Reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 1: oestrous cycle characterisation

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyce M. Swinbourne ◽  
Stephen D. Johnston ◽  
Tina Janssen ◽  
Alan Lisle ◽  
Tamara Keeley
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Cycle Length ◽  
Urine Volume ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

Southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHNWs: Lasiorhinus latifrons) do not breed well in captivity. To better understand their reproduction, daily urine samples were collected from nine captive females and analysed for volume (mL), specific gravity and a qualitative index of the number of epithelial cells, then stored at −20°C until samples could be analysed for progesterone metabolites (P4M). The mean oestrous cycle length was 35.1 ± 2.4 days; however, individual cycle length ranged from 23 to 47 days. The mean luteal phase length was 20.8 ± 1.3 days (range: 12 to 33 days). Urinary P4M was divided into four oestrous cycle stages: (1) early follicular phase, (2) late follicular phase, (3) early luteal phase, (4) late luteal phase, and analysed against urinary characteristics. During the late follicular phase, urine volume decreased (P = 0.002) while urine specific gravity (P = 0.001) and concentration of epithelial cells (P = 0.004) both increased. The level of variability in oestrous cycle length suggests that some captive females may exhibit abnormal cycles; however, the changes in the urinary characteristics associated with the different stages of the oestrous cycle appear to offer a possible non-invasive means of monitoring the reproductive status of captive SHNWs.

scholarly journals Effects of peripheral sympathetic denervation induced by guanethidine administration on the mechanisms regulating puberty in the female guinea pig

1998 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Riboni ◽  
C Escamilla ◽  
R Chavira ◽  
R Dominguez
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Sympathetic Denervation ◽  
Vaginal Opening ◽  
Late Luteal Phase ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

The effects of peripheral sympathetic denervation induced by guanethidine administration to newborn and 10-day-old female guinea pigs on puberty, ovulation and the follicular population were analysed. Peripheral sympathetic denervation beginning at birth resulted in the loss of ovarian norepinephrine content (0.95. +/- 0.1 ng/mg wet tissue in untreated control animals vs non detectable in treated animals). Guanethidine administration to newborn or 10-day-old guinea pigs advanced puberty (age of vaginal opening: 27 +/- 1.2 days (newborn), 26 +/- 1.7 (10-day-old) vs 37 +/- 0.7 (control), P < 0.001) and ovulation. The number of corpora lutea in control and denervated animals was similar (3.5 +/- 0.2 vs 3.3 +/- 0.3). The relative weight (mg/100 g body weight) of the ovaries and adrenals in the denervated animals autopsied during the late follicular phase (24-48 h after vaginal opening) increased (ovaries: 27.8 +/- 1.3, 28.9 +/- 3.0 vs 20.9 +/- 0.8, P < 0.05; adrenals 36.4 +/- 1.4, 37.0 +/- 0.8 vs 31.6 +/- 1.5, P < 0.05), while the uterine weight diminished (179 +/- 13, 149 +/- 28 vs 292 +/- 20). When the animals were killed during the late luteal phase (9-11 days after vaginal closure), the relative weight of the ovaries of newborn guanethidine-treated animals was higher than that of the control animals (21.4 +/- 1.7 vs 16.8 +/- 1.4, P < 0.05). The mean number of follicles counted in the ovaries of denervated animals was significantly higher than in control animals (1736 +/- 230 vs 969 +/- 147, P < 0.05). The mean diameter of the follicles in the untouched control ovary in animals killed in the late follicular phase was significantly larger than from animals killed in the late luteal phase (263 +/- 3.9 microns vs 248 +/- 3.0 microns, P < 0.01). The mean diameter of the follicles measured in the ovaries of denervated animals was significantly higher than in controls (animals treated from birth 274 +/- 2.0 microns vs 255 +/- 2.4, P < 0.05; animals treated from day 10, 286 +/- 2.3 microns vs 257 +/- 2.3, P < 0.05). When the mean diameter of the follicles in the left and right ovary of the untouched control was analysed, the follicular diameter in the left ovary was significantly larger than in the right ovary (309 +/- 6.0 microns vs 214 +/- 3.9, P < 0.01); the response of the left and right ovaries to sympathetic denervation was the opposite. The results obtained in the present study suggest that ovarian innervation plays a role in the regulation of follicular growth, maturation and atresia which is not related to changes in steroid secretion by the ovary, but to other regulatory mechanisms.

scholarly journals Oestrous cycle stage influences the morphology and maturation of porcine oocytes in vitro

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 70-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Machatkova ◽  
P. Hulinska ◽  
J. Horakova ◽  
Z. Reckova ◽  
K. Hanzalova
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Development ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Porcine Oocyte ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Oocyte Donors ◽  
Meiotic Competence ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

The objective of the study was to characterize the effect of the oestrous cycle stage on the yield, morphology and meiotic competence of porcine oocytes. A total of 46 cycling gilts, at 8.5–9 months of age, were used as oocyte donors. Their oestrous cycle was synchronized by Regumate and the onset of oestrus was checked (Day 0). The gilts were slaughtered at the early (Days 1–5), middle (6–10) and late (11–14) luteal or early (Days 15–16), middle (17–19) and late (20–21) follicular phase. Oocytes were isolated separately from medium (5–9 mm) and small (≤ 4 mm) follicles. Cumulus-oocyte complexes with dark, evenly granulated cytoplasm and at least two compact layers of cumulus cells were selected as useful for maturation. They were matured by a standard protocol, denuded from cumulus cells, fixed in glutaraldehyde, stained with 33258-Hoechst and examined by epifluorescence. The oocytes collected from small and medium follicles differed in their yield, morphology and meiotic competence regardless of the phase. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of oocytes isolated per donor was higher (187.7 ± 48.4 vs. 16.9 ± 6.1) but the mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes was lower (22.4 ± 7.5% vs. 80.2 ± 6.8%; <I>P</I> < 0.01) for small than for medium follicles. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes per donor was significantly (<I>P</I> < 0.01) higher (42.1 ± 16.8 vs. 11.9 ± 4.3) but the mean percentage of matured oocytes was significantly (<I>P</I> < 0.01) lower (48.4 ± 17.8% vs. 79.9 ± 7.9%) for small than for medium follicles. The oocyte population collected from small follicles varied during the oestrous cycle. The mean number (± S.E.M.) of oocytes isolated per donor from small follicles increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, except for the late follicular phase when it increased again. The mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes did not differ too much during this period, except for the late follicular phase when it decreased significantly (<I>P</I> < 0.01). The mean number (± S.E.M.) of useful oocytes per donor increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, but the differences were not significant except for the late follicular phase (<I>P</I> < 0.01). Similarly, the mean percentage (± S.E.M.) of matured oocytes increased during the luteal and decreased during the follicular phase, and the differences were significant. Compared with the oocyte population from small follicles, the oocyte population from medium follicles was less variable in the period from the middle luteal to middle follicular phase, when these follicles were present on the ovaries. It can be concluded that the porcine oocyte population changes in terms of quantity, morphological quality and meiotic competence according to the stage of follicular development. The late luteal and early follicular phases appeared to be most productive for oocyte recovery, because more morphologically normal oocytes with greater meiotic competence were collected, as compared with the other stages of the oestrous cycle.

Pulsatile secretion of inhibin, oestradiol and androstenedione by the ovary of the sheep during the oestrous cycle

1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Campbell ◽  
G. E. Mann ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
D. T. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Pulse Amplitude ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Early Follicular Phase ◽  
Lh Secretion ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

ABSTRACT The pattern of pulsatile secretion of inhibin, oestradiol and androstenedione by the ovary at different stages of the oestrous cycle in sheep was studied in five Finn–Merino ewes in which the left ovary had been autotransplanted to the neck. The ewes had jugular venous blood samples collected at 4-hourly intervals from 42 h before the induction of luteolysis by i.m. injection of cloprostenol (100 μg) on day 10 of the oestrous cycle, until day 3 of the following cycle. There were five periods of intensive blood sampling, when both ovarian and jugular venous blood samples were collected, as follows: (a) mid-luteal phase, before the second injection of cloprostenol on day 10 (15-min intervals for 6 h); (b) early follicular phase, 24 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (c) late follicular phase, 48 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (d) after the LH surge on day 1 of the cycle, 76 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (e) early luteal phase on day 3 of the cycle, 120 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 3 h). Plasma was collected and the samples assayed for LH, FSH, progesterone, oestradiol, androstenedione and inhibin. The ovarian secretion rates for oestradiol, androstenedione and inhibin were calculated. All ewes responded normally to the luteolytic dose of cloprostenol with the preovulatory surge of LH occurring within 56·4±1·6 h (mean ± s.e.m.) followed by the establishment of a normal luteal phase. The pulse frequency of LH, oestradiol and androstenedione increased in the transition from the luteal to the follicular phase (P<0·01). On day 1 of the cycle LH secretion consisted of low-amplitude high-frequency pulses (1·0±0·1 pulse/h) to which androstenedione, but not oestradiol, responded. On day 3 of the cycle LH secretion was similar to that on day 1 but both androstenedione and oestradiol secretion were pulsatile in response to LH, indicating the presence of oestrogenic follicles. The stage of the cycle had no significant effects on LH pulse amplitude and nadir but the ovarian secretory response to LH stimulation did vary with the stage of the cycle. Prolactin pulse frequency, amplitude and nadir were higher (P<0·05) during the follicular phase than the luteal phase. Prolactin pulse frequency was depressed (P<0·05) on day 1 of the cycle but increased to follicular phase levels on day 3. Prolactin pulse frequency was significantly correlated to oestradiol pulse frequency (r = 0·54; P<0·01). During the luteal phase there were insufficient oestradiol pulses to obtain an estimate of pulse amplitude and nadir but both these parameters reached their highest level during the late follicular phase, fell to negligible levels on day 1 and increased to early follicular phase levels on day 3. Androstenedione pulse amplitude and nadir exhibited similar but less marked variation. Inhibin secretion was episodic at all stages of the cycle examined but did not exhibit significant variation with stage of cycle in any of the parameters of episodic secretion measured. Inhibin pulses were not related to either LH or prolactin at any stage of the cycle. FSH secretion was not detectably pulsatile but jugular venous concentrations of FSH at each stage of the oestrous cycle were negatively correlated with mean oestradiol (r= −0·52; P<0·01 but not inhibin secretion (r = 0·19). We conclude that (i) LH secretion is pulsatile at all stages of the oestrous cycle but the steroidogenic responses of the ovary varies with the stage of the cycle, reflecting changes in characteristics of the follicle population, (ii) ovarian inhibin secretion is episodic and displays little change with the stage of the oestrous cycle and (iii) episodic inhibin secretion is not related to either pulses of LH or prolactin. The aetiology of these inhibin pulses therefore remains unknown. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 126, 385–393

Hormonal profile of the cycle in 68 normally menstruating women

1980 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.-M. Landgren ◽  
A.-L. Undén ◽  
E. Diczfalusy
Keyword(s):  
Individual Variation ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Cycle Length ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Ovulatory Cycle ◽  
Oestradiol Level ◽  
Menstruating Women ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. The peripheral plasma levels of immunoreactive LH, FSH, oestradiol and progesterone were analyzed daily throughout the cycle in 68 normally menstruating women, exhibiting a cycle length of 25 to 36 days during the period of blood sampling. The (geometric) mean length of the follicular phase was 15 days, with an individual variation between 9 and 23 days. The mean length of the luteal phase was 13 days, with an individual variation between 8 and 17 days. The mean ratio of the length of the follicular to luteal phase (F/L ratio) was 1.13, and 62 of 68 subjects (91%) exhibited an F/L ratio between 0.75 and 1.80. In one-third of the cycles studied. the pre-ovulatory oestradiol and LH peaks occurred before the 12th, or after the 18th day of the cycle, and the length of the luteal phase was shorter than 12, or longer than 15 days. The length of the follicular phase was positively correlated to the mean LH level of days LH-7 to LH-3 before the midcycle surge (P< 0.001) and negatively correlated to the mean oestradiol level of the first 6 days of the cycle (P< 0.001) and to the height of the preovulatory oestradiol peak (P<0.01). There was also a positive correlation between the length of the entire cycle and the mean LH level throughout the cycle (P< 0.01) or during days LH-7 to LH-3 (P < 0.001), or the height of the midcycle LH surge (P<0.01), and a negative correlation between cycle length and the mean oestradiol level of the first 6 cycle days (P < 0.001), or of the entire follicular phase (P < 0.001), or of the complete cycle (P < 0.01). Hence a combination of high initial oestradiol levels with low LH levels is associated with relatively short cycles and the opposite combination with relatively long ones. In agreement with previous findings in 32 normally menstruating women, 94%, or 64 of the 68 subjects of the present study had plasma progesterone levels higher than 16 nmol/1 for a minimum of 5 days. Hence, progesterone levels lower than this value or exceeding this value for a shorter period than 5 days are considered to reflect an insufficient or partially suppressed luteal function. In addition, 62 of the 68 subjects studied (91%) fulfilled a series of criteria concerning the minimal and maximal levels of LH, FSH, oestradiol and also progesterone during different cycle phases. It is suggested that these criteria together with the progesterone levels indicated above are characteristic of a normal ovulatory cycle, at least in the local population. The acquisition of similar 'critical levels' in other populations may provide a useful approach towards the establishment of generally accepted criteria for distinguishing a normal from an abnormal cycle.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

Seasonal and steroid-dependent effects on the modulation of LH secretion in the ewe by intracerebroventricularly administered β-endorphin or naloxone

1989 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. E. Horton ◽  
H. Francis ◽  
I. J. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Opioid Peptide ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Opioid Antagonist ◽  
Endogenous Opioid ◽  
Endogenous Opioid Peptide ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT The natural opioid ligand, β-endorphin, and the opioid antagonist, naloxone, were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) to evaluate effects on LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes and in ovariectomized ewes treated with oestradiol-17β plus progesterone either during the breeding season or the anoestrous season. Ovary-intact ewes were also studied during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Jugular blood samples were taken at 10-min intervals for 8 h and either saline (20–50 μl), 100 μg naloxone or 10 μg β-endorphin were injected i.c.v. after 4 h. In addition, luteal phase ewes were injected i.c.v. with 25 μg β-endorphin(1–27), a purported endogenous opioid antagonist. In ovariectomized ewes, irrespective of season, saline and naloxone did not affect LH secretion, but β-endorphin decreased the plasma LH concentrations, by reducing LH pulse frequency. The effect of β-endorphin was blocked by administering naloxone 30 min beforehand. Treating ovariectomized ewes with oestradiol-17β plus progesterone during the breeding season reduced plasma LH concentrations from 6–8 μg/l to less than 1 μg/l. In these ewes, saline did not alter LH secretion, but naloxone increased LH pulse frequency and the plasma concentrations of LH within 15–20 min. During anoestrus, the combination of oestradiol-17β plus progesterone to ovariectomized ewes reduced the plasma LH concentrations from 3–5 μg/l to undetectable levels, and neither saline nor naloxone affected LH secretion. During the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, naloxone enhanced LH pulse frequency, which resulted in increased plasma LH concentrations; saline had no effect. In these sheep, β-endorphin decreased LH pulse frequency and the mean concentrations of LH, and this effect was prevented by the previous administration of naloxone. The i.c.v. administration of β-endorphin(1–27) to luteal phase ewes did not affect LH secretion. These data demonstrate the ability of a naturally occurring opioid peptide to inhibit LH secretion in ewes during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, irrespective of the gonadal steroid background. In contrast, whilst the gonadal steroids suppress LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes during both seasons, they only appear to activate endogenous opioid peptide (EOP)-mediated inhibition of LH secretion during the breeding season. Furthermore, these data support the notion that LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes is not normally under the control of EOP, so that naloxone has no effect. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 122, 509–517

scholarly journals Injury Incidence Across the Menstrual Cycle in International Footballers

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Martin ◽  
Kate Timmins ◽  
Charlotte Cowie ◽  
Jon Alty ◽  
Ritan Mehta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Tendon Injuries ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Rate Ratios ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

Objectives: This study aimed to assess how menstrual cycle phase and extended menstrual cycle length influence the incidence of injuries in international footballers.Methods: Over a 4-year period, injuries from England international footballers at training camps or matches were recorded, alongside self-reported information on menstrual cycle characteristics at the point of injury. Injuries in eumenorrheic players were categorized into early follicular, late follicular, or luteal phase. Frequencies were also compared between injuries recorded during the typical cycle and those that occurred after the cycle would be expected to have finished. Injury incidence rates (per 1,000 person days) and injury incidence rate ratios were calculated for each phase for all injuries and injuries stratified by type.Results: One hundred fifty-six injuries from 113 players were eligible for analysis. Injury incidence rates per 1,000 person-days were 31.9 in the follicular, 46.8 in the late follicular, and 35.4 in the luteal phase, resulting in injury incidence rate ratios of 1.47 (Late follicular:Follicular), 1.11 (Luteal:Follicular), and 0.76 (Luteal:Late follicular). Injury incident rate ratios showed that muscle and tendon injury rates were 88% greater in the late follicular phase compared to the follicular phase, with muscle rupture/tear/strain/cramps and tendon injuries/ruptures occurring over twice as often during the late follicular phase compared to other phases 20% of injuries were reported as occurring when athletes were “overdue” menses.Conclusion: Muscle and tendon injuries occurred almost twice as often in the late follicular phase compared to the early follicular or luteal phase. Injury risk may be elevated in typically eumenorrheic women in the days after their next menstruation was expected to start.

The effect of the laparoscopic insemination technique on the oestrous cycle of the ewe

1991 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-61
Author(s):  
T. L. Taljaard ◽  
S. J. Terblanche ◽  
H. J. Bertschinger ◽  
L. J. Van Vuuren
Keyword(s):  
Cycle Length ◽  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin ◽  
Teaser Rams

This investigation was designed to determine whether or not the technique of intrauterine insemination affects the length of the subsequent oestrous cycle. Dorper ewes (n=31) were divided into treatment and control groups. All the ewes were synchronised using 40 mg fluorogestone acetate intravaginal sponges for 14 d and 300 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin on the day of sponge removal. A standard semen diluent was deposited laparoscopically in each uterine horn of ewes in the treatment, group. Teaser rams were used to detect oestrus. Progesterone profiles were used to confirm oestrus. The mean oestrous cycle length of 17,83 ± 0,69 d for the group in which the diluent was deposited by laparoscopy did not differ significantly (P0,l) from the 18,36±2,11 d of the control group. The technique of laparoscopic insemination did not influence the length of subsequent oestrous cycles.

Oestrous cycle of the common wombat, Vombatus ursinus, in Victoria, Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 339 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. West ◽  
D. Galloway ◽  
J. Shaw ◽  
A. Trouson ◽  
M. C. J. Paris
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Vaginal Smears ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Common Wombat ◽  
Vaginal Cytology ◽  
The Common

Wild-caught female common wombats from Victoria, Australia, were studied in captivity to investigate the oestrous cycle by assessing vaginal cytology and peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations. Eight wombats, five adults (21–29 kg) and three subadults (19–23 kg), which were held for between 2 weeks and 11 months did not cycle in captivity. Their progesterone concentrations were consistently low (≤6.9 nmol L–1) and vaginal smears contained predominantly superficial epithelial cells. Three wombats (21–27 kg), held in captivity for >1 year, regularly cycled (when bodyweights exceeded 23.5 kg). Information gathered from four consecutive cycles in each of these three wombats revealed a follicular phase with low progesterone concentrations (≤6.9 nmol L–1) and vaginal smears with a high percentage of superficial epithelial cells alternating with periods of high progesterone concentrations (range 41.6–123.8 nmol L–1) and smears in which parabasal–intermediate epithelial cells predominated. The average length of the monitored oestrous cycles was 47.2 days (35–60 days). The follicular phase lasted ~19 days and the luteal phase lasted ~28 days. In conclusion, wombats can cycle regularly in captivity even under conditions of intensive monitoring.

Concentrations of total and free dehydroepiandrosterone in plasma and dehydroepiandrosterone in saliva of normal and hirsute women under basal conditions and during administration of dexamethasone/synthetic corticotropin

1990 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 2042-2046 ◽  
Author(s):  
L M Swinkels ◽  
H A Ross ◽  
A G Smals ◽  
T J Benraad
Keyword(s):  
Chromatographic Separation ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Dynamic Tests ◽  
Combined Administration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Using a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay involving extraction with diethyl ether and chromatographic separation of steroids, we measured concentrations of salivary and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 22 women with normal ovulatory cycles (ages 18-45 years). Salivary DHEA values closely correlated with total and free DHEA in plasma. In the follicular phase the mean concentrations of salivary and plasma free DHEA were virtually equal [mean (SD): 0.61 (0.32) and 0.56 (0.34) nmol/L, respectively]. In the luteal phase, salivary DHEA slightly exceeded the plasma free DHEA [0.68 (0.40) vs 0.56 (0.38) nmol/L, P less than 0.01]. Also, during combined dexamethasone/synthetic corticotropin administration in 25 patients with androgenizing disorders and in 10 normal subjects (each in the follicular and luteal phases), the concentration of DHEA in saliva strongly correlated with total and free DHEA in plasma. During these dynamic tests, the mean concentrations of free DHEA in plasma and salivary DHEA in the hirsute women were significantly higher than the mean concentrations in the control women at all times before and after corticotropin infusion (P less than 0.05- less than 0.0001). In contrast, plasma total DHEA in patients exceeded nonhirsute values only at 15 min after corticotropin administration. In six of 25 patients total DHEA during combined administration of dexamethasone/synthetic corticotropin exceeded normal values by at least 2 SD. The response of salivary and free DHEA to synthetic corticotropin in this subgroup was also excessive.

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