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Newcombe JR, Wilsher S, Silva ESM, Sala-Ayala L, Cuervo-Arango J. Seasonal absence of supplementary corpora lutea in pregnant mares and the relationship with pregnancy loss. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 131:104960. [PMID: 37925112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted in the Northern (UK) and Southern (Brazil) hemispheres to determine the effect of season (month of conception) on the development of supplementary CL (SCL) and the relationship with pregnancy loss. In experiment 1, 199 pregnancies were followed between Day 14 and term, to determine the number of SCL and pregnancy viability (Northern Hemisphere). From the 199 pregnancies, 178 were obtained from inseminations during the breeding season (March-September), while the rest, 21 pregnancies resulted from conceptions in the non-breeding season (October to February). Pregnancies conceived in the breeding season were more likely (P < 0.01) to have at least 1 SCL (75.8 %, 135/178) than pregnancies from the non-breeding season (33 %, 7/21). However, the pregnancy loss between Days 35 and 120 of pregnancy in mares with no SCL was similar (3.5 %, 2/57; P >0.1) than from mares with SCL (1.4 %, 2/142). In Experiment 2 (Southern Hemisphere), three groups of recipients were used based on their ovarian activity at the time of embryo transfer: Anestrus (n = 8), transitional (n = 7) and cyclic (n = 7) recipient mares. While all transitional and cyclic mares developed at least 1 SCL, only 50 % of anestrous recipients (4/8) developed SCL by 120 of gestation. In conclusion, the development of SCL in pregnant mares is influenced by the time of season of conception, therefore it appears to be regulated by the photoperiod and the endogenous seasonal variation in gonadotropin concentrations. Mares with no SCL were not at increased risk of pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Newcombe
- Warren House Farm, Equine Fertility Clinic, Brownhills, West Midlands, UK
| | - Sandra Wilsher
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, "Brunswick", Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | - Elisa S M Silva
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Laura Sala-Ayala
- Equine Fertility Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Equine Fertility Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Wagner LH, Aurich J, Melchert M, Okada CTC, Gautier C, Kaps M, Claaßen S, Aurich C. Low progesterone concentration in early pregnancy is detrimental to conceptus development and pregnancy outcome in horses. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 257:107334. [PMID: 37725863 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
High progesterone concentrations in the early luteal phase support pregnancy, whereas subphysiological progesterone concentrations delay embryonic development at least until placentation. In this study, fetal growth and development of pregnancy was investigated in pregnancies with prostaglandin F2α-induced low progesterone concentrations (PGF) in the early luteal phase and control pregnancies (CON) in the same mares (n = 12). Mares were inseminated and in PGF pregnancies received the prostaglandin F2α analogue cloprostenol (62.5 µg) on days 0-3 after ovulation to induce subphysiological progesterone concentrations; CON pregnancies remained untreated. Mares were assigned to PGF or CON treatments in alternating order and received the opposite treatment in the following year. Blood was collected and conceptus size determined repeatedly by transrectal (≤day 101) and transabdominal (>day 101) ultrasonography. After birth, foals were weighed, measured and submitted to a clinical examination. Treatment PGF resulted in fewer pregnancies than CON treatment. All foals born from CON pregnancies were healthy and mature, whereas 4/7 PGF pregnancies were either lost (one embryonic death, one abortion) or resulted in the birth of compromised foals (P = 0.018). Size of the conceptus (e.g., diameter day 49: PGF 6.6 ± 0.7, CON 7.7 ± 0.7 cm, P = 0.006) and embryo proper (e.g., crown rump length day 54; PGF 4.4 ± 0.8, CON 5.8 ± 0.6 cm, P = 0.015) differed between treatments. These size differences decreased over time and at birth PGF foals did not differ significantly from CON foals. In conclusion, reduced progesterone concentration in the early luteal phase leads to delayed conceptus growth beyond placentation and increased pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Hélène Wagner
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Maria Melchert
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Carolina T C Okada
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Martim Kaps
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Svenja Claaßen
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria.
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3
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Yang X, Wang R, He Z, Dai X, Jiang X, Liu H, Li Y. Abiotic transformation of synthetic progestins in representative soil mineral suspensions. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 127:375-388. [PMID: 36522069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Altrenogest (ALT), drospirenone (DRO), and melengestrol acetate (MLA) are three highly potent synthetic progestins that can be released into agricultural soils, while their fate in soil minerals remains unclear. This study explored the transformation of these progestins in MnO2, SiO2, and ferrihydrite suspensions and identified their transformation products (TPs) via high resolution mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. Transformations were only observed for DRO and MLA in SiO2 suspension and ALT in MnO2 suspension (half-lives = 0.86 min - 9.90 day). ALT transformation was facilitated at higher MnO2 loadings, while DRO and MLA transformations were inhibited at higher SiO2 loadings. These data indicated that hydrophobic partitioning interaction was dominant at higher SiO2 loadings rather than specific interaction, which limited subsequent surface-catalyzed transformation. ALT transformation rate decreased with increasing pH because MnO2 reduction requires proton participation. In contrast, relatively high pH facilitated MLA and DRO transformation, indicating that base-catalyzed hydrolysis occurred in SiO2 suspension. The clustermap demonstrated the formation of abundant TPs. Lactone ring and acetoxy group hydrolysis was the major transformation pathway for DRO and MLA, with estimated yields of 57.7% and 173.2% at 6 day, respectively. ALT experienced C12 hydroxylation and formed the major TP 326g (yield of 15.4% at 8 hr). ALT also experienced allyl group oxidation and subsequent C5 hydroxylation, forming the major TP 344a (yield of 14.1% at 8 hr). This study demonstrates that TPs of metastable progestins are likely the main species in soils and that TP identification is a particular priority for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zhili He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiong Dai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - He Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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4
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Jiang X, Xue Z, Chen W, Xu M, Liu H, Liang J, Zhang L, Sun Y, Liu C, Yang X. Biotransformation kinetics and pathways of typical synthetic progestins in soil microcosms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130684. [PMID: 36586332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gestodene (GES), altrenogest (ALT), and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) are three potent synthetic progestins detected in agricultural soils; however, their biotransformation outcomes in soils remain unclear. This study explored the biotransformation of these progestins in five agricultural soils with different physicochemical properties. The biotransformation data were well-described by a first-order decay model (R2 = 0.83-0.99), with estimated half-lives ranging between 12.1 and 188 h. Amplicon sequencing indicated that the presence of progestins changed the bacterial richness and community structure in the soils. Linear correlation, canonical correlation, and two-way correlation network analysis revealed that soil properties can affect biotransformation rates by interfering with progestin-soil interactions or with keystone taxa in soils. The clustermap demonstrated the formation of abundant transformation products (TPs). Isomerization and C4(5) hydrogenation were the major transformation pathways for GES (yields of ∼ 13.7 % and ∼ 10.6 %, respectively). Aromatic dehydrogenation was the major transformation pathway for ALT (yield of ∼ 17.4 %). The C17 hydrolysis with subsequent dehydration and hydrogenation was the major transformation pathway for MPA (yield of ∼ 196 %). In particular, some TPs exhibited progestagenic, androgenic, or estrogenic activity. This study highlights the importance of evaluating the ecotoxicity of progestin and TP mixtures for better understanding their risks in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Jiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Zhongye Xue
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Weisong Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Manxin Xu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - He Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Jiahao Liang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Yan Sun
- Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science & Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510650, PR China
| | - Churong Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
| | - Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
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5
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Shilton CA, Kahler A, Roach JM, Raudsepp T, de Mestre AM. Lethal variants of equine pregnancy: is it the placenta or foetus leading the conceptus in the wrong direction? Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:51-69. [PMID: 36592981 DOI: 10.1071/rd22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic and foetal loss remain one of the greatest challenges in equine reproductive health with 5-10% of established day 15 pregnancies and a further 5-10% of day 70 pregnancies failing to produce a viable foal. The underlying reason for these losses is variable but ultimately most cases will be attributed to pathologies of the environment of the developing embryo and later foetus, or a defect intrinsic to the embryo itself that leads to lethality at any stage of gestation right up to birth. Historically, much research has focused on the maternal endometrium, endocrine and immune responses in pregnancy and pregnancy loss, as well as infectious agents such as pathogens, and until recently very little was known about the both small and large genetic variants associated with reduced foetal viability in the horse. In this review, we first introduce key aspects of equine placental and foetal development. We then discuss incidence, risk factors and causes of pregnancy loss, with the latter focusing on genetic variants described to date that can impact equine foetal viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Shilton
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anne Kahler
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jessica M Roach
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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Grabowska A, Kozdrowski R. Relationship between estrus endometrial edema and progesterone production in pregnant mares two weeks after ovulation. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:414. [PMID: 36414934 PMCID: PMC9680132 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03512-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone plays a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy from conception to about 100-120 days of gestation when placenta becomes the main source of gestagens. The aim of the study was to test progesterone concentration 14 days after ovulation in pregnant mares and relate it to peak estral endometrial edema and the presence of intrauterine fluid (IUF) after artificial insemination (AI), the number of treatments against IUF, and the time from AI to the day when the uterus was found free of fluid. RESULTS Mares were divided into two groups: group A (n = 13; age 10.8 ± 4.5 years) in which a normal embryonic vesicle with a diameter ≥ 14 mm and a corpus luteum with a diameter ≥ 15 mm were found 14 days after ovulation, and group B (n = 22; age 9.4 ± 4 .0 years) in which 14 days after ovulation, a small (< 15 mm) corpus luteum and/or a small embryonic vesicle was observed (diameter < 14 mm). Mares from group A had a significantly higher progesterone concentrations at 14 days after ovulation compared with group B mares. The presence of IUF, the number of treatments against IUF, and the time from AI to the day when uterus was found free of fluid did not affect progesterone concentration measured 14 days after ovulation. In group B, a significant correlation was found between progesterone concentration measured 14 days after ovulation and endometrial edema evaluated during estrus. CONCLUSIONS In some cases poor development of endometrial edema during estrus can be associated with lower progesterone production 14 days after ovulation. Nevertheless, scientific explanation for this finding cannot be given based on our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grabowska
- Anawet Sp. Z O.O., Ul. Spółdzielcza 3, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Roland Kozdrowski
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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7
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Low Plasma Progesterone Concentration During the Early Luteal Phase Delays Endometrial Development and the Beginning of Placentation in Mares. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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8
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Derisoud E, Jouneau L, Dubois C, Archilla C, Jaszczyszyn Y, Legendre R, Daniel N, Peynot N, Dahirel M, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Wimel L, Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Maternal age affects equine day 8 embryo gene expression both in trophoblast and inner cell mass. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:443. [PMID: 35705916 PMCID: PMC9199136 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breeding a mare until she is not fertile or even until her death is common in equine industry but the fertility decreases as the mare age increases. Embryo loss due to reduced embryo quality is partly accountable for this observation. Here, the effect of mare's age on blastocysts' gene expression was explored. Day 8 post-ovulation embryos were collected from multiparous young (YM, 6-year-old, N = 5) and older (OM, > 10-year-old, N = 6) non-nursing Saddlebred mares, inseminated with the semen of one stallion. Pure or inner cell mass (ICM) enriched trophoblast, obtained by embryo bisection, were RNA sequenced. Deconvolution algorithm was used to discriminate gene expression in the ICM from that in the trophoblast. Differential expression was analyzed with embryo sex and diameter as cofactors. Functional annotation and classification of differentially expressed genes and gene set enrichment analysis were also performed. RESULTS Maternal aging did not affect embryo recovery rate, embryo diameter nor total RNA quantity. In both compartments, the expression of genes involved in mitochondria and protein metabolism were disturbed by maternal age, although more genes were affected in the ICM. Mitosis, signaling and adhesion pathways and embryo development were decreased in the ICM of embryos from old mares. In trophoblast, ion movement pathways were affected. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that maternal age affects gene expression in the equine blastocyst, demonstrating significant effects as early as 10 years of age. These perturbations may affect further embryo development and contribute to decreased fertility due to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cédric Dubois
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Catherine Archilla
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), UMR 9198 CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University F-91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-Department of Computational Biology, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Daniel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nathalie Peynot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michèle Dahirel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Laurence Wimel
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Véronique Duranthon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Derisoud E, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Palmer E, Robles M, Chavatte-Palmer P. Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:52-116. [PMID: 35231230 DOI: 10.1071/rd21267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although puberty can occur as early as 14-15months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d'Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; and INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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10
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Becsek A, Tzanidakis N, Blanco M, Schmicke M, Bollwein H. Transrectal three-dimensional fetal volumetry in early pregnant mares: Relationships between maternal factors and equine fetal volume measurements. Theriogenology 2021; 174:20-26. [PMID: 34416560 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal, hormonal, and fetal factors on early fetal volume (FV) measurements in mares obtained by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Furthermore, postpartum parameters were explored in regard to their association with early FV. For this purpose, 149 German warmblood mares that were artificially inseminated and confirmed to be pregnant between days 14-16 of gestation, were examined transrectally at day 45 ± 1 of gestation with the portable 3D ultrasound device Voluson® i (GE, Zipf, Austria). FV was calculated by using the extension software Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™). Two different mixed linear models were used to analyze associations between the investigated maternal and fetal factors and the FV. Explanatory variables investigated in the first model were: maternal age, parity, maternal weight, and body condition score, type of pregnancy (recipient or biological mother), barren status (lactating or non-lactating), fetal sex, progesterone (P4) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) concentrations; and in the second model outcome variables such as gestational length, birth weight, placental weight, fetal sex, and abortion were included in the analysis. The final models revealed a significant relation between FV and eCG (b = 0.011, P = 0.030), as well as with P4 (b = -0.053, P = 0.016), but interestingly P4 was negatively related to FV. Fetal sex showed the most prominent effect on FV (b = -0.256, P = 0.039), with female fetuses being smaller than male fetuses. In the second model none of the investigated parameters were related to early FV except for fetal sex (b = -0.328, P = 0.047), again with female fetuses being smaller. In summary, it was found that FV is related with eCG, P4 and fetal sex, but was no suitable predicting factor for the investigated outcome parameters. Furthermore, the findings suggest that sex specific growth differences exist already in early gestation. The detailed biological mechanism by which P4 and eCG affect fetal size has to be investigated in prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Becsek
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Nikolaos Tzanidakis
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Miguel Blanco
- Gestüt Lewitz, PS Pferdehaltung GmbH, Lewitzhof 1, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe, Germany.
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Gestüt Lewitz, PS Pferdehaltung GmbH, Lewitzhof 1, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe, Germany.
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
| | - M. H. T. Troedsson
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
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12
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Binder C, Aurich J, Scarlet D, Reichart U, Walter I, Aurich C. Expression of nuclear progesterone receptor, progesterone receptor membrane components 1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 in the endometrium and oviduct of spontaneously ovulating cats. Theriogenology 2021; 172:200-206. [PMID: 34271496 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although ovulations not followed by pregnancy occur regularly in cats, differences in endometrial function between cats in the luteal and non-luteal phase have not been studied so far. Progesterone exerts its effects through a nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and via cell-membrane bound receptors referred to as progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2. Progesterone receptor expression is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones and therefore may change throughout the oestrous cycle. Protein expression of PGR, PGRMC-1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was analysed in the endometrium and oviduct of non-pregnant female cats in the follicular (n = 8) and luteal phase (n = 9). We hypothesized that the presence of corpora lutea (CL) is associated with downregulation of progesterone receptors and PTGS2. Cells of the luminal endometrial epithelium, endometrial stroma and oviductal epithelium were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The PGR protein expression was more pronounced in the endometrial epithelium than stroma (p < 0.001) and less pronounced in cats with a CL than without CL (p < 0.001) but did not differ between groups in the oviduct. The PTGS2 was localized only in the endometrial and oviductal epithelium and its expression was reduced in cats with CL (p = 0.001). In the endometrial epithelium, PGRMC-1 expression was reduced in cats with CL (p < 0.05). Expression of PGRMC-2 was highest in the endometrial epithelium and lowest in the endometrial stroma (p = 0.01) but did not differ between cats with and without CL. In conclusion, progesterone receptor and PTGS2 downregulation in the female cat closely resembles findings in other spontaneously ovulating domestic animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Binder
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - J Aurich
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Scarlet
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Reichart
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Castro T, Jacob JC, Stefani G, Domingues RR, Ginther OJ. Concentrations of progesterone and a PGF2α metabolite during the interovulatory interval compared to the corresponding days of pregnancy in mares. Theriogenology 2021; 165:10-17. [PMID: 33601089 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of progesterone (P4) and a metabolite of PGF2α (PGFM) in mares were compared between the interovulatory interval (IOI; n = 8) and the corresponding days of pregnancy (n = 9). In daily blood samples, P4 increased between the day of ovulation (Day 0) and ∼Day 6 and then gradually decreased until the beginning of luteolysis in the IOI group. Before the beginning of luteolysis, there were no significant differences in P4 concentrations between the IOI and early pregnancy. In the IOI, PGFM concentration on the day before the beginning of luteolysis began to increase (P < 0.04) and reached a maximum mean (42.9 ± 11.6 pg/mL) on Day 14. In pregnancy, a novel increase in PGFM occurred from Day 12 to a maximum mean on Day 15 (16.7 ± 3.1 pg/mL). Daily PGFM concentrations were not different between the two groups until the increase just before luteolysis in the IOI. During 8-h sessions of hourly blood sampling, the mean and maximum PGFM concentrations were significantly greater in IOI than in pregnancy for each 8-h session on Days 13, 14, and 15. The minimum was not different between groups on any day. Pulses of PGFM were identified by coefficient of variation during the hourly 8-h sessions on day-sets of Days 4-7, 9-11, and 13-16. Despite the PGFM increase in daily samples between Days 12 and 15 of pregnancy, the amplitude and peaks of CV-identified pulses did not differ in the pregnant mares among the three day-sets. The pulses were similarly small for day-sets 4-7 and 9-11 in the IOI and for all day-sets in pregnancy (eg, amplitude on Days 13-16: 43.4 ± 15.6 pg/mL vs 5.4 ± 1.1 pg/mL for IOI vs pregnancy). Hypothesis 1 was not supported that daily PGFM concentrations in an IOI increase at the intersection between the end of the rapid P4 increase and the gradual P4 decrease. Hypothesis 2 was supported that pregnant mares have low amplitude PGFM pulses during the days of the high amplitude pulses at luteolysis in the IOI.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Castro
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil; Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI, 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - J C Jacob
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - G Stefani
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - R R Domingues
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI, 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - O J Ginther
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI, 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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Hannan MA, Murata K, Takeuchi S, Haneda S, Cheong SH, Nambo Y. Secretion of equine chorionic gonadotropin and its association with supplementary corpus luteum formation and progesterone concentration in Hokkaido native pony recipient mares. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106424. [PMID: 32006873 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.106424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the plasma profile of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and its association with the formation of supplementary corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone concentrations in embryo transfer Hokkaido native pony recipient mares. Blood samples and transrectal ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract were carried out weekly from the day of ovulation until week 32 of gestation (n = 4). Plasma concentrations of eCG and progesterone were measured by enzyme immunoassays. The eCG concentration was first detectable at week 5 for 2 mares and at week 6 for another 2 mares. Immediately after detection, the mean plasma eCG concentrations were observed to rise sharply and reach a peak at week 8. The concentrations then declined dramatically to a baseline (<0.5 IU/mL) by week 21. Plasma progesterone p=p concentrations increased in 2 phases. First, a sharp increase from 0.18 ± 0.05 ng/mL at ovulation to 15.9 ± 4.6 ng/mL at week 1 was observed, then a decrease to 9.69 ± 2.27 ng/mL by week 2, and maintained at this level until week 5 of gestation. The onset of the second rise occurred at week 6 and was observed to peak to 58.3 ± 21.8 ng/mL at week 10, then gradually declined to <10 ng/mL by week 26. The supplementary CLs were first detectable by pregnancy week 6 and 7 for 2 mares each. All supplementary and primary CLs regressed by week 26 for 3 mares and by week 30 for the remaining mare. The mean number of supplementary CL was 4.5 ± 0.8 and their formation in the right ovary (66.7%, 12/18) was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the left ovary (33.3%, 6/18). Among the mares, 1 mare that developed only 2 supplementary CL had 35% lower level of peak eCG and 65% lower concentration of peak progesterone compared with other 3 mares that had 5 or 6 supplementary CL. In conclusion, development of supplementary CL and blood concentrations of progesterone from around day 40 of gestation were associated with eCG concentration. The total number of supplementary CL formation in the present study in embryo transfer Hokkaido native pony recipient mares seemed higher than previously reported supplementary CL number in pregnant mares, with a greater rate in the right ovary than in left.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hannan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - K Murata
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - S Takeuchi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - S Haneda
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - S H Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Y Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
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15
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Hannan MA, Haneda S, Murata K, Takeuchi S, Cheong SH, Nambo Y. Birth of first foals through embryo transfer after artificial insemination using frozen semen in Japan. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:193-197. [PMID: 31983706 PMCID: PMC7175392 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now, there have been no reports of foals born through embryo transfer after artificial insemination using frozen semen in Japan. The aims of this study were to develop a riding
crossbred horse and evaluate the prospects of embryo transfer technology in multiplying horse population. In both donor and recipient mares, luteolysis was induced by the administration of
0.1 mg Cloprostenol to synchronize the onset of estrus, and ovulation was induced by administering 2000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or 0.75 mg Deslorelin. Frozen semen from an
Irish Connemara pony stallion was used to breed a Hokkaido native pony mare by deep-horn artificial insemination (dose, 400 × 106 sperm). A non-surgical technique was used to
collect embryos from the donor mare at day 7 post-ovulation and transfer them transcervically into the uterus of recipient mares (n = 4) immediately after collection. Weekly blood samples
were collected from the recipients throughout pregnancy. A total of four embryos were recovered from seven collection attempts (57% recovery) from a donor mare in a single breeding season.
Three of the four transferred embryos maintained successful pregnancy and delivered a healthy live foal (75% birth). A normal progesterone profile was observed throughout gestation in
recipient mares. In conclusion, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, this study describes the birth of foals through non-surgical transcervical embryo transfer in Japan after
artificial insemination using frozen semen. We expect that this new crossbreed (Connemara pony × Hokkaido native pony) will be a good riding breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hannan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gono University, Savar 1344, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shingo Haneda
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kaishi Murata
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shiori Takeuchi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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16
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Li Y, Yang H, Qiu S, Wang S, Xia L, Bu S. Investigations on residual elimination of altrenogest oral solution in pigs and the withdrawal time. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 32:310-317. [PMID: 31814507 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2019.1689989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The residual elimination of altrenogest in swine was investigated, preparing for the determination of withdrawal time. The residues of altrenogest in sebum, muscle, liver and kidney were extracted by optimized methods and further analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Under experimental conditions, the LOD and LOQ of altrenogest in sebum, muscle, liver and kidney were 0.5 and 1.0 μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 65 and 95% and the inter- and intra-RSD were less than 15%. The established method for the extraction, purification and detection of altrenogest is suitable for the determination of the residue of altrenogest in edible tissues of pigs. It was showed that altrenogest had the highest residual concentration level in liver, followed by kidney, sebum and muscle. Then withdrawal time was set at 9 days. The study provides an effective basis for elimination of altrenogest in swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Yang
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulei Qiu
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangyou Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijin Bu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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17
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Yang X, Zhao H, Cwiertny DM, Kolodziej EP. Sorption and transport of trenbolone and altrenogest photoproducts in soil-water systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1650-1663. [PMID: 31490490 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00305c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the sorption and transport potential of seven phototransformation products of 17α-trenbolone, 17β-trenbolone, trendione, and altrenogest, along with the parent trienone steroids in batch and column soil-water systems. In batch systems, the target solutes exhibited linear isotherms, with values for sorption coefficients (log Koc) of parent steroids (2.46-2.76) higher than those for photoproducts (1.92-2.57). In column systems, the estimated retardation factors (Rsol) for parents (2.7-5.1) were ∼2-5 times higher than those for photoproducts (0.84-1.7). The log Koc (R2 = 0.75) and Rsol (R2 = 0.89-0.98) were well correlated with measured log Kow values, indicating that hydrophobic partitioning governed the soil-solute interaction of these biologically potent compounds in soil-water systems. These data indicated that photoproducts exhibited reduced sorption affinity and increased transport potential relative to more hydrophobic parent structures. In agroecosystems, traditional runoff management practices would be expected to exhibit reduced treatment effectiveness for photoproducts relative to the parent compounds of commonly used trienone steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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18
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Pflug NC, Patterson EV, Martinović-Weigelt D, Kolodziej EP, Gloer JB, McNeill K, Cwiertny DM, Wammer KH. Intramolecular [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition of Altrenogest: Confirmation of Product Structure, Theoretical Mechanistic Insight, and Bioactivity Assessment. J Org Chem 2019; 84:11366-11371. [PMID: 31381858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
While studying the environmental fate of potent endocrine-active steroid hormones, we observed the formation of an intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition product (2) with a novel hexacyclic ring system following the photolysis of altrenogest (1). The structure and absolute configuration were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Theoretical computations identified a barrierless two-step cyclization mechanism for the formation of 2 upon photoexcitation. 2 exhibited progesterone, estrogen, androgen, and pregnane X receptor activity, albeit generally with reduced potency relative to 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Pflug
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Eric V Patterson
- Department of Chemistry , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | | | - Edward P Kolodziej
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences , University of Washington, Tacoma , Tacoma , Washington 98402 , United States.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98195 , United States
| | - James B Gloer
- Department of Chemistry , University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa 52242 , United States
| | - Kristopher McNeill
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa 52242 , United States
| | - Kristine H Wammer
- Department of Chemistry , University of St. Thomas , St. Paul , Minnesota 55105 , United States
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19
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Aurich J, Köhne M, Wulf M, Nagel C, Beythien E, Gautier C, Zentek J, Aurich C. Effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation to early pregnant mares on conceptus diameter-Preliminary findings. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:772-778. [PMID: 30809848 PMCID: PMC6850369 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the amino acid L-arginine (ARG) for conceptus growth and litter size has been demonstrated in various species. L-arginine is part of embryo-derived polyamines, a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and stimulates protein synthesis by the embryo. In the present study, we have investigated whether dietary L-arginine supplementation stimulates early conceptus growth in mares. Warmblood mares with singleton pregnancies received either an arginine-supplemented diet (approximately 0.0125% of body weight, n = 12) or a control diet (n = 11) from days 15 to 45 after ovulation. Diameter of the embryonic vesicle (days 14, 17, 20 of pregnancy) and size of the embryo respective foetus (length and maximal diameter, days 25-45 of pregnancy at 5-day intervals) were determined by transrectal ultrasound. At foaling, weight and size of the foal and the placenta were determined. Blood for determination of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and progestin concentrations was collected repeatedly. Neither eCG nor progestin concentration in plasma of mares differed between groups at any time. No effects of arginine treatment on diameter of the embryonic vesicle between days 14 and 20 of pregnancy were detected. Diameter of the embryo/foetus on days 40 to 45 of pregnancy strongly tended to be enhanced by arginine supplementation (p = 0.06). Weight and size of neither the foal nor placenta at birth differed between groups. In conclusion, L-arginine supplementation was without negative effects on early equine embryos and may support embryonic growth at the beginning of placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Aurich
- Department of Small Animals and Horses, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and AndrologyVetmeduni ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Martin Köhne
- Department of Small Animals and Horses, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and AndrologyVetmeduni ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Manuela Wulf
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine ScienceVetmeduni ViennaNeustadt (Dosse)Germany
| | - Christina Nagel
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine ScienceVetmeduni ViennaNeustadt (Dosse)Germany
| | - Elisabeth Beythien
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine ScienceVetmeduni ViennaNeustadt (Dosse)Germany
| | - Camille Gautier
- Department of Small Animals and Horses, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and AndrologyVetmeduni ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute for Animal NutritionFree University BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Christine Aurich
- Department of Small Animals and Horses, Artificial Insemination and Embryo TransferVetmeduni ViennaViennaAustria
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20
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Early luteal phase progestin concentration influences endometrial function in pregnant mares. Theriogenology 2019; 125:236-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Camozzato GC, Martinez MN, Bastos HBA, Fiala-Rechsteiner S, Meikle A, Jobim MIM, Gregory RM, Mattos RC. Ultrastructural and histological characteristics of the endometrium during early embryo development in mares. Theriogenology 2018; 123:1-10. [PMID: 30253251 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrastructural and histological changes in the endometrium on days 7, 10 and 13 post-ovulation in pregnant and cyclic mares. Mares were routinely examined by transrectal palpation and ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract until estrus was detected. In the first cycle, endometrial biopsies from 30 cyclic mares (Cyclic group) were collected on days 7, 10 and 13 post-ovulation. In the second cycle, the same mares were bred by a fertile stallion. At days 7, 10 and 13 post-ovulation intrauterine biopsies were collected. Immediately after sample collection, the mare's uteri were flushed, and those mares with embryo recovery were assigned to the Pregnant group. From ovulation detection until day of uterine biopsy, blood samples to measure Progesterone concentrations were collected daily in cyclic and pregnant mares. A larger blood vessel caliber was observed in pregnant mares than in cyclic from day 7-13. On the 7th day of pregnancy a large loss of ciliated cells was evident in the group of pregnant mares in comparison with the Cyclic group and the superficial cells of the endometrium were more protruded, and a small amount of histotrophic material between the folds was observed. On the 10th day of pregnancy, the glandular histotrophic secretion and the secretion of luminal epithelium became more intense than the secretion of cyclic mares. On the 13th day of pregnancy, a very large amount of histotroph was observed within large glandular openings surrounded by ciliated cells. The concentrations of P4 were affected by day (P < 0.001), but were not affected by group. Changes occurred in the uterine environment thereupon the entry of the embryo into the uterus. In the stroma and in the lumen, these modifications may aid to provide the necessary nutrition for the initial development of the embryo and to promote changes at cellular structures that will interact in the embryonic signaling and future fixation, implantation and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Camozzato
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - M N Martinez
- Facultad de Veterinaria, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - H B A Bastos
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - A Meikle
- Facultad de Veterinaria, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M I M Jobim
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - R M Gregory
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - R C Mattos
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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22
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Betteridge KJ, Raeside JI, Waelchli RO, Christie HL, Hayes MA. Patterns of conceptus development and of progesterone concentrations in maternal blood preceding spontaneous early pregnancy failure in mares. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1066-1076. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sixteen cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss (11 of singletons and five of pairs of twins) are described. The losses occurred between gestation Days 13 and 25 in 12 mares being monitored almost daily by transrectal ultrasonography (for measurement of conceptus growth) and blood sampling (for determination of maternal plasma progesterone concentrations as evidence of luteolysis) in experimental studies of early pregnancy. In 10 of the 16 cases the uterus was flushed and eight conceptuses were recovered for morphological assessment. Five of the 11 losses of singletons occurred before Day 16 and, with one exception, were preceded or accompanied by luteolysis. The remaining six singleton pregnancies failed after Day 16, with two cases evidencing luteolysis beforehand. Thus, overall, 6/11 singleton losses were associated with luteolysis while 5/11 were not. The five cases of simultaneous loss or degeneration of twin conceptuses all occurred on Day 19 or 20, preceded by luteolysis in only one case. These observations suggest that while the causes of spontaneous early pregnancy failure are multifactorial, luteolysis might contribute to the problem more often than has been previously contended.
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23
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Wilsher S. The uterus and early pregnancy failure in the mare. EQUINE VET EDUC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Wilsher
- The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction “Brunswick” Newmarket UK
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24
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Sandra O, Charpigny G, Galio L, Hue I. Preattachment Embryos of Domestic Animals: Insights into Development and Paracrine Secretions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2016; 5:205-228. [PMID: 27959670 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian species, endometrial receptivity is driven by maternal factors independently of embryo signals. When pregnancy initiates, paracrine secretions of the preattachment embryo are essential both for maternal recognition and endometrium preparation for implantation and for coordinating development of embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of the conceptus. This review mainly focuses on domestic large animal species. We first illustrate the major steps of preattachment embryo development, including elongation in bovine, ovine, porcine, and equine species. We next highlight conceptus secretions that are involved in the communication between extraembryonic and embryonic tissues, as well as between the conceptus and the endometrium. Finally, we introduce experimental data demonstrating the intimate connection between conceptus secretions and endometrial activity and how adverse events perturbing this interplay may affect the progression of implantation that will subsequently impact pregnancy outcome, postnatal health, and expression of production traits in livestock offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Sandra
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Laurent Galio
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Isabelle Hue
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
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Wammer KH, Anderson KC, Erickson PR, Kliegman S, Moffatt ME, Berg SM, Heitzman JA, Pflug NC, McNeill K, Martinovic-Weigelt D, Abagyan R, Cwiertny DM, Kolodziej EP. Environmental Photochemistry of Altrenogest: Photoisomerization to a Bioactive Product with Increased Environmental Persistence via Reversible Photohydration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:7480-7488. [PMID: 27356268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite its wide use as a veterinary pharmaceutical, environmental fate data is lacking for altrenogest, a potent synthetic progestin. Here, it is reported that direct photolysis of altrenogest under environmentally relevant conditions was extremely efficient and rapid (half-life ∼25 s). Photolysis rates (observed rate constant kobs = 2.7 ± 0.2 × 10(-2) s(-1)) were unaffected by changes in pH or temperature but were sensitive to oxygen concentrations (N2-saturated kobs = 9.10 ± 0.32 × 10(-2) s(-1); O2-saturated kobs = 1.38 ± 0.11 × 10(-2) s(-1)). The primary photoproduct was identified as an isomer formed via an internal 2 + 2 cycloaddition reaction; the triplet lifetime (8.4 ± 0.2 μs) and rate constant (8 × 10(4) s(-1)) of this reaction were measured using transient absorption spectroscopy. Subsequent characterization determined that this primary cycloaddition photoproduct undergoes photohydration. The resultant photostable secondary photoproducts are subject to thermal dehydration in dark conditions, leading to reversion to the primary cycloaddition photoproduct on a time scale of hours to days, with the photohydration and dehydration repeatable over several light/dark cycles. This dehydration reaction occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures and is also accelerated at both high and low pH values. In vitro androgen receptor (AR)-dependent gene transcriptional activation cell assays and in silico nuclear hormone receptor screening revealed that certain photoproducts retain significant androgenic activity, which has implications for exposure risks associated with the presence and cycling of altrenogest and its photoproducts in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine H Wammer
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Kyler C Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Paul R Erickson
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Kliegman
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marianna E Moffatt
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Stephanie M Berg
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Jackie A Heitzman
- Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Nicholas C Pflug
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Kristopher McNeill
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , 9500 Gilman, La Jolla, California 92093-0747, United States
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Edward P Kolodziej
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Tacoma , Tacoma, Washington 98402 United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195-2700 United States
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Effects of periovulatory gonadotrophin treatment on luteal function and endometrial expression of selected genes in cyclic pony mares. Theriogenology 2016; 86:2147-2155. [PMID: 27520293 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Progestin concentration in plasma during the early luteal phase is crucial for endometrial function and conceptus development. We hypothesized that periovulatory gonadotrophin treatment via support of luteal function affects endometrial gene expression in horses. Effect of age was analyzed as well. Shetland mares (n = 8, age 4-25 years) were assigned to the following treatments during five consecutive cycles in alternating order following a cross-over design: treatment hCG/-: preovulatory injection of hCG, but no gonadotrophin injection at detection of ovulation, treatment -/hCG: no preovulatory gonadodrophin injection, but injection of hCG at detection of ovulation, treatment eCG/-: preovulatory injection of eCG, but no gonadotrophin injection at detection of ovulation, treatment -/eCG: no preovulatory gonadotrophin injection, but injection of eCG at detection of ovulation, treatment control: no treatment. Concentration of progestin was analyzed by ELISA from the day of ovulation until Day 10. On Day 10, endometrial cells were collected transvaginally by cytobrush technique. Expression of mRNA of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin F2α-synthase, prostaglandin E-synthase, progesterone receptor (PR), estradiol receptor (E2R), acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (ACAD), uteroglobin (UGB), uteroferrin, and uterocalin was analyzed by RT qPCR. Immunohistological staining of endometrial tissue, obtained via biopsy, was performed for COX-2, PR and UGB. The P4 concentration was influenced by day of cycle (P < 0.01), but not by treatment. No effects of age on gene expression were determined. Neither of the periovulatory gonadotrophin treatments nor age influenced mRNA expression of the genes of interest. Treatment did also not affect immunohistological staining of the endometrium. In contrast, age affected the percentage of PR positive stromal cells (e.g. mare 1 (4 years): 65.5 ± 2.6, mare 2 (24 years): 82.7 ± 2.2%, P < 0.05) and COX-2 positive stained ciliated cells (e.g. mare 1: 15.8 ± 2.9, mare 2: 33.4 ± 6.0%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, no effects of periovulatory gonadotrophin treatment and age on endometrial gene expression in luteal phase pony mares were reported. A lack of treatment effects on luteal function and expression of PRs in the endometrium can at least in part be explained by differences in the reproductive physiology between horses and ponies.
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Conley A. Review of the reproductive endocrinology of the pregnant and parturient mare. Theriogenology 2016; 86:355-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Brogan P, Henning H, Stout T, de Ruijter-Villani M. Relationship between colour flow Doppler sonographic assessment of corpus luteum activity and progesterone concentrations in mares after embryo transfer. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 166:22-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Aurich C, Budik S. Early pregnancy in the horse revisited - does exception prove the rule? J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2015; 6:50. [PMID: 26635959 PMCID: PMC4668677 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-015-0048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Early equine pregnancy shares many features with that of more intensively assessed domestic animals species, but there are also characteristic differences. Some of those are poorly understood. Descent of the equine conceptus into the uterine lumen occurs at day 5 to 6 after ovulation but is only possible when the embryo secretes prostaglandin E2. Although maintenance of equine pregnancy probably involves secretion of a conceptus derived anti-luteolytic factor, this agent has not been identified. Rapid growth, conceptus mobility and presence of an acellular capsule at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy, i.e. between days 12 and 14, are prerequisites to avoid pregnancy loss. Progesterone together with 5α-pregnanes is secreted by the corpus luteum and induces the production of endometrial histotroph which is responsible for conceptus nutrition until placention. A stable contact between the outer trophoblast layer of the allantochorion and the luminal epithelium of the endometrium is not established before days 40 to 42 of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven Budik
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Aurich C, Budik S. Season Does Not Influence Embryo Recovery Rate and Conceptus Size Until Day 14 After Ovulation in the Horse. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:299-303. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer; Vetmeduni Vienna Austria
| | - S Budik
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer; Vetmeduni Vienna Austria
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Köhne M, Kuhl J, Ille N, Erber R, Aurich C. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin before ovulation increases progestin concentration in early equine pregnancies. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:187-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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33
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Changes accompanying spontaneous embryonic loss in nine mares during the first month of pregnancy. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.10.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Aurich C, Weber J, Nagel C, Merkl M, Jude R, Wostmann S, Ollech D, Baron U, Olek S, Jansen T. Low levels of naturally occurring regulatory T lymphocytes in blood of mares with early pregnancy loss. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:827-33. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy loss is a major reason for low reproductive efficiency in the horse. In humans and mice, low numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are linked to miscarriage. The percentage of Treg cells in oestrous mares at the start of the breeding season was evaluated in relation to the outcome of subsequent pregnancy. For identification and quantification of Treg cells, a highly sensitive and specific qPCR assay targeting the Treg-specific demethylated region in the equine forkhead box transcription factor (FOXP3) gene was established. In a total of 108 mares, pregnancy was followed until detection of early pregnancy loss (n = 17), abortion without identification of an infectious or apparent cause (n = 9) or birth of a viable foal (n = 82). Measured Treg-cell levels did not significantly differ between mares that conceived (82%; 1.50 ± 0.04%) or did not get pregnant (18%; 1.45 ± 0.10%). The Treg-cell percentage at oestrus before breeding was significantly different (P < 0.05) between mares that either underwent early pregnancy loss up to Day 40 of pregnancy (1.29 ± 0.07%) and mares that aborted (1.61 ± 0.15%) or gave birth to a live foal (1.52 ± 0.05%). These results suggest that low levels of Treg cells in mares can contribute to pregnancy loss up to Day 40 after ovulation.
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Robeck TR, Montano GA, Steinman KJ, Smolensky P, Sweeney J, Osborn S, O'Brien JK. Development and evaluation of deep intra-uterine artificial insemination using cryopreserved sexed spermatozoa in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 139:168-81. [PMID: 23660366 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Since its development in bottlenose dolphins, widespread application of AI with sex-selected, frozen-thawed (FT) spermatozoa has been limited by the significant expense of the sorting process. Reducing the total number of progressively motile sperm (PMS) required for an AI would reduce the sorting cost. As such, this research compared the efficacy of small-dose deep uterine AI with sexed FT spermatozoa (SEXED-SMALL; ~50×10(6)PMS, n=20), to a moderate dose deposited mid-horn (SEXED-STD, ~200×10(6)PMS; n=20), and a large dose of FT non-sexed spermatozoa deposited in the uterine body (NONSEXED-LARGE, 660×10(6)PMS, n=9). Ten of the 11 calves resulting from use of sexed spermatozoa were of the predetermined sex. Similar rates of conception (NONSEXED-LARGE: 78%, SEXED-STD: 60%, SEXED-SMALL: 57%) and total pregnancy loss (TPL: NONSEXED-LARGE: 28.6%; SEXED-STD: 41.0%; SEXED-SMALL: 63.6%) were observed across groups, but early pregnancy loss (EPL, <day 120 post-conception) was greater (P=0.04) for SEXED-SMALL (54.5%) compared to NONSEXED-LARGE (0%). Animals experiencing EPL were older (31.3 y, P=0.007) than those that calved (21.4y) or did not conceive (19.4y). After excluding females ≥25y, SEXED-SMALL (15.4%) had a tendency for having reduced calving rates compared to NONSEXED-LARGE (50.0%; P=0.08), while SEXED-STD did not differ (40.0%, 4/10; P=0.341). Current findings indicate that acceptable conception and calving rates using sexed FT spermatozoa are achieved after mid-horn deposition of 200×10(6) PMS, when used with females aged less than 25 y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College; North Mymms Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 7TA UK
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ALTRENOGEST AND PROGESTERONE THERAPY DURING PREGNANCY IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) WITH PROGESTERONE INSUFFICIENCY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2012; 43:296-308. [DOI: 10.1638/2011-0166.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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38
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Paolucci M, Palombi C, Sylla L, Stradaioli G, Monaci M. Ultrasonographic features of the mule embryo, fetus and fetal-placental unit. Theriogenology 2012; 77:240-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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39
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Willmann C, Budik S, Walter I, Aurich C. Influences of treatment of early pregnant mares with the progestin altrenogest on embryonic development and gene expression in the endometrium and conceptus. Theriogenology 2011; 76:61-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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