Twin reduction by PGF2α intraluteal instillation in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine whether induced luteolysis of one of the two corpora lutea in twin pregnancies would provoke spontaneous twin reduction. In Experiment 1, 12 post‐partum cows with two corpora lutea in the same ovary were assigned to (three cows per group): Group I, Group II, Group III or Group IV receiving into one of the corpora lutea puncture with no treatment, 0.5 mg dinoprost, 1.5 mg dinoprost and 2.5 mg dinoprost, respectively. One of the two corpora lutea showed clear signs of luteolysis on Day 2 and was practically non‐detectable on Day 7 after treatment in the three cows of the Group IV. In Experiment 2, 11 cows carrying live twins with two corpora lutea on Day 28 of gestation, eight bilateral and three unilateral, received 2.5 mg dinoprost into one of the corpora lutea. Corpus luteum reduction and embryo reduction after treatment were registered in 10 and 9 cows, respectively. In bilateral twin pregnancies, four cows suffering embryo reduction remained pregnant. In unilateral twin pregnancies, membrane detachment resulted in the death of both cotwins. In conclusion, although observations were based on few animals, there seems to be a mechanism that operates locally to transfer ovarian progesterone to the uterus, and also a quantitative relationship between the amount of progesterone secreted and support of conceptuses, resulting in death of one twin embryonic vesicle when one corpus luteum regresses.     

Puncture and drainage of the subordinate follicles at timed artificial insemination prevents the risk of twin pregnancy in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine whether fluid drainage from the subordinate follicles by ovum pickup procedures prevents the risk of twin pregnancy without reducing the fertility of the cow. Lactating dairy cows with at least two follicles over 12 mm diameter located one on each ovary and selected from synchronized groups for fixed‐time insemination were assigned to a Control (n = 49) or Drainage (n = 49) group. The largest follicle was considered as the dominant follicle. Draining of all subordinate follicles (≥10 mm) was performed in the Drainage group. All drained follicles developed as a corpus luteum 7 days later. In the Control cows, the presence of two corpora lutea (55.1%) was lower (p = .003) than those in the Drainage cows (87.8%), whereas the incidence of twin pregnancies was 50% and 0% for the Control and Drainage groups, respectively (p < .001). Draining did not affect the pregnancy rate. These results indicate that puncture and drainage of the subordinate follicles at insemination may eliminate the risk of twin pregnancies and reduce the risk of subsequent pregnancy loss by increasing the incidence of additional corpora lutea.     

Comparison of palpable corpora lutea with serum progesterone concentrations in cows

Serum progesterone concentrations were used to evaluate rectal palpation of corpora lutea as a method for assignment of postpartum beef cows to prostaglandin treatment and nontreatment groups. On the basis of 124 evaluations, 18% of the cows were assigned incorrectly to the treatment group and 37% of the cows were assigned incorrectly to the nontreatment group. The inability of palpators to accurately select cows with a mature corpus luteum may diminish the success of estrus synchronization regimens that use rectal palpation of corpora lutea for selection of cows for prostaglandin therapy.     

The sensitivity and specificity of single manual examination tests for detection of corpora lutea in the ovaries of non-cycling cows

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of single manual examination of ovarian surface structures and of ovarian size as tests for the detection of corpora lutea in non-cycling cows DESIGN: Non cycling cows were dichotomously classified for the presence of palpable corpora lutea and for ovarian size. The performance characteristics of the palpable corpus luteum test and the ovarian size test were estimated using Bayesian analysis. Previously published information on prevalence and test performance was combined with observed data using the Gibbs Sampler to derive posterior distributions for prevalence and test parameters. RESULTS: Prior distributions for the prevalence of corpora lutea in cows not detected on heat before mating within seasonal herds were centred on 25%, and for the corpus luteum test sensitivity were centred on 70%. No prior assumptions for any other test parameter were made. From a total of 650 cows, 144 were found to have at least one corpus luteum, and 156 were found to have two small ovaries. The posterior estimate obtained for prevalence was 0.30 (95% Cl 0.22 to 0.43), for corpus luteum test sensitivity was 0.71 (95% Cl 0.49 to 0.93), and for corpus luteum test specificity was 0.98 (95% Cl 0.49 to 1.00). For the ovarian size test, the posterior estimate for size test sensitivity was 0.98 (95% Cl 0.95 to 1.00) and for size test specificity was 0.34 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.43). Sensitivity analysis indicated that corpus luteum test sensitivity ranged from 0.60 to 0.70 in most herds. CONCLUSIONS: Errors associated with pre-mating heat detection are likely to result in between 15 to 30% of cycling cows not detected in oestrous before mating, resulting in the inclusion of cycling cows within the population of non-cycling cows. This mixed population of cows is then subjected to manual examination by veterinarians in order to assign cows to treatment groups. The corpus luteum test has modest sensitivity and high specificity and the size test has high sensitivity and low specificity. Therefore the use of a single examination of the ovaries of cows not detected on heat before the mating period, in order to classify them as anovulatory anoestrous cows with or without a corpus luteum, is not sufficient to accurately classify them and thus to recommend treatment.     

A study of the central cavity in the bovine corpus luteum

Seven hundred and six bovine corpora lutea in various luteal stages were examined morphologically and endocrinologically to discover whether there is a relationship between the presence of a central cavity in the corpus luteum and infertility in cows. A central cavity was found in 42.1 per cent (80/190) of developing corpora lutea, 33.7 per cent (126/374) of fully developed corpora lutea, 11.1 per cent (7/63) of corpora lutea in regression and in 5.1 per cent (4/79) of corpora lutea in pregnancy. There was no significant difference between the rates of appearance of midcycle follicles in corpora lutea either with or without a central cavity. The proportion of luteal cell type 1 was higher in fully developed corpora lutea with a central cavity than without, but the reverse was found with luteal cell type 2. In fully developed corpora lutea the concentration of progesterone in the luteal tissue was significantly higher in corpora lutea with a central cavity. These results suggest that there are some differences in luteal function between corpora lutea with and without a central cavity, but that the presence of a central cavity in a corpus luteum cannot be described as a pathological condition.     

Evaluation of cervical and uterine size,at 4 weeks postpartum,as a predictor of subsequent fertility in Jersey cattle

Uterine and cervical size of Holstein dairy cows is reported among reasons for a decline in dairy cow fertility. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) determine whether size of the cervix and uterus at 4 weeks postpartum impacted subsequent fertility at first service in Jersey cattle, (b) determine whether progesterone level at 4 weeks postpartum impacted cyclicity and (c) the association of the presence of corpus luteum and uterus and cervix size. Body condition scores at calving, presence of postpartum diseases, parity number and milk weights were taken from lactating Jersey dairy cows (N = 147) for 28 days postpartum. During the fourth week postpartum, a blood sample was obtained for progesterone concentration, and transrectal ultrasonography was performed by a high-resolution ultrasound machine to determine cervical and uterine horn diameter, as well as ovarian structures measurements. Correcting for parity number, BCS at calving, presence of diseases and milk yield, cows with a cervix >2.54 ± 0.63 cm and uterine horn >2.25 ± 0.59 cm were less likely to become pregnant at first service (p = .04 and p = .003, respectively). The cows with larger cervix had a trend to be less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .067). Cows with larger uterine horn size were less likely to have a corpus luteum present at the 4th week of lactation (p = .015). It is concluded that a larger cervix and/or uterus during the postpartum was associated negatively with fertility and cyclicity in Jersey cows.     

Prolonged luteal activity in mares--a semantic quagmire

Prolonged luteal activity is one of the most formidable terminology challenges in mare reproductive biology. Prolonged luteal activity can be a result of persistence of an individual corpus luteum or the sequential development of luteal glands, each of which may have a normal life span. Luteal tissue can originate from an unovulated follicle or from an ovulation occurring during either follicular or luteal dominance. These complexities, together with ambiguous and inconsistent terminology, have resulted in confusion regarding those conditions which can be grouped broadly under the term prolonged luteal activity. Persistence of an individual corpus luteum can occur in association with severe damage to the endometrium resulting in loss of the uterine luteolytic mechanism. Spontaneous (no known uterine pathology) persistence of the corpus luteum from the follicular-phase ovulation has not been documented adequately as a clinical entity. The occurrence of ovulation towards the end of dioestrus may cause confusion about the origin of prolonged luteal activity. Such immature dioestrous corpora lutea may not respond to the release of uterine luteolysin, thereby leading to prolonged luteal activity even though the original corpus luteum regressed at the normal time. In the absence of critical monitoring of the corpus luteum (eg by ultrasound) the prolonged activity could be attributed erroneously to persistence of the corpus luteum from the follicular-phase ovulation. Pseudopregnancy is another confusing term that is sometimes used to describe persistence of the corpus luteum, especially when the luteal persistence is caused by embryonic loss after the embryo has blocked the uterine luteolytic mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of homogenized embryos on IUD-induced luteal regression in the ewe

The effect of homogenized embryos on IUD-induced luteal regression in the ewe was studied. Plastic spiral IUDs were inserted in an uterine horn adjacent to an ovary containing a corpus luteum during various times of the estrous cycle. The ewes were sacrificed on Day 6 for examination of the corpus luteum. Estrous Cycle Day 3 was the last day in which the IUD insertion induced luteal regression. Corpus luteum was maintained in ewes when the IUD was inserted on Day 4, 5, or 6. Corpus luteum regression was not prevented when homogenized 14- or 15-day-old embryos were injected into the uterus at the time of IUD insertion. Ewes which received an IUD, a cannula, and an infusion of saline or homogenized embryos on Days 3, 4, and 5 maintained corpora lutea in 4 of 7 embryo-infused ewes and in none of 7 saline-infused ewes (p less than .05). It was determined that the IUD must remain in the uterine horn for longer than 1 day to induce corpus luteum regression and that embryos can sometimes prevent the IUD-induced regression.     

Detection of corpora lutea and follicles in cows: a comparison of transvaginal ultrasonography and rectal palpation

The ovaries of 59 pluriparous cows of unknown reproductive history were palpated, scanned and dissected on the day of slaughter to compare the accuracy of rectal palpation and transvaginal ultrasonography with a 5 MHz linear array for the detection of corpora lutea and follicles. The rectal palpation was first carried out to judge the presence of follicles of more than 5 mm diameter, and corpora lutea which were classified as young (days 1 to 4), mid-cycle (days 5 to 16) or old (days 17 to 21) according to morphological criteria. The cows were then examined for follicles and corpora lutea by ultrasonography and the corpora lutea were again classified directly as young, mid-cycle or old according to their appearance. The cows were then slaughtered, their ovaries dissected, and the follicles over 5 mm in diameter were counted and the corpora lutea were classified in the above mentioned age categories. For the detection of a mid-cycle corpus luteum the sensitivity and predictive value of rectal palpation were, respectively, 83.3 per cent and 73.2 per cent and for ultrasonography the sensitivity and predictive value were 80.6 per cent and 85.3 per cent, respectively. However, both techniques were inaccurate for the detection of young and old corpora lutea. For detecting follicles ultrasonography was a significantly better method than rectal palpation. Ultrasonography detected 95 per cent of follicles larger than 10 mm whereas rectal palpation detected only 71 per cent of these follicles. Both techniques failed with follicles 5 to 10 mm in diameter; only 21.5 per cent were detected by rectal palpation and 34.3 per cent by ultrasonography.     

The problematic nature of ectopic corpora lutea

For educational reasons, 50 bovine ovaries were collected and macroscopically examined. In one case a well developed corpus luteum was seen as a separeted organ that was connected to the ovary by a delicate bridge of connective tissue. This excepctional material was preserved by formalin fixation, photographed and microscopically examined. Blood supply of the ectopic corpus luteum was provided by three arteries wich approached from the ovary by way of the delicate connective tissue bridge. The arteries penetrated into the parenchyma, ramified and feedes a system of sinusoid capillaries as usually seen in corpora lutea. Draining veins were remarkably thin-walled, they emtied into a venous plexus at the surface of the ectopic organ. The importance of the intensive vascularization of the corpus luteum at least should be considered new, with regard to the results of these examinations.     

Relationship of ovarian contents to plasma progesterone concentration in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Using rectal palpation and laparoscopy, the relationship of ovarian contents to plasma progesterone concentration during the oestrous cycle, early pregnancy and post partum periods in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was studied. During the oestrous cycle, four stages in the lifespan of the corpus luteum were seen laparoscopically. The mean (+/- sd) concentrations of progesterone in plasma in cows with and without a corpus luteum on their ovaries were 1.49 +/- 0.78 ng/ml (n = 31) and 0.14 +/- 0.09 ng/ml (n = 14), respectively. Plasma progesterone levels reflected age-dependent changes occurring in the cyclic corpus luteum. The accuracy of diagnosing ovarian contents was 82 and 91 per cent for rectal palpation and plasma progesterone levels respectively. Approximately 29 per cent follicles (larger than 10 mm) were incorrectly diagnosed as corpora lutea by rectal palpation.     

Submucosal vestibulo-vaginal administration of cloprostenol (Oestrophan-Spofa) in cows in relation to estrus activity, conception, and the level of progesterone in milk

Trials were performed to examine the effectiveness of 250 micrograms (1 ml) of cloprostenol (Oestrophan Spofa) implantation under the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule of 128 cows with a clinically pronounced corpus luteum on ovaries. Within 72 hours from administration, oestrus was observed in 112 animals (85.5%). Out of the 97 cows inseminated, 63 cows (64.94%) got in calf. The effectiveness of the luteolytic action was examined on the basis of progesterone check in milk in 56 treated cows. The submucous implantation of cloprostenol rapidly degraded the function of the corpus luteum since from the original level of 14.78 ng/ml progesterone decreased to 0.87 ng/ml within 72 hours. However, luteolysis did not affect all the corpora lutea. Hence the submucous administration of cloprostenol was found to be effective, and at the same time, highly economical, owing to a substantial reduction in the costs of reproduction control as well as the costs of production.     

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and nitric oxide synthases in bovine follicles close to ovulation and early luteal angiogenesis

The objective of the study was to characterize expression patterns of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF1A), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS) isoforms in time-defined follicle classes before and after GnRH application in the cow. Ovaries containing pre-ovulatory follicles or corpora lutea were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy (n = 5 cows/group) as follow: (I) before GnRH administration; (II) 4h after GnRH; (III) 10h after GnRH; (IV) 20h after GnRH; (V) 25h after GnRH; and (VI) 60h after GnRH (early corpus luteum). The mRNA abundance of HIF1A in the follicle group before GnRH was high, followed by a significant down regulation afterwards with a minimum level 25h after GnRH (close to ovulation) and significant increase only after ovulation. The mRNA abundance of iNOS before GnRH was high, decreased significantly during LH surge, with minimum levels afterwards. In contrast, the mRNA of eNOS decreased in the follicle group 20h after GnRH, followed by a rapid and significant upregulation just after ovulation. Immunohistochemically, the granulosa cells of antral follicles and the eosinophils of the theca tissue as well of the early corpus luteum showed a strong staining for HIF1A. The location of the eosinophils could be clearly demonstrated by immunostaining with an eosinophil-specific antibody (EMBP) and transmission electron microscopy. In conclusion, the parallel and acute regulated expression patterns of HIF1A and NOS isoforms, specifically during the interval between the LH surge and ovulation, indicate that these paracrine factors are involved in the local mechanisms, regulating final follicle maturation, ovulation and early luteal angiogenesis.     

Detection of a corpus luteum in apparently anoestrous cows by manual palpation, transrectal ultrasonography and plasma progesterone concentration

AIMS: To determine the level of agreement between transrectal ultrasonography, manual palpation and measurement of progesterone in the detection of corpora lutea in post-partum cows. To evaluate the reproductive performance of cows not detected in oestrus prior to mating, but detected with a corpus luteum at the start of mating. METHODS: Cows from seven herds which were not detected in oestrus were examined between 5 and 7 days before the herd's planned start of mating. Ovaries were examined by palpation and ultrasonography in 160 cows and plasma progesterone concentrations were also measured in 103 cows. Insemination dates and pregnancy data were recorded in 159 cows not detected in oestrus but having a corpus luteum and 1405 cycling herd mates. RESULTS: The level of agreement between ultrasonography and measurement of progesterone (kappa = 0.74) was higher than with manual palpation (kappa = 0.67) although it was significant for both techniques (p <0.001). Cows which were not detected in oestrus, but detected with a corpus luteum had a longer interval to first service (12 v. 10 days, p <0.05) and conception (19 v. 15 days, p = 0.01) than cycling herd mates and had a higher empty rate (9.7% v. 3.8%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that ultrasonography may provide a better diagnostic tool for examining cows not detected in oestrus than manual palpation or measurement of progesterone concentration. Cows not detected in oestrus but having a corpus luteum were shown to have significantly poorer reproductive performance than cycling herd mates.     

Melatonin and CIDR improved the follicular and luteal haemodynamics,uterine and ovarian arteries vascular perfusion,ovarian hormones and nitric oxide in cyclic cows

This study hypothesizes that melatonin with exogenous progesterone (CIDR) can improve follicular, luteal, ovarian and uterine haemodynamic of heat-stressed cows. Holstein cows (N = 12) studied for two spontaneous oestrous cycles during winter then divided equally during summer into the CIDR group received CIDR for 7 days and the melatonin group (Mel) received three injections of melatonin (75 mg/head) at the CIDR insertion, removal and ovulation days. Blood samples were collected to assay oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and nitric oxide (NO). On day 0 (Ovulation), Mel had more small follicles (p < .05), higher ipsilateral and contralateral ovarian arteries (Ov.A.) peak systolic velocity (PSV), higher ipsilateral uterine artery (Ut.A.) PSV (p = .031) and blood flow volume (BFV), also Mel elevated contralateral Ut.A. PSV and BFV (p < .0001) but lowered contra Ut.A. pulsatility index (PI, p < .0001), E2 (p < .01) and NO (p < .0001). Mel increased the corpus luteum diameter (CL, p < .001), coloured area (p < .007) and P4 (p < .0001) on day 5 and reduced them (p < .05; p < .01) on Day 14. On day 10, Mel obtained CL diameter (p < .03) and coloured area (p < .002) of spontaneous that was higher than CIDR and decreased P4 (p < .003). Mel increased CL diameter, area and coloured area and decreased them thereafter. Mel increased the ipsilateral ovarian and uterine arteries PSV and BFV before ovulation and until day 8. Mel increased P4 and decreased NO until days 6 and 14. In conclusion, the improvement in follicular, luteal, ovarian and uterine haemodynamic and the decrease of NO production proved our hypothesis Melatonin doses higher than 75 mg/head is recommended to improve the heat-stressed cow's fertility.     

Serum progesterone concentrations associated with superovulation and premature corpus luteum failure in dairy goats.

The incidence and cause of premature corpora lutea failure and the response to luteinizing hormone treatment was investigated in superovulated dairy goats. Does were treated with 1000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin intramuscularly, followed by either luteinizing hormone (treated group) or saline (control group). Serum progesterone concentrations were used to monitor corpus luteum function. The dose of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin used induced superovulation in a majority of the does, but the responses varied depending on the time of year. Premature regression of the corpora lutea occurred in 4 of 18 does after pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatment, but there was no difference in the incidence of corpora lutea failure between treated and control groups. Decreases in serum progesterone concentrations were evident by day 3 after ovulation in does that experienced corpora lutea failure indicating this to be the critical time for premature regression of the corpora lutea in superovulated does.     

黄体退化的分子机制及早期黄体钝化的某些原因探讨

黄体退化是生殖过程中的一个重要过程 ,它控制着生殖周期的长短 ,与妊娠的建立和维持密切相关 ,已证实前列腺素F2α、催产素、内皮素 1及一氧化氮合酶等多种因素参与黄体退化过程。在黄体发育早期 ,外源PGF2α不能诱导黄体溶解 ,可能原因有 :(1)早期黄体内缺乏内皮素 1,(2 )黄体早期生物学反应减弱导致受体脱敏 ,(3)早期黄体中存在PGF2α代谢酶 ,(4)PGF2α不能激活黄体细胞内蛋白激酶C效应体系     

Fine mapping the number of corpora lutea quantitative trait loci on SSC3: Analysis of the porcine follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor gene

In females, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) targets a FSH receptor (FSHR) expressed only on granulose cells, inducing maturation of the ovarian follicles. We hypothesized that genetic variants in the FSHR gene influence litter size by affecting the number of corpora lutea. We fine‐mapped a region of Sus Scrofa chromosome 3 that contains quantitative trait loci for corpora lutea. Polymorphisms were detected in the exons and 5′ flanking region of the porcine FSHR gene, a positional candidate for the statistically most significant of the quantitative trait loci. Finally, 248 F₂ animals from a Duroc and Meishan cross were genotyped for three FSHR SNPs at positions 74, 532 and 1166, and these were correlated with the phenotypes of litter size and corpus luteum number. Three haplotypes were identified: M1 (G/G/C), M2 (C/A/T) and D (C/A/C). In the F₂ population, the M1 haplotype was associated with a greater number of corpora lutea (P < 0.01) and also seemed to be associated with increased litter size, although the association was not significant (P = 0.2571). Some polymorphisms resulting in amino acid substitutions in these genes were excluded from the polymorphisms possibly responsible for the number of corpora lutea.