Effects of uterus and prostaglandin F2alpha on corpora lutea in Mongolian gerbils and guinea pigs.

One or both uterine horns were removed on postpartum day 6 day 1=parturition in pseudopregnant gerbils. On dy 16, the corpora lutea (C) in unilaterally hysterectomized gerbils were smaller (P less than 0.05) in the ovary adjacent to an intact horn than in the ovary adjacent to a removed horn. The cL were smaller in uterine-intact than in completely hysterectomized gerbils. I n another experiment, the cl were smaller (P less than 0.05) in pseudopregnant gerbils given a single intrauterine injection of a 30- or 20-mug dose of prostaglandin F2alpha) (PGFalpha) on postpartum day 6 and theen necropsied on day 10 than in gerbils given 10-, 5-, 1-, and 0-mug doses; CL were smaller (P less than 0.05) on the side ipsilateral to the treated horn than on the opposite side, although the interaction of dose and side was not significant...     

Uterine influences on the formation of subnormal corpora lutea in seasonally anestrous ewes

The hypothesis that subnormal luteal function after induced ovulation in anestrous ewes was the result of uterine influences exerted during the periovulatory period was tested. Crossbred ewes (n = 27) in seasonal anestrus were induced to ovulate by administration of 12 doses of 250 ng of LHRH at 2-h intervals, followed immediately by a bolus injection of LHRH (250 micrograms; d 0). Ewes were unilaterally hysterectomized on either d -3 (PRELHRH) or 2 (POSTLHRH). Daily blood samples were collected and assayed for progesterone (P4) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM). All ewes were slaughtered on d 10, and corpora lutea (CL) were collected, weighed, and assayed for concentration of P4. All ewes that ovulated exclusively in the ovary ipsilateral to the remaining uterine horn had a transient increase in plasma P4 of 2 to 3 d (short luteal phase). In ewes with at least one CL in the isolated ovary, elevated plasma P4 was maintained after hysterectomy but was consistently lower (P less than .05) in POSTLHRH ewes than in PRELHRH ewes. Concentrations of PGFM did not differ between treatments. The CL ipsilateral to the remaining uterine horn weighted less (P less than .01) and contained less P4 (P less than .01) than contralateral CL. These data confirm the hypothesis that premature regression of subnormal CL is uterine-dependent in a local fashion. Presence of the uterus during the follicular and(or) early luteal phase inhibited subsequent luteal function in seasonally anestrous ewes.     

Influence of nitric oxide on the blood flow in the porcine uterine artery; an in vivo study

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of blood flow in the porcine uterine artery during the course of the oestrous cycle. Experiments were carried out on animals on days 1-5, 8-13 and 17-20 of the oestrous cycle. After induction of anesthesia and opening of the abdominal cavity, blood samples were collected from the ovarian and uterine arteries and veins to determine nitrate and nitrite concentrations; on the opposite side to the blood sampling the branch of the uterine artery was prepared and a venous catheter was inserted into the artery. For measuring the changes in the blood pressure the catheter was connected via a polyvinyl cannula to a pressure transducer. Sodium nitroprusside (NP; 2.4 microg, 24 microg and 240 microg; a NO donor) or Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 2.2 microg, 22 microg, 220 microg and 2200 microg; an irreversible inhibitor of neuronal and endothelial NO synthase and reversible inhibitor of macrophage NO synthase) was administered via a bolus into the uterine artery. Nitrite/nitrate concentrations were: higher (P < 0.05) in the uterine vein as compared to the uterine artery on days 1-5 of the oestrous cycle; lower (P < 0.05) in the uterine artery as compared to the ovarian and uterine veins as well as in the ovarian artery as compared to the ovarian vein on days 8-13 of the cycle; lower (P < 0.05) in the uterine artery as compared to the ovarian artery and uterine and ovarian veins on days 17-20. Administration of NP at doses of 2.4 microg and 24 microg and L-NAME at all doses examined did not affect (P > 0.05) the blood pressure in the uterine artery in all periods examined. NP at a dose of 240 microg decreased (P < 0.001) the blood pressure in the arteries in all periods examined as compared to blood pressure before NP treatment. The results obtained indicate that NO is involved in the regulation of blood flow through the porcine reproductive tract. Moreover, our results suggest that the action of NP in the porcine uterine artery is not dependent on the phase of the oestrous cycle.     

Uterine and ovarian blood flow in a Holstein Friesian cow with aplasia of one uterine horn

The ovarian dynamics and uterine and ovarian blood flows of a 6-year-old (2 parturitions) Holstein Friesian cow with right uterine horn aplasia were observed during two estrous cycles. In one estrous cycle, a corpus luteum (CL) formed in the right ovary, but regression of the CL and subsequent ovulation were not observed. In the other estrous cycle, a CL formed in the left ovary and delayed regression of the CL and subsequent ovulation were observed. The blood velocity of the right uterine artery was lower than that of the left uterine artery throughout both estrous cycles when a CL formed in either the right and left ovary. The blood velocities of the right and left ovarian arteries were unaffected by right uterine horn aplasia and changed depending on the presence of a CL. These results indicated that the blood flow of the right uterine artery was very weak and that aplasia of one uterine horn affects the estrous cycle, especially CL regression.     

Effect of estrogen inhibitors on conceptus estrogen synthesis and development in the gilt

Two estrogen antagonists (keoxifene and clomiphene) and two aromatase inhibitors (LY56110 and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, 4-OHA) were utilized to determine the role of conceptus estrogen in trophoblastic elongation and maintenance of pregnancy in the pig. Pregnant gilts were unilaterally hysterectomized on day 10.5, and infused via a uterine arterial catheter with 200 mg of keoxifene or vehicle. The remaining uterine horn was removed based on time estimated for conceptus elongation. In a second study, pregnant gilts were injected daily with 200 mg (i.m.) of clomiphene or vehicle during pregnancy (days 10-16) and hysterectomized on day 30. A third study assessed in vitro aromatase inhibition by 4-OHA and LY56110 using trophoblastic microsomes incubated with [1 beta, 2 beta-3H]-androstenedione for 6 hr. In a fourth study, in vivo inhibition of aromatase activity was determined. For this study pregnant gilts, unilaterally hysterectomized on day 10.5, received either 4-OHA, LY56110, or vehicle. Conceptus development and uterine estrogens were quantified. None of the estrogen antagonists and aromatase inhibitors interferred with conceptus elongation. Uterine protein, calcium and acid phosphatase were similar (P greater than .10) between keoxifene- and vehicle-treated gilts. Embryonic survival of clomiphene- and vehicle-treated gilts was similar (91.5 vs 87.4%). In vitro, 4-OHA and LY56110 had 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.1 microM and 13 nM. Treatment of gilts with 4-OHA reduced total estrogens in uterine flushings by 57% (P less than .02), whereas treatment with LY56110 did not significantly lower total estrogen content in uterine flushings. Estrogen antagonists were not effective in blocking conceptus elongation and maintenance of pregnancy. Although estrogen synthesis can be inhibited in vitro, dosages of aromatase inhibitors used were not totally effective in vivo.     

An Ultrasonographic Method to Study Reproductive Seasonality in Ewes Isolated from Rams

In studies concerning the seasonality in sheep, the effect of the teaser-ram, which can by itself induce oestrus as well as the development of ovary function bodies, has not been considered. In this study, a method is developed to determine ovarian activity during the year while excluding a possible influence of the ram. The study was carried out on 10 German Blackhead Mutton ewes (GBM) and 10 German Mutton Merino ewes (GMM) and lasted for 14 months. The ewes were kept without contact with any ram, and once a week a transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine ovary function bodies (corpora lutea, follicles) and a blood sample was taken to analyse progesterone (P4) concentration. In both breeds, the number of ovulating ewes, the ovulation rate (OR), the size of the corpora lutea (CL) and P4-concentrations showed significant seasonal fluctuations. During the main breeding period (September-February), the OR was higher (2.0 +/- 0.4) than during the rest of the year (1.6 +/- 0.5). Outside the main breeding season (March-August), approximately 40% GBM ewes and only approximately 15% GMM ewes produced CL. The cycle and the related seasonal changes in the P4-concentration coincide with different ultrasonically diagnosed CL (developing or regressing, insufficient, no CL). Between the volume of fully developed CL and P4-concentration, correlations of 0.57 (GMM) and 0.45 (GBM), respectively, were found. On average, P4-concentration in September to February was by approximately 1.60-1.66 nmol/l in the GMM and by approximately 1.80-1.86 nmol/l in the GBM higher than in spring and summer. Considering the OR, the P4-values corresponded with the CL volumes, i.e. in the months from August to February the CL values were significantly larger than in the months March to August. The ultrasonic ovarian diagnosis is a useful method to determine the ram-uninfluenced seasonality of reproduction in sheep.     

Ovarian influence on uterine growth in prepubertal gilts

A determination of age of the prepubertal gilt at which ovaries affect uterine growth is necessary before establishing the extent to which length of uterus is influenced by inherent differences, as opposed to those due to ovarian secretions. In Exp. 1 and 2, the effect of presence of ovaries on uterine growth was determined following ovariectomy in 186 crossbred gilts. The uterus was examined 40 or 80 d after ovariectomy for length, weight and diameter. Growth of uterine horns in gilts from 20 to 60 d of age was equal with or without ovaries. Uterine horns in ovariectomized gilts continued to grow slowly from 60 to 140 d of age and then remained static to 180 d of age. Uterine horns in gilts with ovaries increased rapidly in length, weight and diameter, with concomitant increase in ovarian weight between 100 and 180 d of age. In Exp. 3, uterine growth and ovarian compensation after unilateral ovariectomy and hysterectomy at 60 d of age were determined in 85 crossbred gilts from 60 to 180 d of age to evaluate the unilateral ovariohysterectomy model for studying association of uterine length before puberty and subsequent uterine capacity. In response to removal of an ovary and a uterine horn, the remaining ovary compensated, but the remaining uterine horn did not. This study demonstrated that the ovaries did not influence uterine growth until after 60 d of age and that unilateral ovariohysterectomy could be performed as early as 60 d of age without altering consequent normal uterine growth.     

Luteolysis with prostaglandin F2alpha or an antiserum against an equine pituitary fraction in hysterectomized mares.

Luteolysis, determined by corpus luteum weight and progesterone concentration in jugular blood, occurred in uterine-intact and in hysterectomized mares after injection of prostaglandin F2alpha or of an antiserum against an equine pituitary fraction. Results indicated that luteolytic effects of exogenous prostaglandin F2alpha and inhibition of the endogenous luteotrophic activity of the hypophysis (pituitary gland) by antiserum did not involve the uterus.     

Uterine blood flow during early pregnancy in ewes: interaction between the conceptus and the ovary bearing the corpus luteum

To determine if a transient increase in uterine blood flow (BF) and estradiol-17 beta (E2 beta) secretion occurs during maternal recognition of pregnancy in ewes (as previously observed for sows and cows), 40 nonpregnant (NP) ewes were assigned in equal numbers to surgery on d 9, 11, 13 or 15 postestrus (d 0 = day of estrus). For 20 NP ewes (five/day), each uterine horn (UH) was flushed with saline and uterine flushings (UF) collected. For the remaining 20 ewes, BF was determined for each UH using electromagnetic transducers, and samples of uterine arterial (UA) and uterine venous (UV) blood were obtained from each UH. After an intervening cycle, each ewe was mated, subjected to surgery on the same day postmating as during her previous nonmated cycle, and BF measurements and UA and UV samples were obtained. In addition, each UH of pregnant (P) ewes was flushed and the location of conceptuses was determined. Concentrations of E2 beta and progesterone (P4) in UA and E2 beta in UV and UF were determined by radioimmunoassay. For NP ewes, BF (ml/min) was not different for UH ipsilateral or contralateral to the ovary bearing the corpus luteum (CL), and did not differ across days, averaging 6.5 +/- .4. For P ewes, BF to UH contralateral to the ovary bearing the CL on all days and BF to UH ipsilateral to ovaries bearing CL on d 9 was similar to BF of either UH of NP ewes, averaging 6.8 +/- .6. On d 11, 13 and 15 of pregnancy, BF to UH ipsilateral to the ovary bearing CL was elevated (P less than .01) twofold (13.3 +/- .9).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

An antegrade surgical uterine flush technique for ova collection in the ewe

A surgical uterine flush technique was evaluated for percentage of ova/corpora lutea (CL) collected and development of reproductive adhesions in 79 superovulated ewes. The median collection rate for ova/CL was 70%, and 47 of 79 ewes had greater than or equal to 67% ova/CL. At 50 to 80 days after uterine flushing, celiotomies were performed on 50 of the 79 ewes to evaluate the reproductive tract for adhesions. Adhesions of the reproductive tract were not found. Thirty ewes were given prostaglandin F2 alpha, were mated, and became pregnant. The ova collection rates were comparable with rates reported in ewes in which oviductal flush methods were used; however, adhesions did not develop and reproductive function was maintained after surgery.     

Relationships among the corpus luteum,follicles and conceptus in sheep

This study aimed to investigate the intra- and interovarian relationships among the corpus luteum (CL), the largest follicle (LF) and follicular population in non-pregnant and between the conceptus and ovarian structures in pregnant ewes. In experiment 1, the follicular and luteal structures were examined in 538 reproductive systems of non-pregnant Awassi ewes. The follicular population was categorised into small (SF), medium (MF) and large (LF) groups. Inter-relationships between CL and follicular population and between LF and subordinate follicles were determined. In experiment 2, the location and number of conceptuses were identified and correlated with the ovarian structures in 58 reproductive systems of pregnant ewes. Effects of pregnancy status, stage of pregnancy, pregnancy side and conceptual number on follicular population were determined. The results showed that the right ovary was more active than the left ovary. CL had intraovarian positive effect on the number of medium and large follicles. LF had no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. Side and stage of pregnancy and the conceptual number did not affect the follicular population. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the LF has no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. The CL has intraovarian positive effect on the follicular population. Follicular population does not show remarkable changes during the first term of pregnancy. The present study probably provides information which may help in the understanding of the ovarian dynamics during pregnancy in sheep.     

Ovarian activity,transuterine embryo migration and prenatal losses in Ethiopian highland ewes

A study was conducted on 1442 Ethiopian highland ewes to determine the seasonality of ovarian activity, intrauterine embryo migration and prenatal reproductive wastage. Assessment of ovarian follicular activity revealed that a higher (p < 0.01) proportion of ewes ovulated in the dry season than in the heavy and light rainy seasons. However, there was a tendency (p = 0.057) of decline in the mean number of ovulations per ewes during the light rains. The mean diameter of the largest follicle on the ipsilateral ovary was higher (p < 0.01) in both ewes with single and those with twin corpora lutea (CL) than on the contralateral ovary; and, compared to ewes with single CL, it was higher (p < 0.05) in those with twin CL. The right ovary was more active (p < 0.001) only in single-ovulating ewes. Similarly, a higher (p < 0.001) proportion of ewes were pregnant in the right horn. Embryos migrated to the opposite horn in single-, twin- and triple-ovulating ewes. There was a higher (p < 0.001) tendency for the left-to-right migration than the opposite. There was significant (p < 0.01) association between embryo loss and site and number of ovulations. Embryo loss was higher (p < 0.01) in ewes with twin ovulations on the right ovary. It is very likely that these results indicate a better chance of embryo survival in the right uterine horn.     

Suppressive action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone on function of the developing ovine corpus luteum

Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of exogenous GnRH and LH on serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) in the ewe. Ewes in Exp. 1 and 2 were laparotomized on d 2 of an estrous cycle and ewes with corpora lutea (CL) in both ovaries were unilaterally ovariectomized. Ewes with CL in one ovary only were not ovariectomized. While they were anesthetized, ewes (n = 5) were injected with 25 micrograms GnRH (Exp. 1) or 50 ng GnRH (Exp. 2) into the artery supplying the ovary bearing the CL. Control ewes (n = 5 in each experiment) were injected similarly with saline. In Exp. 3, six ewes were injected i.v. (jugular) on d 2 with 100 micrograms oLH (t = 0) and 50 micrograms oLH at 15, 30 and 45 min; six control ewes were injected similarly with saline. Jugular blood was collected from all ewes at frequent intervals after treatment for LH analysis and on alternate days of the cycle through d 10 or 11 for P4 analysis. Treatment with 25 micrograms GnRH increased serum concentrations of LH at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min postinjection (P less than .001) and reduced serum concentrations of P4 on d 7 through 11 (treatment x day interaction; P less than .05). Injection with 50 ng GnRH caused a slight increase in serum concentrations of LH at 15 min but had no effect on serum concentrations of P4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of the embryo on intrauterine migration in sheep.

Mechanisms of intrauterine migration were examined in 55 ewes. In the first experiment, corpora lutea were removed from unilaterally ovariectomized ewes on d 4 (d 0 = estrus) and pregnancy was maintained by giving exogenous progesterone. In Exp. 2, the reproductive tract was altered surgically such that embryos initially entered the uterine horn contralateral to the site of ovulation. In Exp. 3, ewes received beads of silastic polydimethylsiloxane that released either cholesterol or estradiol-17 beta in an attempt to mimic embryonic synthesis of estradiol. In the fourth experiment, unilaterally ovariectomized ewes were superovulated and spacing of embryos within the uterus was then examined. In all experiments, ewes were slaughtered on d 15 and recovery of embryos or beads from each uterine horn indicated that migration had occurred. All ewes in Exp. 1 and 2 that had two conceptuses experienced embryonic migration. Beads impregnated with estradiol migrated farther (P less than .01) than cholesterol-containing beads (27.6 +/- 4.3 vs 12.5 +/- 1.6 cm, respectively). In Exp. 4, only one conceptus had migrated into the contralateral horn in all ewes. These results demonstrated that 1) embryonic migration was not affected by local vs systemic exposure to progesterone, 2) embryos migrated into the unoccupied horn, regardless of the initial horn of entry, 3) estradiol may stimulate embryonic migration, and 4) conceptuses were not equally distributed between horns.     

绵羊卵巢动脉铸型标本制作方法的建立

试验旨在探讨绵羊卵巢动脉铸型标本的制作方法,研究卵巢及其周边血管的分布与供血特征,为哺乳动物生殖系统血管的精细解剖学尤其是女性卵巢的供血机制研究奠定基础。通过采集绵羊子宫及附件样本,解剖分离出卵巢的部分螺旋动脉使其呈直线型,采用双侧卵巢动脉同时插管,用8% ABS灌注螺旋动脉及其分支,待铸型剂硬化后再用30%盐酸腐蚀软组织,经冲洗、修整获得完整的卵巢动脉血管立体铸型标本。由标本可见,绵羊卵巢动脉分支包括：卵巢动脉卵巢支、卵巢动脉子宫支和卵巢动脉输卵管支;卵巢动脉卵巢支包含：卵巢微动脉、卵巢门螺旋动脉、卵巢门轻螺旋动脉及卵巢门重螺旋动脉。观察发现,卵巢动脉卵巢支呈高度螺旋状结构,卵巢内微动脉主要集中于卵巢门附近,呈高度盘曲折叠的立体网状结构,在微动脉末端发出微血管延伸至卵巢其他区域。通过该方法制成的铸型标本血管走向清晰、表面光滑、立体感强,可作为哺乳动物卵巢血管相关研究的参考。     

Making Procedure of Vascular Corrosion Casts of Ovarian Artery in Sheep

In order to explore the making procedure of vascular corrosion casts of ovarian artery in sheep and study the distribution of the blood vessels, this study was carried out and it would provide the foundation of blood vessels anatomy of reproductive system including blood supply mechanism of female ovaries in mammals. Firstly, samples of the uterus and appendages in sheep were collected, and then ovarian arteries and their branches were infused with 8% ABS perfusion agents. After the agent became solid, the samples' soft tissues were corroded away with 30% hydrochloric acid, washed them down with running water and the moderate trim process was done for obtaining the complete vascular corrosion casts of ovarian artery in sheep.The finished casts showed that the ovarian artery in sheep arises three branches including uterine, ovarian and tubal. The ovarian branch showed complicated arrangement such as the spiral artery of ovarian hilus, light spiral piece of ovarian hilus and tight spiral piece of ovarian branch. The results confirmed that the ovarian branch was characterized by the presence of a tight spiral configuration in sheep, the ovarian arterioles were fasten on ovarian hilus, and there were some dense capillaries which extend to other regions of the ovary followed them. Through this procedure, the vascular distribution of corrosion casts was clear,three-dimensional and with smooth surface. It could provide a reference or model for the study of ovarian blood vessels in mammals.     

Asynchronous Embryo Transfer in Sheep:Lack of Survival in Progestinized Recipient Ewes

Synchronization of development between the embryo and uterus is required for successful pregnancy establishment.Transfer of early embryos requires synchrony with the recipient uterus of 2 days or less in sheep,because asynchrony of 3 days or more results in failure of pregnancy recognition signaling for maintenance of corpus luteum (CL) and progesterone (P4) production and/or uterine support of the embryo.The objective was to determine if P4 treatment of recipient ewes would obviate the need for pregnancy recognition signaling and maintain a uterine environment conducive to embryo survival after asynchronous transfer,thereby establishing a universal recipient.Embryos (morulae/blastocysts) were recovered on day 6 from super-ovulated donor ewes.Recipient ewes received 25 mg P4 daily from day 6 post-estrus until 60 days after embryo transfer.Embryos were transferred into recipients on day 6,9,12,18,or 30 post-estrus.The pregnancy rate on day 22 post-transfer was 60% for synchronous transfers to day 6 ewes,44% and 22% for asynchronous transfers to day 9 and 12 ewes,and 0% for asynchronous transfers to day 18 and 30 ewes.On day 39 post-transfer,pregnancy rates remained 60% for day 6 ewes,33% for day 9 ewes,and 0% for day 12,18,and 30 ewes.The P4 treatment did extend the window of uterine receptivity to early embryos in ewes by one day,but did not create a universal recipient.Available results support the idea that a window of uterine receptivity to the conceptus exists in sheep that is independent of pregnancy recognition signaling.     

Use of an ecraseur for ovariohysterectomy in mares.

Ovariohysterectomy was performed in 20 mares at three stages of estrus. An ecraseur was used to severe the ovarian branch of the ovarian artery and vein and the ovarian suspensory ligament en masse. All other vessels supplying the ovaries and uterus were doubly ligated and transected. All mares survived. Complications were intraoperative hemorrhage in three mares, postoperative vaginal bleeding in two mares, and a hematoma in the remnant of the broad ligament in one mare. No adhesions between the uterine stump or remnants of the broad ligament and abdominal structures were detected by palpation per rectum.     

Luteotropic influence of the ovine uterus.

Preliminary observations indicated that the ovine uterus might play a contributing role in the development of the corpus luteum. In order to better define this putative relationship, we monitored luteal function in mature ewes that were hysterectomized or sham-operated at different intervals following induction of ovulation. Corpora lutea formed following hysterectomy carried out immediately after ovulation were subnormal. Circulatory concentrations of progesterone in these animals began to ascend normally, but then achieved a plateau level less than that of control animals. This was attributed to reduced size of the luteal gland, and not to anomalies per unit tissue in morphology or content of progesterone. Luteal activity was not altered in ewes hysterectomized later in the estrous cycle (Day 5). However, when such a luteal phase was terminated by exogenous luteolysin, corpora lutea formed subsequently were defective. It appears that the ovine uterus produces a hormonal factor during metestrus that augments the growth potential of the corpus luteum.     

Effect of total or partial uterus extirpation on uterus-projecting neurons in porcine inferior mesenteric ganglion. C. Changes in expression of apoptosis-associated (Bcl-2 and Bax) and regeneration-associated (GAP-43) proteins

The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins was studied with immunohistochemistry, immuoblotting and RT-PCR in the uterine horn- and uterine cervix-projecting neurons of the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) of the sexually immature gilts after partial or total hysterectomy. Additionally, the expression of regeneration-associated protein GAP-43 was studied in these neurons with immunohistochemistry. The uterus-projecting neurons were identified with retrograde fluorescent tracer Fast Blue (FB). The weak immunoreactivity to Bcl-2 and GAP-43 and moderately intense immunoreactivity to Bax was revealed in all FB+ (FB+) neurons of control and hysterectomized pigs. No difference in the intensity of immunostaining for Bcl-2, Bax and GAP-43 was found between control and hysterectomized gilts. Immunoblotting revealed the presence of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in IMGs of control and hysterectomized animals and no difference in the band intensities between control and experimental groups was detected. RT-PCR detected weak induction of bcl-2 and bax only in the ganglia of animals which had undergone total hysterectomy. It was found that the axotomy of the uterus-projecting neurons located in the porcine IMG did not change the expression of the studied substances (Bcl-2, Bax and GAP-43) at protein level and only the induction of bcl-2 and bax at the level of RNA was visible.