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Porto ACRC, Redoan MA, Massoco CO, Furtado PV, Oliveira CA. Additional effects using progestins in mares on levels of thyroid hormones and steroids in neonates. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230029. [PMID: 38148929 PMCID: PMC10750809 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of pregnancy loss in mares leads to the use of exogenous hormones to help pregnancy maintenance. The objective was to evaluate the proportion of thyroid hormones and steroids in neonates, in the following postpartum period, born to mares fed with synthetic progesterone and to verify the existence of a correlation between the level of progesterone between mother and neonate. Twenty-seven mares and their foals were used. The animals were divided into 5 experimental groups: group 1 (control, without hormonal supplementation), group 2 (random samples fed to 120 days of pregnancy with long-term progesterone), group 3 (mares fed with short-term progesterone as of 280.º day of pregnancy), group 4 (mares fed with long-term progesterone as of 280.º day of pregnancy) and group 5 (mares fed with synthetic hormone [altrenogest] as of 280.º day of pregnancy). The animal's blood collection took place immediately after parturition for the hormonal measurement. The hormones measured in neonates were total T3, free T4, TSH, progesterone and cortisone. In mares, only levels of progesterone. The groups of neonates showed no difference on levels of total T3, free T4, TSH and progesterone. There was no difference on levels of progesterone in mares among the groups. Neonates from groups 4 and 5 had higher and lower cortisone levels, respectively. No neonate showed clinical change. There was also no correlation between levels of progesterone in mares and foals. Thus, hormonal supplementation with long-term progesterone as of 280 days of pregnancy leds to an increase in the neonate's cortisone levels, in the meantime, supplementation with altrenogest as of 280 days of pregnancy caused a decrease on cortisone levels in foals, despite clinical signs have not been observed on these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Oliveira Massoco
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Priscila Viau Furtado
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Claudio Alvarenga Oliveira
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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2
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Chavatte-Palmer P, Derisoud E, Robles M. Pregnancy and placental development in horses: an update. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 79:106692. [PMID: 34823139 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Horses have been domesticated by man and historical information mostly associates horses with men. Nowadays, however, horse riding is essentially by women. Women are also very much involved in equine sciences, with a large contribution to the understanding of fetoplacental development. While highlighting the work of female scientists, this review describes the recent advances in equine fetoplacental studies, focusing on data obtained by new generation sequencing and progress on the understanding of the role of placental progesterone metabolites throughout gestation. A second emphasis is made on fetal programming, a currently very active field, where the importance of maternal nutrition, mare management or the use of embryo technologies has been shown to induce long term effects in the offspring that might affect progeny's performance. Finally, new perspectives for the study of equine pregnancy are drawn, that will rely on new methodologies applied to molecular explorations and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| | - E Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - M Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec H7V1B7, Canada
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3
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Lutzer A, Nagel C, Aurich J, Murphy BA, Aurich C. Development of foals until one year of age when the dam was exposed to blue monochromatic light directed at one eye during late pregnancy. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 112:103922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Beachler TM. Ancillary treatment to support pregnancy in cases of medical disease. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. M. Beachler
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
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5
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Nagel C, Aurich C. Induction of parturition in horses - from physiological pathways to clinical applications. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106670. [PMID: 34517269 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Based on the marked variability in physiological equine gestation length, induction of foaling in mares often results in the birth of dysmature foals. Precise prediction of preparedness of the mare for foaling is thus essential. Treatment with glucocorticoids mimics the fetal signal that initiates birth. Repeated daily dexamethasone treatment in late gestation results in birth of mature foals but the time from initiation of treatment to foaling is highly variable and complications such as dystocia have been reported. Contrary to most expectations, treatment of prepartum mares with progestogens does not delay but advances the onset of foaling. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and its analogues are effective to induce foaling but even in mares ready for parturition, foal health remains to some extent unpredictable. This may be caused by a relatively long interval between PGF2α treatment and birth, exposing the fetus for several hours to uterine contractions. Oxytocin reliably induces foaling towards the end of pregnancy, but when given at high doses is effective also in the pre-viable period of gestation, resulting in birth of premature foals. Recent research has focused on reducing the amount of oxytocin with the aim to induce foaling only in mares prepared for foaling. Mares selected on clinical criteria receive 1 dose of 2.5 to 3.5 IU of oxytocin. Mares not responding to oxytocin are judged not yet ready for foaling and treatment is repeated the earliest after 24 h. This protocol at present is the most reliable and safest way to induce parturition in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nagel
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, Vetmeduni Vienna, Hauptgestüt, 1016845 Neustadt(Dosse), Germany.
| | - C Aurich
- Department for Small Animals and Horses, Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Guarino C, Pinn-Woodcock T, Levine DG, Miller J, Johnson AL. Case Report: Nuchal Bursitis Associated With Borrelia burgdorferi Infection in a Horse. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:743067. [PMID: 34631864 PMCID: PMC8495068 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.743067] [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: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of cranial nuchal bursitis associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection have not been thoroughly described. Here, we describe the case of a 17-year-old mare that was presented for low head carriage, dull demeanor, and resistance to haltering. Imaging supported a diagnosis of nuchal bursitis, and bursoscopy with surgical debridement of the nuchal bursa was performed. B. burgdorferi was identified by molecular diagnostics in serial samples of the bursal fluid, with no other organisms identified. Serology revealed significant elevation in antibodies directed against OspA of B. burgdorferi, but not the typical infection markers, OspC and OspF. Intravenous ceftiofur was administered for 80 days, and the nuchal bursa was directly injected with ceftiofur. The mare recovered and was able to return to work with no recrudescence of clinical signs over the following year to date. Infection with B. burgdorferi should be considered as a differential in cases of septic nuchal bursitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Guarino
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Toby Pinn-Woodcock
- Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - David G Levine
- New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, United States
| | - Julia Miller
- General Medicine, Alliance Equine Health Care, Glenmoore, PA, United States
| | - Amy L Johnson
- New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, United States
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Douglas HF, Stefanovski D, Southwood LL. Outcomes of pregnant broodmares treated for colic at a tertiary care facility. Vet Surg 2021; 50:1579-1591. [PMID: 34558077 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, following colic admission during pregnancy, (1) broodmare survival; (2) the frequency of recurrent colic in broodmares and its associated variables, and (3) pregnancy outcome and the variables associated with a negative pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN Ambidirectional observational cohort study. ANIMALS One hundred and four client-owned broodmare admissions. METHODS Admissions of pregnant mares from June 2010 until October 2016 were included. Data were collected until November 2017. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate variables associated with broodmare survival. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the variables associated with recurrent colic and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS Broodmares from 73/104 (70.2%) admissions were discharged alive. Lesion category, admission hyperlactatemia (hazard ratio (HR) 3.24, 95%, CI 1.28-8.22, P = .013), and admission high packed cell volume (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.29-6.47, P = .010) were associated with reduced survival. Recurrent colic was observed in broodmares from 33/70 admissions (47.1%). The final multivariable model for recurrent colic included Thoroughbred breed (OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.58-16.4, P = .006) and age (OR .876, 95% CI .747-1.03, P = .105). Overall, negative pregnancy outcome was 14/65 (21.5%). Lesion category, evidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in hospital (OR 31.2, 95% CI 2.09-466.5, P = .013), and diarrhea in hospital (OR 379.3, 95% CI 97.1-1482.0, P < .001) were associated with increased negative pregnancy outcome. Altrenogest administration was inversely associated with negative pregnancy outcome (OR 0.029, 95% CI .004-.222, P = .001). CONCLUSION Pregnant broodmares admitted for colic had lower survival than anticipated and were at risk of recurrent colic. Markers of broodmare disease severity were associated with pregnancy outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Lesion category, hematologic variables (packed cell volume and l-lactate concentration), evidence of SIRS, and diarrhea were useful for predicting broodmare and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope F Douglas
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louise L Southwood
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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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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Fedorka CE, Scoggin KE, Ruby RE, Erol E, Ball BA. Clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic features of nocardioform placentitis in the mare. Theriogenology 2021; 171:155-161. [PMID: 34058508 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Placentitis is the leading cause of infectious abortion in the horse and contributes to roughly 19% of all abortions in the United States. A type of placental infection, nocardioform placentitis (NP) is associated with gram-positive branching actinomycetes localized within the ventral body of the feto-maternal interface to create a lymphoplasmacytic mucoid lesion. While the etiology of this disease is poorly described, this placental infection continues to cause episodic abortions in addition to weak and/or growth retarded neonates. The goal of the present study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of pregnancies associated with a nocardioform-affected placenta and make inferences into the epidemiology of this elusive disease. To do so, 264 mares were enrolled in the study, with 145 as having suspected disease (n = 145; NP) either based on pregnancy-related complications or postpartum placental evaluation, while an additional 119 were enrolled as healthy pregnancies (n = 119; CON). Following diagnosis as either NP or CON based on gross and histopathology at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, information was gathered on the mares and neonates for comparisons between diseased and healthy pregnancies. Clinically, a significant portion of diseased mares had clinical indications of NP, including premature mammary gland development, thickening of the placenta noted on transrectal ultrasonography, and separation between the chorioallantois and endometrium noted on abdominal ultrasonography, while vulvar discharge was not commonly noted. Additionally, NP was correlated with increased mare age, decreased gestational length, and decreased neonatal weight, although neonatal IgG and WBC were comparable to CON. Incidence of NP was not correlated with last breeding date, pre- and post-breeding therapeutics, parity, prophylactic medications, or housing. Additionally, NP did not affect postpartum fertility. While NP was associated with a poor neonatal outcome (abortion and/or growth retarded neonate), this did not appear to be influenced by the bacteria isolated (Amycolatopsis spp. vs. Crossiella equi), and mares diagnosed with NP do not appear to be infectious to other pregnant mares nor have repetitive years of the disease. Interestingly, lesion size was positively correlated with last breeding date, as mares bred later in the breeding season correlating with a larger placental lesion. In conclusion, while the etiology of NP continues to elude researchers, the epidemiology of this disease has gained clarity, providing inferences into the management of suspect mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - K E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - R E Ruby
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - E Erol
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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10
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Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Walker OF, Conley AJ, Corbin CJ, Lu KG, Hanneman JM, Troedsson MHT, Adams AA. Alteration of the mare's immune system by the synthetic progestin, altrenogest. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13145. [PMID: 31087434 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Progestins are immunomodulatory in a variety of species. In the horse, the most commonly administered synthetic progestin is altrenogest (ALT), but its effect on the immune system of the non-pregnant mare is unknown. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from diestrous mares were incubated with varying concentrations of progesterone (P4) or ALT to assess intracellular production of IFNγ and the expression of select cytokines. Additionally, ten mares received either ALT or VEH daily utilizing a switchback design beginning on the day of ovulation and continuing for 7 days. Circulating PBMCs and endometrial biopsies were obtained to assess the production and expression of the same cytokines. RESULTS In vitro, both P4 and ALT caused a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular IFNγ in PBMCs. P4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of IFNγ, IL-10 and IL-4, while ALT caused an increase in the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in PBMCs. In vivo, ALT suppressed the intracellular levels of IFNγ in PBMCs on d6. While control mares experienced a decrease in IL-1β expression from d0 to d6, ALT-treated mares did not. In the endometrium, ALT increased the expression of IL-1RN and IFNγ in comparison with VEH-treated mares. CONCLUSION P4 and ALT appear to alter the immune system of the non-pregnant mare both systemically in addition to locally within the endometrium. Further research is necessary to determine the pathways through which this synthetic progestin functions on the immune system of the horse, and the consequences it may have.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Olivia F Walker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cynthia J Corbin
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kristina G Lu
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jessica M Hanneman
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amanda A Adams
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Boettcher AN, Ahrens AP, Charley SE, Tuggle CK. A Comprehensive Protocol for Laparotomy in Swine to Facilitate Ultrasound-Guided Injection into the Fetal Intraperitoneal Space. Comp Med 2019; 69:123-129. [PMID: 30755290 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-18-000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Swine are a commonly used animal model for biomedical research. One research application of swine models is the in utero injection of human or pig cells into the fetal liver (FL) or intraperitoneal space. In utero injections can be accomplished through laparotomy procedures in pregnant swine. In this study, we aimed to establish comprehensive laparotomy protocols for ultrasound-guided injections into fetuses. Two pregnant gilts, with a total of 16 fetuses, underwent laparotomy at 41 and 42 d of gestation. During surgery, we attempted to inject half of the fetuses in the FL or intraperitoneal space with saline and titanium wire for radiographic imaging after birth. After the laparotomy and fetal injections, both gilts maintained pregnancy throughout gestation and initiated labor at full term. Of the 16 fetuses present at the time of laparotomy, 12 were liveborn, 2 were stillborn, and the remaining 2 were mummies. A total of 7 fetuses from the 2 litters were known to have been injected with a wire during the surgery. After farrowing, piglets were radiographed, and 6 piglets were identified to have wire within the abdominal space. Livers were dissected, and additional radiographs were obtained. It was determined that one piglet had wire within the liver, whereas the other 5 had wire within the intraperitoneal space. Overall, we describe in-depth laparotomy surgery protocols, ultrasound-guided injection of saline and titanium wire into the FL or intraperitoneal space, postoperative monitoring protocols, and information on radiographic detection of titanium wire after piglet birth. These protocols can be followed by other research groups intending to inject cells of interest into either the intraperitoneal space or FL of fetal piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda P Ahrens
- Laboratory Animal Resources, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Sara E Charley
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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Müller V, Curcio BR, Toribio RE, Feijó LS, Borba LA, Canisso IF, Nogueira CE. Cortisol, progesterone, 17α OH progesterone, and pregnenolone in foals born from mare's hormone-treated for experimentally induced ascending placentitis. Theriogenology 2019; 123:139-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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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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Clinical parameters, intestinal function, and IGF1 concentrations in colostrum-deprived and colostrum-fed newborn pony foals. Theriogenology 2013; 80:1045-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Willmann C, Schuler G, Hoffmann B, Parvizi N, Aurich C. Effects of age and altrenogest treatment on conceptus development and secretion of LH, progesterone and eCG in early-pregnant mares. Theriogenology 2011; 75:421-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Palm FM, Schenk I, Neuhauser S, Schubert D, Machnik M, Schänzer W, Aurich C. Concentrations of altrenogest in plasma of mares and foals and in allantoic and amniotic fluid at parturition. Theriogenology 2010; 74:229-35. [PMID: 20452000 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with the progestin altrenogest is widely used in pregnant mares. The fact that foals born from healthy mares treated with altrenogest until term suffered from neonatal problems raises the question of direct effects of altrenogest on vital functions in the neonate. We have therefore investigated altrenogest concentrations in maternal and neonatal blood plasma and in fetal fluids. Pregnant mares were treated with altrenogest orally once daily (0,088 mg/kg bodyweight, n = 7) or left untreated (n = 8) from 280 d of gestation until foaling. Altrenogest concentration was determined in plasma of the mares, their foals and in amniotic and allantoic fluid. The concentration of altrenogest in plasma from treated mares (2.6 +/- 1.0 ng/mL) was significantly lower than in plasma from their foals immediately after birth (5.6 +/- 1.9 ng/mL; p < 0.05), but was significantly higher than in their fetal fluids (amniotic fluid: 0.4 +/- 0.1 ng/mL; p < 0.05; allantoic fluid: 3.0 +/- 1.5 ng/mL). Altrenogest was undetectable in maternal and fetal plasma and fetal fluids of control pregnancies at all times. Altrenogest concentration in plasma of foals from treated mares was strongly correlated to the altrenogest concentration in plasma of their dams (r = 0.938, p < 0.001) and in amniotic (r = 0.886, p < 0.001) and allantoic fluid (r = 0.562, p < 0.05). A significant decrease in altrenogest concentration between the time periods 0-15 min, 30-120 min, and 180-360 min after parturition was seen in the plasma from foals born to altrenogest-treated mares. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that altrenogest reaches the equine fetus at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Palm
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, University for Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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