Effect of morphine on serum gonadotropin concentrations in postpartum beef cows

Morphine (M), an opioid agonist, was administered to postpartum (PP) Angus cows to investigate opioid modulation of gonadotropin secretion. In Exp. 1, eight PP cows (36.9 +/- 2.3 d) received either M (1 mg/kg; n = 4) or saline solution (S) (n = 4) via i.v. injection 36 h after calf removal. Morphine decreased (P less than .01) the number of serum LH pulses (3.0 +/- 1.1 pre- vs .3 +/- .3 post-pulses/h) and, compared with pretreatment values (3.3 mg/ml), decreased (P less than .05) mean LH at 105 min (2.1 ng/ml) through 270 min 1.9 ng/ml +/- .4). Serum prolactin (PRL) increased (P less than .01) following M from 16.4 ng/ml to a peak of 59.3 ng/ml (+/- 3.9). Serum FSH concentrations were unaffected. In Exp. 2, M (.31 mg/kg i.v. injection followed by .15 mg/(kg.h) infusion; n = 6) or S (n = 6) treatments were given for 7 h beginning 36 h after calf removal. Serum LH was similar between groups during the pretreatment and the first 6 h of infusion, but M decreased (P less than .001) the number of serum LH pulses (.44 +/- .09 vs .06 +/- .04 pulses/h). Morphine increased (P less than .05) serum PRL. It is concluded that M differentially modulated gonadotropin secretion in the cow such that PRL increased, LH decreased and FSH was unchanged.     

Endocrine profiles associated with life span of induced corpora lutea in postpartum beef cows

Two experiments were designed to examine whether hormonal profiles were related to luteal life span in pluriparous postpartum anestrous beef cows. Cows (Exp. 1, n = 34; Exp. 2, n = 23) received norgestomet (N) for 9 d or served as controls (C). Each cow received 1,000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 h after removal of N (d 0). Blood samples collected every 15 min for 8 h on d -5, 3 and 5 (Exp. 1) or on d -10 and -1 (Exp. 2) were assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Cortisol was determined in hourly samples collected on d -5 and in samples collected every 2 min during suckling on the same day (Exp. 1). Concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha (PGFM) were determined in samples collected at 15-min intervals for 2 h on d -5, 3, 5 and 10 (Exp. 1). Estradiol-17 beta was measured in samples collected on d -5 (Exp. 1) or on d -10 and -1 (Exp. 2). Life span of induced corpora lutea was longer (P less than .05) in N than C cows. Percentages of N cows in which corpora lutea, formed in response to hCG, exhibited a normal life span were 83% on farm 1 and 25% on farm 2 (Exp. 1), and 90% (Exp. 2), compared with 0% in C cows. Concentrations of FSH were not affected by N but were lower (P less than .05) on d -5 in cows on farm 2 (.6 +/- .1 ng/ml) than in cows on farm 1 (.8 +/- .1 ng/ml). On d -5, a treatment X farm interaction (P less than .05) for mean LH was observed and frequency of pulses of LH was higher (P less than .01) in N than C cows (2.7 +/- .4 vs. .8 +/- .8 pulses/8 h). Neither cortisol nor PGFM was affected by N. Estradiol was increased in d -1 (6.1 +/- .5 vs 2.6 +/- .8 pg/ml; P less than .01) by N. It is suggested that pre-treatment with N enhanced life span of induced corpora lutea, in part, by influencing secretion of LH and development of follicles, but a threshold concentration of FSH was required for N to exert this effect.     

Reduced postpartum anestrus of suckled beef cows treated with microencapsulated luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog.

This study evaluated the effect of microencapsulated LHRH agonist (D-Trp6-LHRH) on gonadotropin release and occurrence of estrus in early postpartum beef cows. Angus cows (n = 54) were assigned randomly to two treatment groups at d 5 postpartum. Group 1 received a single i.m. injection of D-Trp6-LHRH (LHRH-A) encapsulated in poly-DL-lactide-coglycolide, calculated to release 15 micrograms of LHRH-A per day for 30 d (n = 23). Group 2 received vehicle only (control, n = 31). Blood samples (15-min intervals for 6 h) were obtained on d 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 postpartum for evaluation of LH and FSH concentrations (n = 12 per group). Days to first postpartum estrus were reduced by treatment with LHRH-A (Group 1, 43.7 +/- 4.2 d vs Group 2, 55.9 +/- 4.7 d; P < .05). However, days to conception were similar between groups (68.9 +/- 7.9 vs 76.7 +/- 6.7 d, respectively). On the day of treatment, cows treated with LHRH-A had higher mean concentrations of LH and FSH than did controls (8.3 +/- 1.4 vs 2.0 +/- .4 ng/mL for LH and 211.0 +/- 8.6 vs 51.2 +/- 2.7 ng/mL for FSH (P < .05). There were no differences in mean concentrations of LH or FSH between treatment groups on d 10, 20, 30, and 40 postpartum. Cows given LHRH-A had more (P < .05) LH pulses on d 10 and 30 postpartum than did controls. This study demonstrated that microencapsulated D-Trp6-LHRH reduced the postpartum anestrous interval in suckled beef cows.     

Hypoglycemia alters pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in the postpartum beef cow

This study tested the hypothesis that the increased glucose requirement of lactation had effects that were independent of the suckling-dependent inhibition of postpartum endocrine function in beef cows. Mature Hereford cows were either suckled ad libitum and infused with saline iv (n = 9) from d 2 through 4 (d 0 = jugular catherization on d 32 +/- 3 postpartum); were nonsuckled and infused with saline from d 2 through 4 (n = 10); or were nonsuckled and infused with phlorizin (3 g/d) from d 2 through 4 (n = 10). Nonsuckled cows infused with phlorizin had lower (P less than .05) plasma concentrations of glucose and amino acid nitrogen (AAN) on d 2 compared with pre-infusion levels (d 1), but their metabolic profile returned to levels similar to the suckled cows by d 3 and 4. Nonsuckled cows infused with saline had elevated glucose and insulin and lower AAN and free fatty acids (FFA) on d 3 and 4 compared with pre-weaning (d 1) levels (P less than .05). Nonsuckled cows infused with phlorizin did not show this weaning-induced elevation in glucose and insulin. The number of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses was not affected by treatment. However, in contrast to the large LH pulses observed in the nonsuckled cows infused with saline, both the suckled cows and the nonsuckled cows treated with phlorizin had more small and fewer large amplitude pulses (P less than .01). Treatment did not affect serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone, gonadotropin release in response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (25 micrograms) or the number of cows ovulating by 55 d after calving. We conclude that the increased glucose clearance caused by phlorizin infusion or lactation results in depression of LH pulse amplitude in suckled postpartum beef cows.     

Characterization of gonadotropic and ovarian steroid hormones during the periovulatory period in high ovulating select and control line gilts

Cyclic gilts from Control (C, randomly selected, n = 11) and Relax Select (RS, nine generations of selection for increased ovulation rate followed by seven generations of relaxed or random selection, n = 9) lines of the University of Nebraska Gene Pool population (derived from 14 different breeds) were utilized to characterize differences in gonadotropic and ovarian steroid hormones during preovulatory and postovulatory phases of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected during four periods (0500, 1100, 1700 and 2300) daily beginning 2 d prior to anticipated estrus (d -2, d 18 of a 20-d estrous cycle), and continuing through d 4 postestrus (d 0 = 1st of standing estrus). Sampling within a period consisted of five blood samples at 15-min intervals. All plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Neither mean LH nor peak concentration of LH during the preovulatory surge differed between genetic lines (P greater than .10). Concentrations of FSH increased faster (line X period, P less than .05) and tended (P less than .1) to peak at a higher concentration in RS (.88 ng/ml) than in C (.54 ng/ml) gilts (P less than .05) during the 12 h preceding the FSH and LH preovulatory peaks. The second FSH surge began approximately 24 h after the preovulatory FSH peak. Peak FSH concentrations were observed at 42 h in both lines (1.46 vs 1.74 ng/ml for C and RS gilts, respectively). The higher FSH concentration in RS gilts established during the preovulatory surge was maintained through the second FSH surge (P less than .01). No line differences were detected in plasma concentrations of estradiol-17 beta and progesterone.     

Administration of progesterone to cows with ovarian follicular cysts results in a reduction in mean LH and LH pulse frequency and initiates ovulatory follicular growth

Cows with ovarian follicular cysts were treated with progesterone to determine whether a reduction in LH concentrations and initiation of ovulatory follicular waves would occur. Cysts were diagnosed using transrectal ultrasonography when single follicular structures > 20 mm or multiple structures > 15 mm in diameter were present for 7 d in the presence of low progesterone concentrations. Three groups were studied: 1) cows with normal estrous cycles (CYC, n = 8); 2) cows with untreated cysts (CYST, n = 7); and 3) cows with cysts treated with two progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID, n = 8) for 9 d. Ovaries were examined with transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected daily for analysis of progesterone and FSH. Serial blood samples for determination of mean LH and LH pulse frequency were collected on d 0 (CYST and PRID cows only), 1, 5, 9, and 10. Progesterone concentrations were higher in PRID cows than in CYST cows throughout the PRID treatment period (P < .002). On d 0, LH pulse frequency was similar (P = .10) in PRID (6.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and CYST cows (5.1+/-.6 pulses/8 h), but mean LH tended to be higher (P = .054) on d 0 in PRID cows (2.5+/-.2 ng/mL) than in CYST cows (1.9+/-.2 ng/mL). Mean LH and LH pulse frequency decreased (P < .002) by d 1 in PRID cows (1.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 1.8+/-.6 pulses/8 h) compared with CYST cows (2.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 5.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and remained lower throughout most of the experimental period. The FSH concentrations were higher (P < .01) in PRID cows than in CYC and CYST cows on d 3 and 4. The increase in FSH concentrations preceded emergence of the PRID-induced follicular wave. All PRID cows and four of seven CYST cows initiated new follicular waves during the period of PRID treatment. Follicular waves were initiated later (P < .05) in CYST cows (d 5.2+/-1.7) and PRID cows (d 5.5+/-.6) than in CYC cows (d 1.8+/-.3). Cysts were smaller (P < .01) at the end of the treatment period in PRID cows compared with CYST cows. No CYST cows ovulated, but all PRID cows ovulated newly developed follicles 3 or 4 d after PRID removal. Treatment with exogenous progesterone reduced LH in cows with cysts, and this was followed by development of normal ovulatory follicles.     

Effect of FSH treatment on LH and FSH receptors in chronic cystic-ovarian-diseased dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to 1) determine whether chronic cystic-ovarian-diseased (CCOD) cows fail to respond to luteinizing hormone (LH) treatment because of a lack of adequate ovarian LH receptors and 2) determine the effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment on ovarian LH and FSH receptors in ovaries of CCOD cows. The CCOD cows were those that did not resume cyclic ovarian activity after repeated treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and(or) LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) and were considered chronic by veterinarians. Thirteen CCOD cows were purchased from producers; six of them were injected with 5 mg FSH twice daily for 3 or 5 d (TCCOD) and the remaining seven remained untreated. Seven control (noncystic) cows in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle were injected with Lutalyse approximately 48 to 50 h before slaughter so they would be in the follicular phase (FP) of the cycle at the time of slaughter. Analysis of serum and pituitaries showed no differences (P greater than .05) in mean concentrations of serum or pituitary LH and FSH or pituitary LHRH receptor concentration and affinity among FP, CCOD and TCCOD cows. Ovarian follicle wall concentrations of receptors for LH (3.2 +/- .6; 13.0 +/- 2.5; 22.4 +/- 5.1 fmol/mg protein) and FSH (10 +/- 2.6; 43 +/- 7.2; 29 +/- 6.7 fmol/mg protein) were lower (P less than .05) in CCOD cows compared with FP and TCCOD cows, respectively. The same pattern was observed for concentrations of granulosa cell LH and FSH receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of intermittent injections of LHRH on secretory patterns of LH and FSH and ovarian follicular growth during postpartum anovulation in suckled beef cows

Changes in numbers of ovarian follicles and coincident secretion of pituitary gonadotropins were characterized in suckled, anovulatory beef cows injected iv with 500 ng of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) every 2 h for 48 or 96 h, starting 21.4 +/- .4 d after parturition. Two hours after the last injection, all cows were ovariectomized. Compared with saline-injected controls, LHRH had no effect on baseline or overall concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum (P greater than .10), but increased (P less than .05) frequency and decreased (P less than .05) amplitude of LH pulses. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone increased (P less than .05) baseline concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum and frequency of FSH pulses, but decreased (P less than .05) pulse amplitude. Overall concentrations of FSH increased 20% (P less than .10). Exogenous LHRH did not affect diameter of the two largest follicles or numbers of follicles 1.0 to 3.9 mm, 4.0 to 7.9 mm or greater than or equal to 8.0 mm in diameter. These data suggest that increasing the frequency of episodic LH and FSH pulses in postpartum cattle by intermittent administration of LHRH did not increase mean circulating levels of LH, or alter size and numbers of ovarian follicles within the 96-h period of injections. Thus, induction of ovulation in anovulatory cows treated with low-dose injections of LHRH cannot be explained on the basis of an increase in mean concentrations of LH or numbers of antral follicles within 96 h after initiation of injections.     

Postpartum reproduction in protein restricted beef cows: effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

The influence of dietary CP on circulating LH and anterior pituitary and hypothalamic function was examined. In Exp. 1, 28 cows were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: adequate CP (ADQ; .96 kg/d) or deficient CP (DEF; .32 kg/d) beginning at 90, 60 and 30 d before parturition and continued at a 33% increase in feed consumption after parturition. Cows were bled at 15-min intervals for 8 h on d 20, 40 and 60 after parturition. Pituitaries were collected on d 62 to analyze GnRH receptor numbers and gonadotropin content. Frequency of pulsatile LH release increased (P less than .05) from 20 to 60 d in ADQ cows. Basal and mean LH were not affected (P greater than .10) by CP restriction or by days after parturition. Crude protein did not affect pituitary GnRH receptors (P greater than .10), but it did affect pituitary LH content, FSH content and FSH concentration (P less than .05). In Exp. 2, 28 cows were assigned to treatment groups as in Exp. 1. All cows were challenged with GnRH (.22 micrograms/kg BW) at 20, 40 and 60 d after parturition and were bled every 30 min for 6 h. Responsiveness to GnRH increased with increased time after parturition (P less than .07). Deficient CP decreased GnRH-induced LH release (P less than .05). In Exp. 3, 12 cows were randomly assigned to ADQ or DEF CP beginning 120 d before parturition. All cows received 1 mg estradiol-17 beta (E2) on d 19, 39 and 59 after parturition and were bled every 30 min for 14 h beginning 14 h following E2. Response to E2 was unaffected by CP restriction (P greater than .10), whereas time to E2-induced LH peak decreased as time after parturition increased in ADQ cows (P less than .05). Results suggest that delayed return to estrus in CP-deficient postpartum beef cows might be due to reduced gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary and decreased anterior pituitary responsiveness to GnRH.     

LHRH receptor, LH and FSH concentrations in anterior pituitaries of cycling, noncycling and early pregnant heifers

In domestic animals limited data are available concerning levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptors during various physiological states. The objectives of this study were to quantify anterior pituitary gonadotropin and LHRH receptor concentrations in cycling, noncycling and early pregnant beef heifers. To accomplish these objectives, five heifers each were slaughtered, after synchronization with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), on d 0 (estrus), 7 and 14 of the estrous cycle and d 40 of pregnancy. Four heifers determined to be noncycling were also slaughtered. Pituitaries were collected and analyzed for LHRH receptor and gonadotropin concentrations. Pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were low on d 0 (1.4 +/- .2 micrograms/mg pituitary, mean +/- SE) and remained low on d 7 (1.4 +/- .1 micrograms/mg pituitary) before increasing (P less than .01) on d 14 (2.6 +/- .5 micrograms/mg pituitary). Luteinizing hormone concentrations, compared with d 0, were also elevated (P less than .01) in noncycling (NC; 2.6 +/- .2 micrograms/mg pituitary) animals and in 40-d pregnant (PG; 2.5 +/- .2 micrograms/mg pituitary) heifers. Pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations, though similar (P greater than .05) for all groups, paralleled changes in LH concentration. Pituitary LHRH receptor binding affinity did not differ (P greater than .05) among groups, with an overall Kd = .64 +/- .02 X 10(-9) M. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor concentrations were highest on d 0 (1.09 +/- .12 fmol/mg pituitary) and fell (P less than .01) to low levels on d 7 (.75 +/- .11 fmol/mg pituitary).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of ovine follicles destined to form subfunctional corpora lutea

A study was done to test whether ovulatory follicles destined to form subfunctional corpora lutea differed from normal ovulatory follicles in steroidogenic function. Twenty-five ewes were treated with prostaglandin F2 alpha on d 11 of the estrous cycle, then unilaterally ovariectomized before (n = 13) or after (n = 12) the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) at the induced estrus to collect "control" follicles, which would have produced normal corpora lutea. In 15 ewes, the second ovary was removed 63 to 84 h later to collect "treated" follicles before (n = 7) or after (n = 8) the second expected surge of LH. Five ewes (control) were allowed to ovulate from the remaining ovary at first estrus and another five (treated) at the second estrus (3 to 4 d later). Treated ewes had lower serum progesterone than control ewes during the ensuing cycle (P less than .05). Treated follicles contained less estradiol in the theca (4.4 +/- .6 vs 10.0 +/- 2.5 ng; P less than .05), less androstenedione (.1 +/- .1 vs 1.0 +/- .2 ng) and estradiol (.5 +/- .1 vs 2.9 +/- 2.2 ng) in the granulosa (P less than .05) and less progesterone in the follicular fluid (.8 +/- .4 vs 3.3 +/- .8 ng; P less than .05) than control follicles, when removed before the surge of LH. Follicles removed after the surge of LH did not differ. In conclusion, ovulatory follicles with low steroidogenic function became corpora lutea that secreted lower-than-normal quantities of progesterone.     

Ovarian and endocrine characteristics during an estrous cycle in Angus, Brahman, and Senepol cows in a subtropical environment

To determine breed differences in ovarian function and endocrine secretion, daily rectal ultrasonography was conducted on multiparous lactating Angus (temperate Bos taurus; n = 12), Brahman (tropical Bos indicus; n = 12), and Senepol (tropical Bos taurus; n = 12) cows during an estrous cycle in summer. Blood was collected daily to quantify plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol, GH, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), insulin, glucose, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). Numbers of small (2 to 5 mm), medium (6 to 8 mm), and large follicles (> or = 9 mm) were greater (P < .05) in Brahman than in Angus and(or) Senepol cows. Length of the estrous cycle (SEM = .6 d) was similar (P > .10) among Senepol (20.4 d), Angus (19.5 d), and Brahman (19.7 d) cows. Senepol cows had greater (P < .05) diameters of the corpus luteum (CL) and a delayed regression of the CL as compared with Angus cows. The secondary surge of FSH (between d 1 and 2; d 0 = estrus) was greater in Angus than Brahman or Senepol cows (breed x day, P < .05). Between d 2 and 14 of the estrous cycle, concentrations of progesterone, LH, IGF-II, and binding activities of IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, and the 27- to 29-kDa IGFBP in plasma did not differ (P > .10) among breeds. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, insulin, and PUN were greater (P < .001) and binding activities of the 22-kDa and 20-kDa IGFBP tended (P < .10) to be greater in plasma of Brahman than in Angus or Senepol cows. Plasma glucose concentrations were greater (P < .05) in Senepol than in Brahman or Angus cows. In conclusion, Brahman (Bos indicus) and Senepol cows (tropical Bos taurus) had greater numbers of follicles in all size categories and greater diameter of CL than Angus (temperate Bos taurus) cows. These ovarian differences may be due to changes in the pattern of secretion of FSH, insulin, IGF-I, and GH but not LH, IGF-II, or IGFBP-2 or -3.     

Serum concentrations of IGF-I in postpartum beef cows

Four experiments assessed changes in serum IGF-I under various physiologic conditions in postpartum cows. In Exp. 1, anestrous suckled cows (n = 25) were infused for 6 d with either saline or glucose at two different infusion rates. In Exp. 2, anestrous cows (n = 29) received either a saline (weaned and suckled controls) or 3 g/d phlorizin (weaned phlorizin) infusion for 3 d. Calves from the weaned groups were removed from 15 h before and throughout infusions. In Exp. 3, cycling suckled cows (n = 20) received prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) when the 5-d saline or phlorizin infusion began. In Exp. 4, suckled cows (n = 20) had ad libitum access to feed or received 50% of control feed consumption from 30 to 40 d postpartum. Increasing glucose availability (Exp. 1) increased (P less than .05) serum IGF-I by 30 to 35%. IGF-I remained stable after weaning (Exp. 2) in phlorizin-infused cows (128.8 +/- 12.7 ng/ml), but increased (P less than .05) by 3 d after calf removal in weaned control cows (152.2 +/- 7.5 ng/ml). IGF-I also remained stable in phlorizin-infused cows following PGF2 alpha injection (Exp. 3), but increased in control cows by 2 d after PGF2 alpha (156.8 +/- 18.3 on d 2 vs. 133.7 +/- 9.8 ng/ml pre-injection; P less than .05) and remained elevated (P less than .05) during the periovulatory period. In cows receiving restricted feed intake (Exp. 4), IGF-I decreased by approximately 50% within 4 d of feed restriction (71.3 +/- 9.4 vs 137.4 +/- 16.6 ng/ml; P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Suckling inhibits release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone from the bovine median eminence following ovariectomy

The effect of suckling on depletion of hypothalamic LHRH from the median eminence (ME) following ovariectomy (OVX) was determined in cattle. Multiparous, postpartum Holstein cows were assigned randomly to three groups: intact, nonsuckled (INT, n = 4); ovariectomized (3 to 5 d after parturition), nonsuckled (OVX, n = 4); and ovariectomized (3 to 5 d after parturition) and suckled by three calves (OVX-S, n = 5). Blood samples were collected at three periods (1 to 7 d before parturition and 3 to 5 d and 31 to 37 d after parturition) to determine plasma LH concentration. At 31 to 37 d after parturition, all cows were slaughtered and each ME was collected and mid-sagitally sectioned. The left half of each ME was used to determine content and concentration of LHRH. Concentrations of LH and LHRH were determined by RIA. Plasma LH concentration was similar among the three groups at 1 to 7 d before parturition and 3 to 5 d after parturition; however, at 31 to 37 d after parturition, OVX cows had a greater (P less than .05) concentration of LH (2.25 +/- .64 ng/ml) than either INT (.47 +/- .10 ng/ml) or OVX-S (.92 +/- .14 ng/ml) cows. Content of LHRH in the ME of INT (80.12 +/- 15.0 ng) and OVX-S 109.8 +/- 16.4 ng) cows was similar but was greater (P less than .05) than that in OVX cows (48.95 +/- 5.9 ng).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Endogenous opioid modulation of luteinizing hormone and prolactin secretion in postpartum ewes and cows

A possible role for endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) in the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion was studied by injecting the opioid antagonist, naloxone (NAL), into postpartum ewes and cows. Twelve ewes that lambed during the fall breeding season and nursed their lambs were injected iv with NAL (1.0 mg/kg) on d 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 postpartum. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from 2 h before to 2 h after NAL, and serum concentrations of LH and PRL were quantified. Following treatment on d 10, suckling lambs were removed from 6 of the 12 ewes, creating non-suckled (NS) and suckled (S) treatment groups for subsequent study on d 14 through 26. On d 10, NAL treatment increased LH (P less than .01) but concentrations of PRL were not affected. When averaged across d 14 to 26, post-NAL concentrations of LH were greater (P less than .001) than pre-NAL concentrations (6.5 +/- .7 vs 1.9 +/- .4 ng/ml). In contrast, concentrations of PRL in the post-NAL period were lower (P less than .001) than pre-NAL concentrations (129 +/- 15 vs 89 +/- 10 ng/ml). Compared with S ewes over d 14 to 26, those in the NS group had similar pre-NAL concentrations of LH, tendencies for higher (P less than .10) post-NAL concentrations of LH, lower (P less than .001) mean serum concentrations of PRL (pre- and post-NAL) and similar pre-NAL vs post-NAL differences in serum PRL. Six suckled beef cows on d 24 to 35 were injected iv with either saline or NAL (.5 mg/kg) in a replicated crossover design. Injections of NAL increased serum concentrations of LH (P less than .05), when averaged over all 12 injections in the six cows, but serum PRL was not changed. However, three of six cows did not respond to NAL with increases in serum LH. These non-responding cows were similar to the responding cows in their pre-injection concentrations of LH and PRL, but they tended (P = .10) to have higher serum concentrations of cortisol than responding cows.     

Influence of estradiol,progesterone, and nutrition on concentrations of gonadotropins and GnRH receptors,and abundance of mRNA for GnRH receptors and gonadotropin subunits in pituitary glands of beef cows

Nutritionally induced anovulatory cows (n = 28) were used to determine the effect of steroids on regulation of synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins. Anovulatory cows were ovariectomized and received intravaginal inserts containing estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), E2 and P4 (E2P4), or a sham intravaginal insert (C) for 7 d. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were quantified in serum and E2 and P4 were quantified in plasma. Cows were exsanguinated within 1 to 2 h after removal of intravaginal inserts and pituitary glands were collected and stored at -80 degrees C until messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) and gonadotropin subunits, pituitary content of GnRH-R, and LH and FSH were quantified. Pituitary glands from five proestrous cows were harvested to compare gonadotropin characteristics between ovariectomized, anovulatory cows and intact cows. Plasma concentrations of E2 were greater (P < 0.05) in E2-treated cows than in sham-treated cows. Concentrations of P4 were greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with P4 than in sham-treated cows. Mean serum concentrations of LH and FSH were not significantly influenced by steroid treatments. However, frequency of LH pulses of ovariectomized, nutritionally induced anovulatory cows was increased (P < 0.05) by treatment with E2 and amplitude of LH pulses was greater (P < 0.05) in cows treated with E2 or P4 than in cows treated with E2P4 or sham-treated. Quantity of mRNA for LHbeta in the pituitary gland was greater when cows were treated with P4. Concentrations of LH in the pituitary gland were not affected by steroid treatments; however, pituitary concentrations of FSH were less (P < 0.1) in E2 cows than in sham-treated cows. The number of GnRH-R was increased (P < 0.05) in cows treated with E2, but P4 treatment did not influence the number of GnRH-R. Abundance of mRNA for GnRH-R, common alpha-subunit, and FSHbeta were not affected by treatments. Pituitary concentrations of LH were greater (P < 0.05) and concentrations of FSH were less (P < 0.05) in proestrous cows than in ovariectomized, anovulatory cows treated with or without steroids. Abundance of mRNA for GnRH-R, common alpha-subunit, LHbeta and FSHbeta were similar for proestrous and anovulatory cows. We conclude that treatment of nutritionally induced anovulatory cows with progesterone and estradiol may cause pulsatile secretion of LH.     

Effect of dietary energy, body condition and calf removal on pituitary gonadotropins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and hypothalamic opioids in beef cows

Beef cows (n = 64) were slaughtered to evaluate effects of dietary energy and calf removal (CR) on hypothalamic and adenohypophysial endocrine characteristics. From d 190 of gestation until parturition, cows received maintenance (ME; n = 32) or low (LE; n = 32) energy diets (ME = 100%, LE = 70% NRC recommendations). After parturition, half (n = 16) of each prepartum diet group received low (LE; n = 32) or high (HE = 130% NRC; n = 32) energy diets. At 30 d postpartum, cows were slaughtered 0 or 48 hr after CR. Hypothalami [preoptic area (POA), hypothalamus (HYP), stalk-median eminence (SME)] and pituitaries were collected. Basal and K(+)-induced release of GnRH from SME, and pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) did not differ among groups (P greater than .05). Hypophyseal LH was correlated (P less than .01) with body condition score (BCS) at parturition and slaughter (r = .36 and .47, respectively). Prepartum LE diet increased (P less than .05) met-enkephalin in POA compared to prepartum ME (.59 +/- .05 vs. .44 +/- .04 pmol/mg) regardless of postpartum diet or suckling status. Concentrations of beta-endorphin in combined HYP + POA were decreased (P less than .05) by 48 hr CR (15.1 +/- 1.1 vs. 18.1 +/- 0.7 fmol/mg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Testosterone effects on gonadotropin response to GNRH: cows and pony mares

Effects of testosterone propionate (TP) treatment on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) before and after an injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) were studied using ovariectomized cows and pony mares. An initial injection of GnRH (1 microgram/kg of body weight) was followed by either TP treatment or control injections for 10 (cows) or 11 (ponies) d. A second GnRH injection was administered 1 d after the last TP or oil injection. Concentrations of LH and FSH were determined in samples of plasma taken before and after each GnRH injection. Control injections did not alter the response to GnRH (area under curve) nor the pre-GnRH concentrations of LH and FSH in ovariectomized cows or ponies. Testosterone treatment increased (P less than .01) the FSH release in response to GnRH in ovariectomized mares by 4.9-fold; there was no effect in cows, even though average daily testosterone concentrations were 59% higher than in pony mares. Testosterone treatment reduced the LH release in response to GnRH by 26% in ovariectomized mares (P less than .05) and by 17% in ovariectomized cows (P approximately equal to .051). These results are consistent with a model that involves ovarian androgens in the regulation of FSH secretion in the estrous cycle of the mare, but do not support such a model in the cow.     

Relationship of pre- and post-ovulatory gonadotropin concentrations to subnormal luteal function in postpartum beef cattle

Early weaning of calves from anestrous cows results in formation of short-lived corpora lutea (CL) unless the animals are pretreated with a progestagen (norgestomet). This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between pre- and post-ovulatory gonadotropin secretion and luteal lifespan. Postpartum beef cows were assigned randomly into two groups, control (n = 5) and norgestomet (implant given at weaning for 9 d; n = 7). Calves from all cows were weaned 30 to 33 d postpartum. Coccygeal artery cannulas were placed into cows in the control group 1 d prior to weaning and 2 d before implant removal in cows in the norgestomet group. Plasma for determination of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol-17 beta (E) and progesterone (P) was collected daily at 10-min intervals for 6 h from weaning (control) or the day prior to implant removal (norgestomet) to estrus (d 0) and on d 2, 4 and 6 following estrus. Average interval (X +/- SE; P less than .05) from weaning to estrus or implant removal was 4.2 +/- .8 and 2.3 +/- .2 d for the control and norgestomet groups, respectively. Estrous cycle length for the control group was 12.4 +/- 1.8 d compared with 20.4 +/- .3 d for the norgestomet group (P less than .05). Four of five control cows had an estrous cycle length of 7 to 14 d; all cows in the norgestomet group and the remaining control cow had an estrous cycle of normal length (16 to 21 d).2+ estrus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Postpartum interval in beef cows shortened by enclomiphene

This study was designed to determine whether an anti-estrogen can block the negative effect of estrogens on luteinizing hormone (LH) release and therefore decrease the postpartum interval in suckled beef cows. In Exp. I, eight suckled postpartum beef cows were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Treatment cows received 1 g/d clomiphene citrate (im) from d 21 to 28 postpartum, while control cows were injected with saline. On d 28 postpartum, there was no difference (P greater than .05) in mean total and basal LH concentrations or LH pulse frequency between treatment and control cows. All control cows exhibited estrus on d 52 +/- 3; treatment cows exhibited estrus on d 134 +/- 12 (P less than .05). In Exp. II, 17 suckled cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: 1) control group (n = 6) receiving one empty implant, 2) 10-cm enclomiphene implant group (n = 5) and 3) 30-cm enclomiphene implant group (n = 6). The silastic implants were placed sc on d 20 and removed on d 29 postpartum. Mean total LH concentrations during d 24 to 29 postpartum in the 30-cm enclomiphene implant group were higher than the 10-cm implant (P less than .05) and control group (P less than .05). The postpartum period in the 30-cm enclomiphene group (45 +/- 6 d) was shorter than the 10-cm implant (94 +/- 24 d) and control (96 +/- 20 d) groups (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)