scholarly journals Immunoglobulin J chain as a non-invasive indicator of pregnancy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Byron ◽  
Diana C. Koester ◽  
Katie L. Edwards ◽  
Paul E. Mozdziak ◽  
Charlotte E. Farin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Potential Method ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
J Chain ◽  
The North ◽  
Research Population ◽  
Maternal Tolerance ◽  
Fecal Monitoring

AbstractThe North American cheetah population serves as a reservoir for the species, and acts as a research population to help understand the unique biology of the species. Little is known about the intrauterine physiology of the cheetah, including embryo differentiation, implantation, and the development of the placenta. After mating, cheetah females frequently experience (30-65% of matings) a non-pregnant luteal phase where progestogen metabolite levels match those found in pregnant females for the first ~55 days of gestation, but parturition does not occur. Immunoglobulin J chain (IgJ) is a molecule that is involved in the activation of the secretory immune response and has been found to be indicative of pregnancy in the cheetah using fecal monitoring. In this study, western blotting was employed to track IgJ abundance in pooled weekly fecal samples following natural breeding or exogenous stimulation to ovulate, and IgJ levels were compared between individuals undergoing a pregnant (n = 12) and non-pregnant (n = 19) luteal phase. It was revealed that IgJ abundance was increased in pregnant females compared to non-pregnant females at week 4 and week 8 post-breeding, indicating the potential modulation of maternal immunity in response to sensitive events such as implantation and the increased secretory activity of the placenta. IgJ levels also tended to be higher early after breeding in females that were bred naturally with intact males compared to exogenously stimulated females with no exposure to seminal plasma, indicating the promotion of maternal tolerance to seminal antigens present upon embryonic implantation. Monitoring fecal IgJ may be a potential method to determine gestational status in the cheetah and will aid future conservation efforts of the species.

Developement, function and regression of the corpus luteum in the marsupial Trichosurus vulpecula

1973 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 477 ◽  
Author(s):  
CD Shorey ◽  
RL Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Secretion Rate ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Apparent Increase ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Secretion Rates

Following ovulation, which usually takes place on day 1 of the 26-day oestrous cycle in T. culpecula, a single corpus luteum begins to develop. During the period before the uterine luteal phase begins on day 8 of the cycle, the granulosa lutein cells are active in the synthesis of what appears to be a cholesterol-like substance at a time when the ovarian secretion rates of progesterone are re!atively low. The uterine luteal phase extends from day 8 to day 15 of the cycle. During this phase the ovarian secretion rates of progesterone are relatively high, and reach maximal levels on days 12-1 3. This high secretory activity is manifested in the granulosa lutein cells by an apparent increase in the number of mitochondria, thought to be involved with the conversion of intracellularly stored cholesterol to pregnenolone, and the development of whorl-like configurations of agranular reticulum which are reported to be concerned with the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone. A drop in progesterone concentration commences in pregnant and non-pregnant females on day 17 of the cycle, when early involution of the corpus luteunl is apparent. By day 20, the corpus luteum regresses to an early corpus albicans, and the ovarian secretion rate of progesterone falls progressively to levels similar to those in anoestrous females.

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.

Sex steroids and their relationship to binding proteins in the serum of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

1983 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Hodges ◽  
S. A. K. Eastman ◽  
N. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Sex Steroids ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Equilibrium Dialysis ◽  
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Marmoset Monkey ◽  
Steroid Binding

A sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) similar to human SHBG was identified in marmoset serum based on its gel electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point and steroid binding properties. Levels of serum SHBG were measured in immature and mature males, immature females and females during the luteal phase and pregnancy; serum progesterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), testosterone, oestradiol-17β and oestrone were also measured. Mean (± s.e.m.) concentrations of SHBG in immature males (336 ±19 nmol/l) were higher (P <0·01) than those in mature males (251 ±13 nmol/l), whereas values in the groups of females were similar (359 ± 12, 395 ± 17, 397 ± 39 nmol/l in immature, non-pregnant and pregnant females respectively). There was an inverse relationship between SHBG and the levels of testosterone (r= −0·67) and 5α-DHT (r = −0·86) in males, but the correlation was significant (P <0·05) only for 5α-DHT. There was no correlation between levels of SHBG and oestrogens in males or between levels of SHBG and any of the steroids measured in females. Equilibrium dialysis was used to assess the percentage of steroid in serum in the unbound form. Mean percentage values for unbound testosterone and 5α-DHT were lower in immature males than in mature males (P <0·01) and negatively correlated with levels of SHBG (r = −0·78, testosterone; r = −0·56, 5α-DHT).

Fetal growth and the condition of pregnant northern fur seals off western North America from 1958 to 1972

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 2125-2131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew W. Trites
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Gulf Of Alaska ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
The North ◽  
Fur Seals ◽  
Northern Fur Seals ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
The North Pacific

Annual estimates of the condition of pregnant northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) and the size of their fetuses were determined from over 2600 samples collected in the North Pacific from 1958 to 1972. A condition index related the observed mass of pregnant females (adjusted for fetal mass) to their predicted mass (calculated from body length). It showed that females carrying male fetuses were in poorer condition than those carrying female fetuses. It also showed that the mean condition of pregnant females improved from 1958 to 1964, but dropped sharply in 1965. Body condition remained poor until 1972, when it plunged again. Fetal mass declined throughout the 1960s, unlike body length, which changed very little. It is suggested that fetal growth, particularly mass, is a sensitive indicator of feeding conditions during the last trimester of pregnancy while pregnant females are in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. It is further speculated that the condition index for adults reflects overall feeding conditions experienced throughout the annual migration.

scholarly journals Immunoglobulin J chain as a non-invasive indicator of pregnancy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0225354
Author(s):  
Michael J. Byron ◽  
Diana C. Koester ◽  
Katie L. Edwards ◽  
Paul E. Mozdziak ◽  
Charlotte E. Farin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
J Chain

Cyclical changes in the uterine endometrium and peripheral plasma concentrations of progesterone in the marsupial Trichosurus vulepcula

1973 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
CD Shorey ◽  
RL Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Uterine Endometrium ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Peripheral Blood Plasma

The proliferation and secretory activity of the uterine endometrium in the marsupial T. vulpecula is examined at the cellular and subcellular levels throughout the 26-day oestrous cycle. The observations described are correlated with measured concentrations of progesterone in the peripheral blood plasma. Evidence cited indicates that there are no significant functional differences in the uterine endometrial secretory activity during the 17.5-day gestation period in pregnant females, compared with those in a normal oestrous cycle. Progesterone assays carried out on blood plasma taken from 20 staged animals throughout the oestrous cycle, five of which were at known stages of gestation, also supports the view that pregnancy does not significantly alter the physiological pattern of the reproductive cycle in this marsupial.

Sex hormone concentrations in blood serum from the North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

1992 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Kjeld ◽  
J. Sigurjónsson ◽  
A. Árnason
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
The North ◽  
Group I ◽  
Fin Whales

ABSTRACT Blood serum concentrations of testosterone and progesterone were measured in postmortem samples taken at sea from 814 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) caught during the summers (June–September) of 1981–1989. The ages of 781 of these animals were also assessed. The testosterone concentrations in samples from 352 males averaged 2 nmol/l; 41 samples had concentrations of 0·1 nmol/l or lower and 34 of these came from whales aged between 2 and 14 years and showed a Gaussian type of age distribution with a peak number at 7 to 8 years. The mean testosterone concentrations in the males increased by more than fourfold between June and August. Serum progesterone concentrations of the 462 females fell into three separate groups: (1) group I with values ≤ 0·1 nmol/l; (2) group II with intermediate values of > 0·1 nmol/l but <10 nmol/l; (3) group III with values of ≥ 10 nmol/l. These three groups of females seemed to consist respectively of young sexually immature females, mature non-pregnant females and pregnant females. The age distribution in the groups indicated that puberty in females is attained chiefly between the ages of 7 and 10. The yearly pregnancy rate (that percentage of all females caught and studied in a year which had progesterone values ≥10 nmol/l) was between 35% and 55%, except in 1987 when it was 67%. The yearly pregnancy rate would range from 56% to 93% if only mature females (i.e. those with serum progesterone >0·1 nmol/l) were considered. Serum oestradiol concentrations in male and female fin whales had no relation to age, sex or pregnancy. Journal of Endocrinology (1992) 134, 405–413

scholarly journals Relationship between Different Types of Educational, Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence and Second Grade High School Female Students’ Religious Orientation, in Sari, Iran

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Seyyed Ali Doustdar Toosi ◽  
Seyedeh Olia Emadian ◽  
Marjan Soleymani ◽  
Leila Mohammadi ◽  
Maryam Sadat Doustdar
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Religious Orientation ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Spiritual Intelligence ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
The North ◽  
Research Population ◽  
North Of Iran ◽  
Girl Students ◽  
Correlation Design

In the current research, we investigated how significantly the second grade high school female students’ educational, emotional, and spiritual intelligence were associated with their religious orientation. This research is descriptive (non- experimental) with a correlation design. The research population includes all of the second grade high school girl students, during the 2015-16 educational year in Sari, a city in the north of Iran.  In this research, 260 samples were selected randomly. Research results showed that educational, emotional, and spiritual intelligence (independent variables) had positive and significant relationship with internal and external religious orientation (dependent variable). As the levels of educational, emotional, and spiritual intelligence increased, so did the level of religious orientation. Also the results of multiple regression analysis showed that educational, emotional, spiritual intelligence were anticipants of religious orientation and its dimensions (internal and external religious orientation).

scholarly journals Luteal Phase in Assisted Reproductive Technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Tesarik ◽  
Cristina Conde-López ◽  
Maribel Galán-Lázaro ◽  
Raquel Mendoza-Tesarik
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technology ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Reproductive Technology ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pituitary Secretion ◽  
Exogenous Progesterone ◽  
The One

Luteal phase (LP) is the period of time beginning shortly after ovulation and ending either with luteolysis, shortly before menstrual bleeding, or with the establishment of pregnancy. During the LP, the corpus luteum (CL) secretes progesterone and some other hormones that are essential to prepare the uterus for implantation and further development of the embryo, the function known as uterine receptivity. LP deficiency (LPD) can occur when the secretory activity of the CL is deficient, but also in cases of normal CL function, where it is caused by a defective endometrial response to normal levels of progesterone. LPD is particularly frequent in treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART). Controlled ovarian stimulation usually aims to obtain the highest number possible of good-quality oocytes and requires the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, to prevent premature ovulation, as well as an ovulation trigger to achieve timed final oocyte maturation. Altogether, these treatments suppress pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), required for the formation and early activity of the CL. In addition to problems of endometrial receptivity for embryos, LPD also leads to dysfunction of the local uterine immune system, with an increased risk of embryo rejection, abnormally high uterine contractility, and restriction of uterine blood flow. There are two alternatives of LPD prevention: a direct administration of exogenous progesterone to restore the physiological progesterone serum concentration independently of the CL function, on the one hand, and treatments aimed to stimulate the CL activity so as to increase endogenous progesterone production, on the other hand. In case of pregnancy, some kind of LP support is often needed until the luteal–placental shift occurs. If LPD is caused by defective response of the endometrium and uterine immune cells to normal concentrations of progesterone, a still poorly defined condition, symptomatic treatments are the only available solution currently available.

166 POTENTIAL OF URINARY RELAXIN AS A USEFUL INDICATOR OF PREGNANCY IN THE MANED WOLF

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 182 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Santymire ◽  
B. Steinetz ◽  
R. M. Santymire ◽  
J. L. Brown ◽  
N. Songsasen
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
The North ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Maned Wolf ◽  
Chrysocyon Brachyurus ◽  
The Relationship

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), a neotropical canid, lives in habitats severely compromised by agricultural development. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and viable zoo population is crucial, because it serves as hedge against extinction. However, the North American ex situ population of maned wolves is far from self-sustaining, mainly due to low pregnancy success and high neonatal mortality. Currently, there is no non-invasive way to determine pregnancy in this species. Therefore, the goal is to determine whether urinary relaxin can be used as an indicator of pregnancy in this species. Objectives were to (1) determine the relationship between serum and urinary relaxin in canids, using pregnant domestic bitches as a model, and (2) evaluate the patterns of urinary relaxin in pregnant v. non-pregnant female maned wolves. Serum and urine samples were obtained weekly from six pregnant domestic bitches starting from the day of natural breeding until 3 weeks before the estimated whelping dates. For the maned wolf, urine and feces were obtained weekly during a breeding season (October to February) from six females, three of which were pregnant and gave birth. Concentrations of serum and urinary relaxin were measured using the double antibody canine relaxin radioimmunoassay (Steinetz et al. 1996 Biol. Reprod. 54, 1252–1260). Fecal progestagen were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (Songsasen et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 1743–1750). The relationship between serum and urinary relaxin concentrations was determined using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The relationship between urinary relaxin concentrations and days before whelping (for pregnant females) or time after the initial rise of progestagen for each individual were determined using a linear regression analysis. Serial dilutions of pooled dog urine produced displacement curves parallel to those of the appropriate synthetic canine relaxin standards, while wolf samples showed limited parallelism with low concentration of immunoactive antigen. Concentrations of urinary relaxin were significantly correlated with the serum counterpart in pregnant dogs (P < 0.01, r2 0.58). In pregnant maned wolves, relaxin level increased two- to six-fold as gestation progressed (P < 0.05, r2 ranged from 0.15 to 0.56). In contrast, urinary relaxin remained at the baseline in non-pregnant females throughout the diestrus period (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that urinary relaxin mirrors serum relaxin during pregnancy in domestic bitches and may have potential as a tool to diagnose pregnancy in the maned wolf. Further studies are required to improve the specificity and sensitivity of this non-invasive assay.

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