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Satué K, Fazio E, Damiá E, Barbiera G, Medica P, Cravana C. Effect of age on androgens pattern in cyclic mares. Res Vet Sci 2024; 173:105276. [PMID: 38677075 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105276] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Androgens are produced in both sexes. In females produced by the adrenal gland and the ovaries they play a crucial role in regulating ovarian function, estrogen synthesis and follicular growth. Age leads to a reduction in androgen concentrations, although, at present, these mechanisms are not elucidated in mares. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in mares of different ages. Blood samples were drawn from seventy cyclic Spanish Purebred mares belonging to five age groups: 3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-16 years and > 16 years. The concentrations of T, A4 and DHEA were determined by EIA, validated specifically for horses. Mares aged 3-5, 6-9 and 10-13 years had higher T concentrations (P < 0.05) than mares aged >16 years, and mares aged 6-9 years had also higher concentrations than those 14-16 years old (P < 0.05). A4 concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in mares >16 years old when compared with those of other age groups. DHEA concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in mares 14-16 years and > 16 years old when compared with those of other age groups. DHEA was positively correlated with T (r = 0.61; P < 0.05) and A4 (r = 0.51; P < 0.05). Age induces reduction in androgens' synthesis in physiologically cyclic Spanish Purebred mares. These physiological variations must be duly considered for a correct and objective interpretation of the analytical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuska Satué
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Via Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Elena Damiá
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Via Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cravana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Via Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
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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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3
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Kirillova A, Martazanova B, Mishieva N, Semenova M. Follicular waves in ontogenesis and female fertility. Biosystems 2021; 210:104558. [PMID: 34619293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104558] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antral follicle growth and recruitment are the basis of female reproduction. Follicular wave theory explains the recruitment, growth, and selection of antral follicles. This article is devoted to the follicular wave pattern in female reproduction throughout life. We highlight progress in understanding the rhythmic follicle changes based on clinical studies and studies on animal models. We review the follicular wave pattern before puberty, during pregnancy, and in perimenopause. Several mathematical models are known which quite accurately describe follicular wave dynamics. The follicular waves theory allows the implementation of the new approaches to ovarian stimulation. Stimulation in the luteal phase and double stimulation are used more widely nowadays for fertility preservation in cancer patients and for increasing the chances of IVF programs success in poor responder patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kirillova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After V.I.Kulakov, of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Bella Martazanova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After V.I.Kulakov, of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nona Mishieva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After V.I.Kulakov, of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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4
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Hormonal Levels and Follicular Dynamics in Relation to the Oestrous Cycle in Barb and Arabian Mares, Algeria. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This current study is an effort to understand the hormonal and follicular growth in the Barb and Arabian mares during the oestrous cycle; as mares are unique creatures. A total of 53 mares with 97 oestrous cycles were studied. The mares with a mean age of 10.38 ± 4.55 were examined by ultrasonography every day during their breeding season (2017). Two blood samples from each mare (n = 24) were obtained for progesterone (P4), oestrogen (oestradiol-17 beta) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) determinations. The data revealed that the duration of the oestrous cycle was between 19 to 22 days. The pre-ovulatory follicle grew (3.02 ± 1.04) millimetre per day. The rate of cycles exploited in the mare (Arabian versus Barb) for conception was significantly different (P < 0.001). The maximal diameter of the follicle was 50.00 millimetre. The serum progesterone levels (P < 0.01) in mares were significantly higher in the luteal phase than those recorded during the time of oestrous. However, the levels of oestradiol and for FSH did not significantly change during the oestrous cycle in the mares. Determining the association between the size of the follicle and the hormone profiles were the most reliable criterion in the prediction of ovulation.
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5
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Alves BG, Alves KA, Hyde KA, Aguiar FLN, Souza SS, Brandão FAS, Garcia EC, Pinto Y, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Teixeira DIA, Gastal EL. Heterotopic autotransplantation of equine ovarian tissue using intramuscular versus subvulvar grafting sites: Preliminary results. Theriogenology 2021; 172:123-132. [PMID: 34237633 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.015] [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: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) is a technique well established and successfully applied in humans using mainly orthotopic or heterotopic transplantation sites. In livestock, OTT is still in its infancy and, therefore, different aspects of the technique, including the efficiency of different heterotopic OTT sites as well as the potential effect of age (i.e., young vs. old mares) in the ovarian graft quality, need to be investigated. The present study investigated the efficacy of the intramuscular (IM) or the novel subvulvar mucosa (SV) heterotopic autotransplantation sites to maintain the survivability of the grafts for 3 and 7 days post-OTT. Ovarian biopsy fragments were obtained in vivo and distributed to the following treatments: Fresh control group (ovarian fragments immediately fixed), SV-3, IM-3, SV-7, and IM-7. During and after graft harvesting, the macroscopic characteristics of the grafts (i.e., adherence, morphology, and bleeding) were scored, and the percentages of morphologically normal and developing preantral follicles as well as the follicular and stromal cell densities of the grafts were evaluated. The results were that similar (P > 0.05) macroscopic scores were observed between both transplantation sites 7 days post-OTT, with positive correlations (P < 0.01) found among adherence, morphology, and bleeding of the grafts. A lower (P < 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles was found 7 days post-OTT in the SV site (82%) compared with the Fresh control group (99%) and IM site (95%); however, the percentages of developing follicles were similar (P > 0.05) between both transplantation sites 7 days post-OTT (30-43%). Although similar (P > 0.05) follicular densities were found in both transplantation sites in young and old mares at 3 and 7 days post-OTT, large individual variation in the follicular depletion rate was observed regardless of transplantation site. The Fresh control group and SV-7 treatments had higher (P < 0.05) stromal cell densities in young and old mares compared with both IM-7 treatments. When comparing transplant sites between young and old mares, the follicular density in old mares and the stromal cell density in young mares were greater (P < 0.05) in the SV than in the IM site. In conclusion, even though the transplantation sites differentially affected some end points, overall comparable findings of the OTT technique using both heterotopic autotransplantation sites (i.e., IM and SV) for equine ovarian tissue were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - K A Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - K A Hyde
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - F L N Aguiar
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sousa Campus, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - S S Souza
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - F A S Brandão
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - E C Garcia
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Y Pinto
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M O Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - D I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - E L Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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6
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Yang C, Liu Q, Chen Y, Wang X, Ran Z, Fang F, Xiong J, Liu G, Li X, Yang L, He C. Melatonin delays ovarian aging in mice by slowing down the exhaustion of ovarian reserve. Commun Biol 2021; 4:534. [PMID: 33958705 PMCID: PMC8102596 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02042-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that melatonin (MLT) can delay ovarian aging, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that granulosa cells isolated from mice follicles can synthesize MLT; the addition of MLT in ovary culture system inhibited follicle activation and growth; In vivo experiments indicated that injections of MLT to mice during the follicle activation phase can reduce the number of activated follicles by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-FOXO3 pathway; during the early follicle growth phase, MLT administration suppressed follicle growth and atresia, and multiple pathways involved in folliculogenesis, including PI3K-AKT, were suppressed; MLT deficiency in mice increased follicle activation and atresia, and eventually accelerated age-related fertility decline; finally, we demonstrated that prolonged high-dose MLT intake had no obvious adverse effect. This study presents more insight into the roles of MLT in reproductive regulation that endogenous MLT delays ovarian aging by inhibiting follicle activation, growth and atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Yang
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Yingjun Chen
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Zaohong Ran
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Fang Fang
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Jiajun Xiong
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xiang Li
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Liguo Yang
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Changjiu He
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China ,grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 China
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Ferreira L, Wischral A, Bartolomeu C, Costa L, Soares A. Influência da somatotropina recombinante bovina no desenvolvimento folicular e na coleta de embriões em éguas. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Dez éguas, sem raça definida, foram submetidas a avaliações ultrassonográficas durante o intervalo interovulatório, avaliando-se folículos ≥ 5mm. Cinco éguas foram tratadas com 500mg de r-bST no primeiro e no 14º dia pós-ovulação (grupo GT), e as demais com soro fisiológico (grupo GC). Quando o folículo dominante atingiu diâmetro ≥ 40mm, foram induzidas com hCG e inseminadas 24 horas após, sendo submetidas à coleta de embrião seis dias após a ovulação. Os dados foram agrupados de acordo com o diâmetro do folículo dominante nas fases de emergência, divergência, dominância, pré-ovulatória, indução, inseminação e ovulação. Todas as éguas foram usadas duas vezes, no mesmo grupo. O GT apresentou crescimento folicular precoce para as fases de emergência, divergência, dominância e pré-ovulatória, assim como para o seu maior folículo subordinado, que cresceu mais cedo. As taxas de recuperação foram de 90% (GC) e 70% (GT), em 16 estruturas coletadas, obtendo-se uma não fecundada e um blastocisto inicial para o grupo GC; os demais, no estágio de mórula, apresentaram comportamento semelhante entre os grupos. Conclui-se que a r-bST influencia a dinâmica folicular de éguas, levando a uma antecipação do desenvolvimento folicular, que pode ser utilizada para encurtar o ciclo estral.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.E.P.A. Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação ˗ Ciência e tecnologia de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A. Wischral
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - C.C. Bartolomeu
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - A.F. Soares
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
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Rocha CE, de Carvalho EDC, de Castro FCGS, Xavier ILGDS, Young RJ, Palhares MS, da Silva Filho JM, Carvalho RR, Vasconcellos ADS, Valle GR. Is mare sexual behavior affected by age and can it predict ovulation? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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9
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Goncalves GR, Morotti F, Colombo AHB, Bonato DV, Bizarro-Silva C, Rosa CO, Cavalieri FLB, Seneda MM. Influence of age and ovarian antral follicle count on the reproductive characteristics of embryo donor mares. Vet Rec 2020; 186:564. [PMID: 31896722 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age and antral follicle count (AFC) are related to fertility in cattle, but this information remains limited in mares. METHODS To verify the influence of age and AFC on the reproductive characteristics of mares, 15 Quarter Horse donors, with 5-15 antral follicles, ranging from three to 17 years old, healthy and in good nutritional status, were divided into groups with low AFC (≤9 follicles) or high AFC (≥10 follicles) and mares considered young (≤9 years) or old (≥10 years). Mares were submitted to ultrasonography to determine the dominant follicle diameter, follicular growth rate, degree of uterine oedema and embryonic recovery for a minimum of three oestrous cycles. RESULTS AFC was higher (P=0.001) in young mares compared with old mares. An interaction (P=0.001) between AFC and age was observed with regard to follicular growth rate, being that mares with low AFC and are old showed the lowest follicular growth compared with those of low AFC and young, high AFC and old, and high AFC and young. Younger mares and those with high AFC exhibited higher degree of uterine oedema (P<0.05) on the third day of oestrus compared with older mares and with low AFC (3 and 2, respectively). However, in both groups, the degree of oedema reduced by the time of ovulation. CONCLUSION Follicular growth rate, degree of uterine oedema and the number of antral follicles are higher in young mares with high AFC. However, the rate of embryonic recovery is not influenced by donors' age or AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Romero Goncalves
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Inga University Center - UNINGÁ, Maringa, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Morotti
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | | | - Denis Vinicius Bonato
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Camila Bizarro-Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Rosa
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Fábio Luiz Bim Cavalieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, High Education Center of Maringa - CESUMAR, Maringa, Parana, Brazil
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10
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Ishak GM, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Elcombe ME, Gastal MO, Park SB, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. Deficiency in proliferative, angiogenic, and LH receptors in the follicle wall: implications of season toward the anovulatory condition. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 70:106382. [PMID: 31585312 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to gain insight on the effect of different seasons of the year on the expression pattern of growth factor and hormone receptors involved in follicle development. A novel follicle wall biopsy technique was used to collect in vivo follicle wall layers (ie, granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa) and follicular fluid samples from growing dominant follicles, simultaneously and repeatedly, using the same mares during the spring anovulatory (SAN), spring ovulatory (SOV), summer (SU), and fall ovulatory (FOV) seasons. The immunofluorescent expression patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and LH receptor (LHR) were evaluated in each follicle wall layer, in addition to intrafollicular estradiol and nitric oxide (NO). Proliferative proteins (EGFR and Ki-67) were highly (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expressed during the SOV season compared with the SAN and FOV seasons. Lower (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of both proteins was observed during SU compared with the SOV season. The expression of VEGFR was greater (P < 0.05-P < 0.01) in the theca interna of dominant follicles during the SOV season compared with the SAN and SU seasons. Similarly, in the overall quantification, the VEGFR expression was greater (P < 0.001) during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. A higher (P < 0.05) LHR expression was detected in the theca interna during the SOV season than the SAN season. Furthermore, a higher (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of LHR was observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and in the overall quantification during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. Intrafollicular NO concentration did not differ (P > 0.05) among different seasons of the year. The intrafollicular estradiol concentration was higher (P < 0.05) during the SU compared with the SAN season and higher (P < 0.05) during the FOV season compared with the SAN and SOV seasons. In conclusion, the synergistic effect of lower expression of proliferative protein, angiogenic, and LH receptors in at least some of the layers of the follicle wall seems to trigger dominant follicles toward the anovulation process during the spring and fall transitional seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M E Elcombe
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - S B Park
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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Mobarak H, Heidarpour M, Lolicato F, Nouri M, Rahbarghazi R, Mahdipour M. Physiological impact of extracellular vesicles on female reproductive system; highlights to possible restorative effects on female age-related fertility. Biofactors 2019; 45:293-303. [PMID: 30788863 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An alternative mechanism of cell-to-cell communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) has recently raised increasing attention. EVs are spherical structures comprising exosomes and microvesicles, capable of transferring regulatory molecules and genetic information from one cell to another. EVs act as modulators which can alter a wide spectrum of functions at the cellular level in the recipient cells, taking part in a variety of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Alteration in EVs content, notably exosomes, was reported during cellular senescence and in patients with age-related diseases. Most studies reported regulating the impacts of exosomes on fertility and pregnancy outcomes via their capability in carrying developmental signaling molecules like proteins, RNA cargos, influencing gene expressions, affecting growth, and development of embryos during aging. Alterations in the exosomal content and functions can influence the reproductive performance in human and animals as conveyors of senescence signals from outside of the cells. This review aimed to summarize evidence on the role of EVs on modulating fertility, early embryonic development, maternal-embryo crosstalk for the recognition, and maintenance of pregnancy during maternal aging. Advanced clinical studies are required to strengthen the findings that the benefit of exosomes can be extended to subjects undergoing reproductive aging. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):293-303, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halimeh Mobarak
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Heidarpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Ball BA, El-Sheikh Ali H, Scoggin KE, Riddle WT, Schnobrich M, Bradekamp E, Agnew M, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT. Relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone and fertility in the mare. Theriogenology 2018; 125:335-341. [PMID: 30508805 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate; 1) the stability of measured serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in samples after multiple freeze-thaw cycles, 2) the repeatability of AMH concentrations within mares during the same breeding season as well as across breeding seasons, and 3) the relationship between serum AMH concentrations and fertility (measured as first cycle pregnancy rates) in thoroughbred mares. For the first aim, AMH concentrations (n = 9) were examined across four freeze-thaw cycles with no significant change in measured AMH concentrations. For the second aim, serum AMH concentrations (n = 12) were examined over three successive estrous cycles and over two successive breeding seasons and AMH levels were significantly correlated for individual animals within (r; 0.71-82) or across breeding seasons (r = 0.81). For the third aim, Thoroughbred mares (n = 419) on farms in central Kentucky had blood samples taken during estrus. Pregnancy was determined with transrectal ultrasonography at Days 13-18 after mating and ovulation, and pregnancy outcome was recorded as open, pregnant or twins. The relationships between mare age, serum AMH concentrations and the interaction of age and AMH with pregnancy outcome was examined by nominal logistic regression, and the relationship between serum AMH concentrations and mare age, pregnancy outcome and the interaction of age and pregnancy outcome was examined by ANOVA. Data in this study were then stratified according to quartiles into lower (25%), mid-50% (second and third quartiles combined - 50%) and upper (25%) quartiles for age and serum AMH concentration for further analysis by logistic regression. There were significant effects of mare age and pregnancy outcome, but not their interaction on serum AMH concentrations which were higher (P = 0.04) in pregnant than in open mares (0.65 ± 0.03 vs 0.55 ± 0.04 ng/mL, respectively). Likewise, logistic regression revealed significant effect of mare age and AMH but not their interaction on pregnancy outcome on the first mated cycle. Mares in the lower AMH quartile were more likely to be open at Day 13-18 than mares in the middle (odds ratio (OR) = 1.87)=13 or upper quartile (OR = 2.62) for AMH concentrations. Mares in the mid-50% (OR = 3.91) or upper (OR = 4.97) age quartile were more likely to be open at Day 13-18 compared to mares in the young age quartile. Based upon a Chi-squared analysis, the proportion of pregnant mares differed across age quartiles (P < 0.0001) and was greater (P < 0.05) in the young mare quartile. The proportion of pregnant mares tended to differ across AMH quartile (P = 0.1), and when adjusted for age quartile using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Test, the proportion of pregnant mares differed (P < 0.05) across AMH quartile. In conclusion, mares with peripheral AMH concentrations in the lowest quartile had lower fertility compared to mares in the mid-50% or upper quartile.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, USA.
| | - H El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, USA; Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, Egypt
| | - K E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - W T Riddle
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M Schnobrich
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - E Bradekamp
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M Agnew
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - E L Squires
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - M H T Troedsson
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, USA
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13
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Spacek SG, Carnevale EM. Impact of Equine and Bovine Oocyte Maturation in Follicular Fluid From Young and Old Mares on Embryo Production in Vitro. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 68:94-100. [PMID: 31256896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Equine follicular fluid (FF) provides autocrine and paracrine factors from theca, granulosa, and cumulus cells, both reflecting and impacting oocyte and follicle maturation. We hypothesized that maturation of oocytes in FF from old versus young mares has a deleterious effect on oocyte maturation and their subsequent developmental potential. Follicular fluid was collected from the large, dominant follicle from young mares (4-13 years) or old mares (21-26 years) and classified as: (1) Noninduced follicular fluid (NFF), FF from noninduced follicle 33 ± 3 mm, or (2) Induced follicular fluid (IFF), FF collected ∼24 hours after administration of ovulation-inducing drugs when a follicle 33 ± 3 mm was observed. In experiment 1, immature equine oocytes were collected, matured in vitro for 30 ± 2 hours in 100% IFF, collected from young or old mares, with the addition of follicle stimulating hormone (5 mU/mL), then fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In experiment 2, immature bovine oocytes were collected, matured in 100% IFF or NFF, collected from young mares or old mares, then fertilized via in vitro fertilization. In experiment 1, more blastocysts tended (P = .08) to be produced from equine oocytes that were matured in old versus young mare FF. In experiment 2, when IFF and NFF groups were combined, cleavage rates were higher (P = .001) when bovine oocytes were matured in FF from young than old mares. In contrast to our hypothesis, we observed no conclusive evidence that FF from old mares has a deleterious impact on oocytes and their early developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila G Spacek
- Equine Reproduction Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
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14
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Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Gastal MO, Gastal EL. Pre-ovulatory follicle affects corpus luteum diameter, blood flow, and progesterone production in mares. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 187:1-12. [PMID: 29074033 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to study the temporal relationships between pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameter and blood flow, with systemic progesterone (P4) concentration during two transitional ovulatory seasons in mares. Variables of POF and CL/P4 were evaluated for 6days before and 17days after ovulation, respectively. Evaluations were performed during two consecutive estrous cycles in spring and fall seasons, and during the last estrous cycle of the season. There were significant correlations among POF and CL variables, and P4 concentration that ranged from 0.24 to 0.95, and among the ratios of different variables that ranged from 0.39 to 0.92. There were linear regressions (P<0.01-0.001) for all comparisons among different variables. The POF diameter before the first ovulation of the season was larger (P<0.05), and POF vascularity was less (P<0.05), than in the last estrous cycle during the season. The CL blood flow was less (P<0.01) during the last compared with first pre-ovulatory period of the season. The POF diameters were positively correlated (r=0.67) during the two pre-ovulatory periods of spring and fall. Results provide evidence that the POF affects CL diameter and blood flow, and subsequently P4 production, and that POF diameter is repeatable within the same individual during different seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S T Bashir
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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15
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Reproductive Characteristics in Old and Young Subfertile Mares: Are They Really Different? J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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16
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Gastal G, Aguiar F, Alves B, Alves K, de Tarso S, Ishak G, Cavinder C, Feugang J, Gastal E. Equine ovarian tissue viability after cryopreservation and in vitro culture. Theriogenology 2017; 97:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Claes A, Ball BA, Scoggin KE, Roser JF, Woodward EM, Davolli GM, Squires EL, Troedsson MH. The influence of age, antral follicle count and diestrous ovulations on estrous cycle characteristics of mares. Theriogenology 2017; 97:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Follicular dynamics, ovarian vascularity and luteal development in mares with early or late postpartum ovulation. Theriogenology 2017; 96:23-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Gastal GDA, Alves BG, Alves KA, Souza MEM, Vieira AD, Varela AS, Figueiredo JR, Feugang JM, Lucia T, Gastal EL. Ovarian fragment sizes affect viability and morphology of preantral follicles during storage at 4°C. Reproduction 2017; 153:577-587. [PMID: 28246309 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The method of transportation and the conditions imposed on the ovarian tissue are pivotal aspects for the success of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size of the ovarian tissue (e.g. whole ovary, biopsy size and transplant size) during different times of storage (0, 6, 12 and 24 h) on the structural integrity of equine ovarian tissue transported at 4°C. Eighteen pairs of ovaries from young mares (<10 years old) were harvested in a slaughterhouse and processed to simulate the fragment sizes (biopsy and transplant size groups) or kept intact (whole ovary group) and stored at 4°C for up to 24 h in α-MEM-enriched solution. The effect of the size of the ovarian tissue was observed on the morphology of preantral follicles, stromal cell density, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results showed that (i) biopsy size fragments had more morphologically normal preantral follicles after 24 h of storage at 4°C; (ii) mitochondrial membrane potential was the lowest during each storage time when the whole ovary was used; (iii) DNA fragmentation rate in the ovarian cells of all sizes of fragments increased as storage was prolonged and (iv) transplant size fragments had increased stromal cell density during storage at cool temperature. In conclusion, the biopsy size fragment was the best to preserve follicle morphology for long storage (24 h); however, transportation/storage should be prior determined according to the distance (time of transportation) between patient and reproduction centers/clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - B G Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - K A Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - M E M Souza
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - A D Vieira
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - A S Varela
- Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral FolliclesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy SciencesMississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - T Lucia
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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20
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Santos MM, Maia LL, Nobre DM, Oliveira Neto JF, Garcia TR, Lage MCGR, de Melo MIV, Viana WS, Palhares MS, da Silva Filho JM, Santos RL, Valle GR. Sex ratio of equine offspring is affected by the ages of the mare and stallion. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1238-45. [PMID: 26234461 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of parental age on the sex ratio of offspring in horses. Two trials were performed. In the first trial, the data from a randomly obtained population with a 1:1 sex ratio of 59,950 Mangalarga Marchador horses born in Brazil from 1990 to 2011 were analyzed. The sex ratios of the offspring were compared among groups according to the mare and the stallion ages (from 3 to 25 years). In the first step of the analysis, the mares and stallions were grouped according to age in 5-year intervals. In the second step, the groups were based on the parental age gap at conception. In the third step, the group of the mares and stallions with similar ages from the second step was subdivided, and the different parental age subgroups that were divided into 5-year intervals were compared. In the fourth step, the sex ratio of the offspring was determined according to the ages of the mares and the stallions at conception. The second trial was based on the data from 253 horses of several breeds that were born after natural gestation into a herd from 1989 to 2010, and the offspring of groups that were younger or older than 15 years were compared. The data from both trials were analyzed using a chi-square test (P ≤ 0.01 for the first trial; and P ≤ 0.05 for the second trial) for the comparisons of the sex ratios. In the first trial, the Spearman test (P ≤ 0.01) was used to verify the correlations between the parental age and the offspring sex ratio. In the first trial, the offspring sex ratio decreased as the mare or stallion age increased, and the decrease was more marked for the mares than for the stallions. In the second trial, the mares older than 15 years had more fillies than the younger mares, but the stallion age had no effect on the sex of the offspring. The first trial, with a large number of horses, revealed the pattern of the distribution of the sex ratios of offspring according to the parental age in horses, whereas the second trial, with a more restricted number of horses, confirmed the influence of the age of the mare on the offspring sex ratio. We concluded that the parental age affected the offspring sex ratio in horses and that this effect was stronger for the mares than for the stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Machado Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lara Maia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Magalhães Nobre
- Escola de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Ferraz Oliveira Neto
- Associação Brasileira dos Criadores do Cavalo Mangalarga Marchador, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rezende Garcia
- Associação Brasileira dos Criadores do Cavalo Mangalarga Marchador, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Coeli Gomes Reis Lage
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Vaz de Melo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Walmir Santos Viana
- Regimento de Cavalaria Alferes Tiradentes, Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maristela Silveira Palhares
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Monteiro da Silva Filho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ribeiro Valle
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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21
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Marinone A, Losinno L, Fumuso E, Rodríguez E, Redolatti C, Cantatore S, Cuervo-Arango J. The effect of mare's age on multiple ovulation rate, embryo recovery, post-transfer pregnancy rate, and interovulatory interval in a commercial embryo transfer program in Argentina. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 158:53-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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da Silveira JC, Winger QA, Bouma GJ, Carnevale EM. Effects of age on follicular fluid exosomal microRNAs and granulosa cell transforming growth factor-β signalling during follicle development in the mare. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:897-905. [PMID: 25945781 DOI: 10.1071/rd14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related decline in fertility is a consequence of low oocyte number and/or low oocyte competence resulting in pregnancy failure. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling is a well-studied pathway involved in follicular development and ovulation. Recently, small non-coding RNAs, namely microRNAs (miRNAs), have been demonstrated to regulate several members of this pathway; miRNAs are secreted inside small cell-secreted vesicles called exosomes. The overall goal of the present study was to determine whether altered exosome miRNA content in follicular fluid from old mares is associated with changes in TGF-β signalling in granulosa cells during follicle development. Follicular fluid was collected at deviation (n=6), mid-oestrus (n=6) and preovulation (n=6) for identification of exosomal miRNAs from young (3-12 years) and old (20-26 years) mares. Analysis of selected TGF-β signalling members revealed significantly increased levels of interleukin 6 (IL6) in granulosa cells from mid-oestrus compared with preovulatory follicles, and collagen alpha-2(I) chain (COL1A2) in granulosa cells from deviation compared with preovulatory follicles in young mares. In addition, granulosa cells from old mares had significantly altered levels of DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-2 (ID2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and cell division cycle 25A (CDC25A). Finally, changes in exosomal miRNA predicted to target selected TGF-β members were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano C da Silveira
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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Ginther OJ. How ultrasound technologies have expanded and revolutionized research in reproduction in large animals. Theriogenology 2014; 81:112-25. [PMID: 24274416 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Gray-scale ultrasonic imaging (UI) was introduced in 1980 and initially was used to examine clinically the reproductive tract of mares. By 1983 in mares and 1984 in heifers/cows, UI had become a tool for basic research. In each species, transrectal gray-scale UI has been used extensively to characterize follicle dynamics and investigate the gonadotropic control and hormonal role of the follicles. However, the use of transrectal UI has also disclosed and characterized many other aspects of reproduction in each species, including (1) endometrial echotexture as a biological indicator of circulating estradiol concentrations, (2) relative location of the genital tubercle for fetal gender diagnosis by Days 50 to 60, and (3) timing of follicle evacuation during ovulation. Discoveries in mares include (1) embryo mobility wherein the spherical conceptus (6-16 mm) travels to all parts of the uterus on Days 11 to 15, (2) how one embryo of a twin set eliminates the other without self-inflicted damage, and (3) serration of the granulosum of the preovulatory follicle opposite to the future rupture site as an indicator of imminent ovulation. Studies with color-Doppler UI have shown that vascular perfusion of the endometrium follows the equine embryo back and forth between uterine horns and follows the expansion of the bovine allantochorion throughout each horn. In heifers, blood flow in the CL increases during the ascending portion of an individual pulse of PGF2α metabolite and then decreases. These examples highlight the power of UI in reproduction research. Without UI, it is likely that these and many other findings would still be unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J Ginther
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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Monniaux D, Clément F, Dalbiès-Tran R, Estienne A, Fabre S, Mansanet C, Monget P. The ovarian reserve of primordial follicles and the dynamic reserve of antral growing follicles: what is the link? Biol Reprod 2014; 90:85. [PMID: 24599291 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.117077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing follicles develop from a reserve of primordial follicles constituted early in life. From this pre-established reserve, a second ovarian reserve is formed, which consists of gonadotropin-responsive small antral growing follicles and is a dynamic reserve for ovulation. Its size, evaluated by direct antral follicular count or endocrine markers, determines the success of assisted reproductive technologies in humans and embryo production biotechnologies in animals. Strong evidence indicates that these two reserves are functionally related. The size of both reserves appears to be highly variable between individuals of similar age, but the equilibrium size of the dynamic reserve in adults seems to be specific to each individual. The dynamics of both follicular reserves appears to result from the fine tuning of regulations involving two main pathways, the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDPK1)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/SMAD signaling pathways. Mutations in genes encoding the ligands, receptors, or signaling effectors of these pathways can accelerate or modulate the exhaustion rate of the ovarian reserves, causing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or increase in reproductive longevity, respectively. With female aging, the decline in primordial follicle numbers parallels the decrease in the size of the dynamic reserve of small antral follicles and the deterioration of oocyte quality. Recent progress in our knowledge of signaling pathways and their environmental and hormonal control during adult and fetal life opens new perspectives to improve the management of the ovarian reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Monniaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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25
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Influence of l-arginine supplementation on reproductive blood flow and embryo recovery rates in mares. Theriogenology 2014; 81:752-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Age-related changes in major ovarian follicular wave dynamics during the human menstrual cycle. Menopause 2013; 20:1243-54. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31828cfb62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Satuè K, Muñoz A, Gardón JC. Influence of the month of the year in the hematological profile in carthusian broodmares. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7243/2052-434x-1-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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28
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The mare: A 1000-pound guinea pig for study of the ovulatory follicular wave in women. Theriogenology 2012; 77:818-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Collins CW, Songsasen NS, Vick MM, Wolfe BA, Weiss RB, Keefer CL, Monfort SL. Abnormal reproductive patterns in Przewalski's mares are associated with a loss in gene diversity. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:28. [PMID: 21900686 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The ex situ population of the Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is not self-sustaining (20% foaling rate), and the demography is skewed toward aging individuals with low gene diversity. We designed the present study to gain a better understanding of the reproductive biology of the Przewalski's mare and to determine whether age and gene diversity influenced reproductive function. Urine samples were collected 3-7 days/wk from 19 mares from May to September, and ultrasound examinations of follicular structures were performed 3 days/wk for 5 wk from May through July in nine individuals. A high proportion of mares exhibited abnormal (endocrine, 5 [26.3%] of 19; follicular, 2 [22.2%] of 9) or acyclic (endocrine, 4 [21.1%] of 19; follicular, 3 [33.3%] of 9) reproductive patterns. In four cyclic mares, estrous cycle length was 25.1 ± 1.2 days, with 12.2 ± 0.9 days of diestrus. Follicles in cyclic mares grew 1.2 ± 0.6 mm per day and ovulated after reaching 40.4 ± 8.9 mm. Mares with a high coefficient of inbreeding excreted reduced levels of mean urinary estrogens (r(2) = 0.476, P < 0.05), but age had no significant impact on reproductive patterns in this population. Overall, these data suggest that long-term genetic management of this population is necessary to maintain reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wynne Collins
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA.
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Rodriguez Hurtado I, Stewart A, Wolfe D, Caldwell F, Harrie M, Whitley E. Immunolocalization of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the reproductive tract of the mare. Theriogenology 2011; 75:276-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Davies Morel M, Newcombe J, Hayward K. Factors affecting pre-ovulatory follicle diameter in the mare: the effect of mare age, season and presence of other ovulatory follicles (multiple ovulation). Theriogenology 2010; 74:1241-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Age-related dynamics of follicles and hormones during an induced ovulatory follicular wave in mares. Theriogenology 2009; 71:780-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Revised: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 09/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Ginther OJ, Gastal MO, Gastal EL, Jacob JC, Beg MA. Induction of haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles in mares. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009; 20:947-54. [PMID: 19007559 DOI: 10.1071/rd08136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A follicular wave and luteolysis were induced in mares by ablation of follicles > or =6 mm and treatment with prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF) on Day 10 (where ovulation = Day 0). The incidence of haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAFs) in the induced waves (20%) was greater (P < 0.007) than in preceding spontaneous waves (2%). Hormone and follicle dynamics were compared between induced follicular waves that ended in ovulations (ovulating group; n = 36) v. HAFs (HAF group; n = 9). The day of the first ovulation or the beginning of HAF formation at the end of an induced wave was designated as post-treatment Day 0. The mean 13-day interval from Day 10 (PGF and ablation) to the post-treatment ovulation was normalised into Days 10 to 16, followed by Day -6 to Day 0 relative to the post-treatment ovulation. Concentrations of LH were greater (P < 0.05) in the HAF group than in the ovulating group on Days 10, 11, 12, 14, -3 and -2. The HAF group had greater (P < 0.003) LH concentrations on Day 10 of the preceding oestrous cycle with spontaneous ovulatory waves. The diameter of the largest follicle was less (P < 0.05) in the HAF group on most days between Day 13 and Day -1 and this was attributable to later (P < 0.002) emergence of the future largest follicle at 6 mm in the HAF group (Day 12.4 +/- 0.5) than in the ovulating group (Day 11.3 +/- 0.1). The results indicate that the high incidence of HAFs after PGF and ablation was associated with later follicle emergence and immediate and continuing greater LH concentration after PGF treatment, apparently augmented by an inherently high pretreatment LH concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J Ginther
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, WI 53528, USA.
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