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Belotti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - A N Amweg
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - V Matiller
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M L Varela
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - A F Stassi
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M M L Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - H H Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - F Rey
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - N R Salvetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, R. P. Kreder 2805, CP3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; and Corresponding author.
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Zhao F, Wu W, Wei Q, Shen M, Li B, Jiang Y, Liu K, Liu H. Exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone affects genome‐wide DNA methylation and transcriptome of corpus luteum in sows. FASEB J 2018; 33:3264-3278. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801081rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Wangjun Wu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Quanwei Wei
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Ming Shen
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Bojiang Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Kaiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Honglin Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and BreedingCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
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Thomsson O, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y, Eliasson-Selling L, Lundeheim N, Magnusson U. Aggression and cortisol levels in three different group housing routines for lactating sows. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:9. [PMID: 25884361 PMCID: PMC4340676 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactating sows in Swedish organic piglet production are commonly group-housed with piglets in a multi-suckling pen within 14 days after farrowing. Nursing behaviour may be disturbed when lactating sows are moved to a new environment and mixed with other sows, as they spend more time fighting with other sows and exploring the new surroundings. This can disrupt the inhibitory effect of suckling on ovarian activity and increase the risk of lactational oestrus, making efficient reproductive management difficult. Therefore this study evaluated aggression and levels of the stress hormone cortisol in lactating sows group-housed together with their piglets at one (W1), two (W2) or three (W3) weeks post farrowing. RESULTS There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the three management routines (W1, W2, W3) regarding number of attacks initiated or received in the mixed group. After mixing, W2 sows had a lower number of shoulder scratches (P < 0.05) than W3 sows. Among the W3 sows, there was a lower (P < 0.01) cortisol concentration in saliva when sows were group housed compared to when they were individually housed. The cortisol response, measured as variation in cortisol concentration in saliva, was also lower (P < 0.05) in group-housed W3 sows compared with W1 sows. For all management routines, sows already living in the new environment (resident sows) initiated more attacks (P < 0.001) and received fewer attacks (P < 0.01) than sows entering the new environment (intruder sows). Overall, multiparous sows initiated more attacks and received fewer attacks than primiparous sows (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results suggest that mixing and group housing sows at three weeks post farrowing is less stressful than mixing and group housing sows at one week post farrowing. The results also indicate that parity and whether a sow is a resident or intruder in the group housing environment may have an effect on aggression levels when sows are group-housed.
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González R, Kumaresan A, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson YCB. Blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow negatively affects in vitro fertilization by disturbing spermatozoa function. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1128-39. [PMID: 25623229 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Successful fertilization is essential for reproduction and might be negatively affected by stressful events, which could alter the environment where fertilization occurs. The aim of the study was to determine whether an altered hormonal profile in blood plasma caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration could affect in vitro fertilization in the pig model. In experiment 1, gametes were exposed for 24 hours to plasma from ACTH-treated, non-ACTH-treated sows, or medium with BSA. Fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were lower in the ACTH group compared with the no ACTH or BSA control groups (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, the exposure of matured oocytes for 1 hour before fertilization to the same treatments did not have an impact on their ability to undergo fertilization or on embryo development. In experiment 3, spermatozoa were incubated for 0, 1, 4, and 24 hours under the same conditions. There was no effect of treatment on sperm viability. The percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa remained higher in the ACTH group compared with the non-ACTH-treated group through the incubation period (P < 0.001). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) patterns were also affected by treatment (P < 0.001). The presence of an atypical PTP pattern was higher in the ACTH group at all the analyzed time points compared with the BSA and no ACTH groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this altered environment may not affect oocyte competence but might affect the sperm fertilizing ability through alterations in the acrosome reaction and correct sequence of PTP patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden; Cattle Yard, LPM, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - A S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Y C B Sjunnesson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Thomsson O, Ström-Holst B, Sjunnesson Y, Bergqvist AS. Validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed for measuring cortisol concentration in human saliva and serum for its applicability to analyze cortisol in pig saliva. Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:55. [PMID: 25193181 PMCID: PMC4172964 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0055-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to validate a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed for measuring free cortisol in human saliva and total cortisol concentration in diluted human serum, for its applicability in measuring cortisol concentration in pig saliva. Collection of saliva is less stressful than e.g. blood sampling, and is a non-invasive method. Findings Saliva was collected by allowing sows to chew on cotton swabs held by forceps. Thereafter, the swabs were centrifuged to retrieve the saliva. The ELISA was performed according to instructions provided by the manufacturer. To validate the ELISA, determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV), inter-assay CV, recovery, linearity and parallelism was performed. The intra-assay CV was below 10% and inter-assay CV below 15% for samples of high, medium and low cortisol concentrations. The mean recovery was 117% and the linearity and parallelism showed an r2-value of 0.994 and 0.993, respectively. For biological assessment of induced social stress, two saliva samples were collected in the morning from 6 primiparous and 21 multiparous sows. One sample was collected when the sows were individually housed in a farrowing pen and a second sample was collected when the sows were group housed. The primiparous sows had a significant higher cortisol concentration compared to the multiparous sows when group housed. Conclusion The results obtained in this validation study indicate that the ELISA is suitable for measuring cortisol concentration in porcine saliva.
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González R, Sjunnesson YCB. Effect of blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow on oocyte in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2013; 80:673-83. [PMID: 23886600 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction may be affected by stressful events changing the female endocrine or metabolic profile. An altered environment during oocyte development could influence the delicate process of oocyte maturation. Here, the effect of simulated stress by media supplementation with blood plasma from sows after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration during the preovulatory period was assessed. Oocytes were matured for 46 hours in the presence of plasma from ACTH-treated sows, or plasma from NaCl-treated control sows, or medium without plasma (BSA group). The plasma used had been collected at 36 and 12 hours (±2 hours) before ovulation (for the first 24 hours + last 22 hours of maturation, respectively). Subsequent fertilization and embryo development were evaluated. Actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns were studied by confocal microscopy both in the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. Nuclear maturation did not differ between treatments. Subtle differences were observed in the actin microfilaments in oocytes; however, mitochondrial patterns were associated with the treatment (P < 0.001). These differences in mitochondrial patterns were not reflected by in vitro outcomes, which were similar in all groups. In conclusion, an altered hormonal environment provided by a brief exposure to plasma from ACTH-treated sows during in vitro oocyte maturation could induce alterations in actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns in oocytes. However, these changes might not hamper the subsequent in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kelley DE, Gibbons JR, Smith R, Vernon KL, Pratt-Phillip SE, Mortensen CJ. Exercise affects both ovarian follicular dynamics and hormone concentrations in mares. Theriogenology 2011; 76:615-22. [PMID: 21497892 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives were to evaluate the effects of exercise on ovarian folliculogenesis and related hormones in mares. Mares (n = 11) were randomly assigned into a control (non-exercised) or treatment (exercised) group. Treatment mares (n = 5) were moderately exercised for 30 min, 6 d/wk. All mares underwent daily transrectal ultrasonographic examinations and ovarian follicles > 6 mm were measured. Blood samples were collected during the first (Cycle 1) and last (Cycle 4) cycle, and serum concentrations of cortisol, LH, and FSH were determined. Mean cortisol concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) in exercised mares, 6.29 ± 0.22 compared with 5.62 ± 0.16 ng/dL (mean ± SEM), 30 min post exercise. There were no significant differences between groups in mean FSH concentrations; however, exercised mares had lower (17.3 ± 6.4 vs 41.1 ± 5.5 ng/mL; P < 0.05) peak LH concentrations. Furthermore, exercised mares experienced a longer (24.7 ± 0.8 vs 22.2 ± 0.8 d; P < 0.05) mean interovulatory interval for all cycles combined, fewer (P < 0.05) follicles 6 to 20 mm in diameter, and an increased (P < 0.05) number of follicles >20 mm following deviation. The dominant and largest subordinate follicle in exercised mares had a greater (P < 0.05) mean diameter on the day of deviation, suggesting delayed deviation. Exercised mares also tended (P = 0.06) to have an increased number of cycles with at least two dominant follicles compared to control (62 vs 36%, respectively), indicating a decreased ability of the largest follicle to assert dominance. Under the conditions of this study, moderately exercising mares induced higher cortisol concentrations, lowered peak LH concentrations, and altered ovarian follicular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Kelley
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, USA.
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