Effects of pre- and post-mating nutritional status on hepatic function, progesterone concentration, uterine protein secretion and embryo survival in Meishan pigs

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Ashworth ◽  
L. Beattie ◽  
C. Antipatis
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Protein Secretion ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Embryo Survival

This experiment examined whether the pre- or the post-mating diet had greater impact on embryo survival in Meishan gilts. Gilts received either a maintenance (1.15 kg day −1 ; n=12) or a high (3.5 kg day −1 ; n=12) diet during the oestrous cycle preceding mating. After mating, half the animals in each group received either the maintenance or the high diet until slaughter on Day 12. Gilts fed the high pre-mating diet had more corpora lutea (22.7 v.19.0, SED = 0.98; P<0.001), increased embryo survival (95.5% v.74.8%, SED=7.58; P<0.01) and heavier corpora lutea (−0.71 log g v.−0.90 log g, SED=0.09; P=0.07) compared with gilts fed the maintenance diet prior to mating. The post-mating diet had no effect on embryo survival. There were no treatment effects on blastocyst developmental stage, luteal surface area or progesterone release. Gilts receiving the high post-mating diet had heavier livers than those fed the maintenance post-mating diet (1.45 v.1.08% of total bodyweight, SED=0.07; P<0.001), suggesting that these gilts have a greater capacity to metabolize progesterone. Pre-mating nutritional status therefore appears to be a greater determinant of embryo numbers and survival than the post-mating diet.

Effect of post-ovulation nutritional status in ewes on early conceptus survival and growth in vivo and luteotrophic protein secretion in vitro

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Wallace ◽  
RP Aitken ◽  
MA Cheyne
Keyword(s):  
Protein Secretion ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Quantitative Difference ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
High Feed ◽  
Survival And Growth

Overfeeding during early pregnancy in ewes compromises pregnancy establishment and/or embryo survival. To determine whether high feed intakes after ovulation alter the secretory dialogue between the conceptus and the endometrium, 24 embryos (8-16-cell) from ewes fed maintenance rations were synchronously transferred in singleton on Day 3 of the cycle (oestrus, Day 0) into the uterus of ewes receiving a high or low plane of nutrition from Day 0 (n = 12 ewes per group). Embryo survival and conceptus growth were assessed on Day 16. At this time, pregnancy was maintained in 11 of 12 recipient ewes per group and conceptus mass was not influenced by nutritional plane (637 +/- 48 v. 583 +/- 72 mg for high and low groups respectively). Conceptus and endometrial tissues were cultured separately for a further 24 h in vitro in the presence of [3H]leucine. There was no quantitative difference between nutritional treatments in the incorporation of radiolabel into proteins synthesized and secreted by the conceptus or endometrium. Secretion of ovine trophoblast protein-1 was also similar in both groups. Peripheral progesterone concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower throughout the luteal phase in recipient ewes on high v. low intakes after ovulation. This effect was independent of ovulation rate which was 3.1 +/- 0.40 and 2.6 +/- 0.25 corpora lutea for high and low groups respectively. A high plane of nutrition after ovulation did not influence embryo survival and development in vivo or luteotrophic protein secretion in vitro despite a reduction in peripheral progesterone concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of long photoperiod or bromocryptine treatment on prolactin concentration and fertility in ewe lambs mated at induced oestrus

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-214
Author(s):  
N. F. G. Beck ◽  
M. C. G. Davies ◽  
B. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Plasma Prolactin ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Group B ◽  
Long Photoperiod

AbstractAn investigation was conducted into the effects of increasing plasma prolactin concentration with long photoperiod or suppressing it with bromocryptine on the fertility of ewe lambs. One hundred and twenty dim Forest ewe lambs were divided into three groups: group C was kept as a control; group L was exposed to a long photoperiod (16 h light: 8 h dark) and group B was given daily injections of 1 mg bromocryptine from 12 days before until 21 days after mating. All three groups were mated in late November, 30 days after housing, following progestagen/PMSG treatment. Post-mating prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in group L and lower in group B compared with group C (P > 0·05). There was a tendency for pregnancy rate and the number of corpora lutea to be represented by viable foetuses to be lower in group L than in group C (P < 0·05). Furthermore, post-mating progesterone concentration was higher in this group compared with those in group C (P > 0·05). In a second experiment, 100 Welsh Χ Texel ewe lambs were given treatment C or L. Embryo survival tended to be lower and crown rump length, embryo weight and amniotic sac width were reduced at 25 days post mating in the animals given treatment L, compared with those given treatment C (P < 0·05). The combined results of the experiments indicated that fewer corpora lutea were represented by viable embryos or foetuses in group L than in group C (P < 0·05). These results suggest that embryo growth and survival is reduced in animals bred under a long photoperiod.

Effect of an inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase on progesterone concentrations and embryo survival in sheep

1987 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Ashworth ◽  
I. Wilmut ◽  
A. J. Springbett ◽  
R. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Silicone Elastomer ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Progesterone Production ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACT The effect of an inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase on peripheral progesterone concentration during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and on embryo survival was determined in sheep. Following administration of 10, 50, 100 or 250 mg epostane (4,5-epoxy-17-hydroxy-4,17,dimethyl-3-oxo-androstane-2-carbonitrile) progesterone concentrations were significantly lower than control levels 4 h after injection, from 2·5 to 22 h, 1·5 to 24 h and 1 to 24 h after injection respectively. There appeared to be no effect on peripheral oestradiol concentrations. Adrenal progesterone production was small and not influenced by epostane treatment. Epostane was administered on day 9 of the oestrous cycle to cause a reduction in progesterone concentrations for approximately 12-18 h on day 9 only (group 1, 250 mg epostane on day 9), or a series of such reductions on 3 consecutive days (group 2, 50 mg epostane on days 9, 10 and 11) or a continuous reduction for 3 days (group 3, 250 mg epostane on days 9, 10 and 11). The proportion of ewes that were pregnant was significantly (P<0·05) lower in ewes treated to give a continuously low progesterone concentration for 3 days than in either controls or ewes in which progesterone concentration was reduced for less than 24 h (in controls and groups 1, 2 and 3 the proportion was 85, 92, 54 and 18% of ewes treated respectively). Embryo survival was not affected by administration of 250 mg epostane on days 9, 10 and 11 if luteal phase levels of progesterone were maintained by insertion of a silicone elastomer implant of the steroid. The proportion of embryos surviving was 72% in controls compared with 78% in the treated animals. J. Endocr. (1987) 112, 205–213

PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION IN THE PERIPHERAL PLASMA OF SHEEP DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE

1969 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. THORBURN ◽  
J. M. BASSETT ◽  
I. D. SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Thin Layer ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Layer Chromatography ◽  
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin

SUMMARY Using a protein-binding technique, progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma (jugular vein) were measured throughout the oestrous cycle of 24 ewes. Examination of the specificity of the method by thin-layer chromatography indicated that interference from other steroids was not significant in sheep plasma. During the first 4 days of the cycle (days 0–3), plasma progesterone concentrations were below 0·4 ng./ml., increasing to a mean level of 1·5–2·5 ng./ml. between days 4 and 9, and remaining at this level for approximately 5 days, before declining rapidly on days 14 and 15 to reach a low level on the day before oestrus. The progesterone concentration on the day of oestrus was extremely low (0·1 ng./ml.), and was of the same order as that found in the plasma of wethers and anoestrous or ovariectomized ewes. Three ewes, superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin, showed marked elevation of peripheral progesterone concentration during the luteal phase of the cycle, the concentration being proportional to the number of corpora lutea formed.

Effect of increasing progesterone concentration from Day 3 of pregnancy on subsequent embryo survival and development in beef heifers

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 368 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Carter ◽  
N. Forde ◽  
P. Duffy ◽  
M. Wade ◽  
T. Fair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Phenotypic Effect ◽  
Interferon Tau ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Higher systemic progesterone in the immediate post-conception period is associated with an increase in embryonic growth rate, interferon-tau production and pregnancy rate in cattle. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of increasing progesterone concentration on Day 3 on subsequent embryo survival and development. Oestrus (Day 0) was synchronised in beef-cross heifers (n = 210) and approximately two-thirds of the heifers were inseminated with semen from a proven sire, while the remainder were not inseminated. In order to produce animals with divergent progesterone concentrations, half of the animals received a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on Day 3 of the oestrous cycle, which was left in situ until slaughter. The four treatment groups were: (i) pregnant, high progesterone; (ii) pregnant, normal progesterone; (iii) non-pregnant, high progesterone; and (iv) non-pregnant, normal progesterone. Animals were blood-sampled twice daily from Days 0 to 8 and once daily thereafter until slaughter on Days 5, 7, 13 or 16, corresponding to the 16-cell stage, the blastocyst stage, the beginning of elongation and the day of maternal recognition of pregnancy, respectively. Embryos were recovered by flushing the tract with phosphate-buffered saline and characterised by stage of development and, in the case of Days 13 and 16, measured. Data were analysed by mixed models ANOVA, Chi-square analysis and Student’s t-test where appropriate. Insertion of a PRID on Day 3 increased (P < 0.05) progesterone concentrations from Day 3.5 onwards. There was no difference between treatments in the proportion of embryos at the expected stage of development on Days 5 or 7 (P > 0.05). While not significantly different, the proportion of viable embryos recovered was numerically greater in the high progesterone group on both Day 13 (58 v. 43%) and Day 16 (90 v. 50%). Elevation of progesterone significantly increased embryonic length on Day 13 (2.24 ± 0.51 mm v. 1.15 ± 0.16 mm, P = 0.034) and Day 16 (14.06 ± 1.18 cm v. 5.97 ± 1.18 cm, P = 0.012). In conclusion, insertion of a PRID on Day 3 of the oestrous cycle increased serum progesterone concentrations on subsequent days, which, while having no phenotypic effect on embryonic development on Days 5 or 7, was associated with an increase in embryonic size on Days 13 and 16.

scholarly journals Expression Profiles of the Progesterone Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, Growth Differentiation Factor 9, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Transcripts in the Canine Oviducts during the Oestrous Cycle

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Jaime Palomino ◽  
Javiera Flores ◽  
Georges Ramirez ◽  
Victor H. Parraguez ◽  
Monica De los Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Growth Differentiation Factor 9 ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 ◽  
Cox 2

The gene expression in the canine oviduct, where oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development occur, is still elusive. This study determined the oviductal expression of (PR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) during the canine oestrous cycle. Samples were collected from bitches at anoestrus (9), proestrus (7), oestrus (8), and dioestrus (11), after routine ovariohysterectomy and the ovarian surface structures and plasma progesterone concentration evaluated the physiological status of each donor. The oviductal cells were isolated and pooled. Total RNA was isolated, and gene expression was assessed by qPCR followed by analysis using the t-test and ANOVA. The PR mRNA increased (P < 0.05) from the anoestrus to dioestrus with the plasma progesterone concentration (r = 0.8). COX-2 mRNA expression was low in the anoestrus and proestrus, and negligible in the oestrus, while it was around 10-fold higher (P < 0.05) in the dioestrus. The GDF-9 mRNA was expressed during all phases of the oestrous cycle and was most abundant (P < 0.05) during oestrus phase. The BMP-15 mRNA decreased (P < 0.05) in the anoestrus and proestrus phases. Thus, the transcripts were differentially expressed in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting the importance of oestrous cycle regulation for successful reproduction in dogs.

scholarly journals 173TRANSFER OF VITRIFIED BLASTOCYSTS FROM ONE OR TWO SUPEROVULATED LARGE WHITE HYPERPROLIFIC DONORS TO MEISHAN RECIPIENTS: REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AT DAY 30 OF PREGNANCY

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
C. Cuello ◽  
F. Berthelot ◽  
F. Martinat-Botté ◽  
P. Guillouet ◽  
V. Furstoss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Large White ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Fresh Semen ◽  
Group 1

The present study was designed to determine the effect of pooling embryos from two donors on the reproductive success of transfer of vitrified/warmed porcine blastocysts. Superovulated Large White hyperprolific gilts (n=24) were used as embryo donors. Gilts were artificially inseminated 12 and 24h after initial detection of estrus using fresh semen, and slaughtered on Days 5.5 to 6 of the estrous cycle (Day 0=Onset of estrus). Embryos were recovered by flushing the uterine horns, and unhatched blastocysts were selected. Vitrification and warming were performed as reported previously (Berthelot et al., 2000 Cryobiology 41, 116–124). Embryo transfers were conducted in asynchronous (−24h) Meishan gilts (n=20). Twenty vitrified/warmed blastocysts were surgically transferred into one uterine horn. Ten recipients received embryos from one donor (group 1) and the other ten transfers were performed with mixed embryos from two donors (group 2). Pregnancy was assessed ultrasonographically at Day 25 after estrus and recipients were slaughtered five days later. The pregnancy rate from the different groups was compared using Fisher exact test. The GLM procedure of SAS was used to determine the effect of the origin of embryos (one or two donors) on the number of developed fetuses and viable fetuses at Day 30 of pregnancy. The ovulation rate was 32.5±11.8 (mean±SD). The total number of embryos collected was 634, of which 57 (9.0%), 36 (5.7%), 513 (80.9%) and 28 (4.4%), were unfertilized oocytes and degenerated embryos, morulae, unhatched blastocysts and hatched blastocysts, respectively. The ratio of collected embryos to the number of corpora lutea was 81.3%. The pregnancy rate for group 1 (70%) was not different (P&gt;0.05) than that for group 2 (90%). No significant differences were detected between group 1 and group 2 for in vivo embryo development (number fetuses/transferred embryos in pregnant recipients; 33.3% v. 40%) or in vivo embryo survival (number viable fetuses/transferred embryos in pregnant recipients; 27.9% v. 33.9%). However, the in vivo efficiency (number viable fetuses/total transferred embryos) was higher (P&lt;0.05) when transfers were performed with embryos from two donors (19.5% v. 30.5%). These results indicate that pooling embryos from two donors increases the in vivo efficiency after transfer of vitrified/warmed porcine blastocysts. This study was supported by grant from SENECA (FPI/99, Spain).

scholarly journals Melatonin deprival modifies follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics in a sheep model

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. 885-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Elena Manca ◽  
Maria Lucia Manunta ◽  
Antonio Spezzigu ◽  
Laura Torres-Rovira ◽  
Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Sheep Model ◽  
Ovarian Status ◽  
Trolox Equivalent ◽  
And Function ◽  
Breeding Seasons

This study assessed the effect of melatonin deprival on ovarian status and function in sheep. Experimental procedures were carried out within two consecutive breeding seasons. Animals were divided into two groups: pinealectomised (n=6) and sham-operated (n=6). The completeness of the pineal gland removal was confirmed by the plasma concentration of melatonin. Ovarian status was monitored by ovarian ultrasonography for 1 year to study reproductive seasonality. Follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics were assessed during an induced oestrous cycle. As the effects of melatonin on the ovary may also be mediated by its antioxidant properties, plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was determined monthly for 1 year. Pinealectomy significantly extended the breeding season (310±24.7 vs 217.5±24.7 days in controls;P<0.05). Both pinealectomised and sham-operated ewes showed a well-defined wave-like pattern of follicle dynamics; however, melatonin deficiency caused fewer waves during the oestrous cycle (4.3±0.2 vs 5.2±0.2;P<0.05), because waves were 1 day longer when compared with the controls (7.2±0.3 vs 6.1±0.3;P<0.05). The mean area of the corpora lutea (105.4±5.9 vs 65.4±5.9 mm2;P<0.05) and plasma progesterone levels (7.1±0.7 vs 4.9±0.6 ng/ml;P<0.05) were significantly higher in sham-operated ewes compared with pinealectomised ewes. In addition, TEAC values were significantly lower in pinealectomised ewes compared with control ones. These data suggest that melatonin, besides exerting its well-known role in the synchronisation of seasonal reproductive fluctuations, influences the growth pattern of the follicles and the steroidogenic capacity of the corpus luteum.Free Italian abstractAn Italian translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/6/885/suppl/DC1.

scholarly journals The response of the bovine ovary to pregnant mares’ serum and horse pituitary extract

1944 ◽  
Vol 132 (867) ◽  
pp. 164-188 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Response ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Time Response ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Pituitary Extract ◽  
Response Data ◽  
Bovine Ovary ◽  
Quantitative Changes ◽  
Treatment Shock

The response of the bovine ovary to single subcutaneous injections of pregnant mares’ serum (P. M. S.) and horse pituitary extract has been studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. For the former both time-response and dose-response data were obtained, for the latter time-response data only. Quantitative changes were measured by the following ovarian indices: mean follicular diameter (M. D.); percentage of follicles M. D. ≥ 10 mm.; number of follicles M. D. ≥ 4 mm.; number of follicles M. D. ≥ 10 mm.; total follicular volume, and weight. Only the first two criteria were found to have more than a rough relationship with the duration and magnitude of the treatment given. The threshold dose of P. M. S. for quantitative effects was between 1000 and 2000 i. u. For higher doses the ovarian response was most pronounced, but there was evidence that the maximal rate of stimulation had been reached with doses of 3000-4000 i. u. For both gonadotrophins the stage of the oestrous cycle at which injections were given had no differentiating effect upon the quantitative response obtained. In particular, the total number of follicles stimulated to growth, an index that ranged widely, showed no correla­tion with this variable. Qualitative changes observed included multiple ovulation, anovulatory luteinization, the formation of abnormally small corpora lutea (P. M. S. only), and the occurrence of haemorrhagic follicles. An effect caused by horse pituitary injections only was the rupture of a single follicle within 1-2 days of treatment (‘shock’ effect). Ovulation following treatment with P. M. S. only occurred when the injection was given in the last, or follicular, phase of the oestrous cycle. With horse pituitary injections ovulation followed treatment given at all stages of the cycle. The differences in the biological properties of these two gonadotrophic preparations have been discussed in the light of the new evidence arising from this study.

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