I.—On the Pregnancy Rate in the Lactating Mouse and the Effect of Suckling on the Duration of Pregnancy

1932 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mirskaia ◽  
F. A. E. Crew

Summary1. The pregnancy rate of primiparæ, suckling their young, was, in this experiment, 24·1 per cent.; that of multiparæ suckling their young, 50 per cent. It is shown that this difference is not due to differences in the incidence of ovulation associated with postpartum œstrus. The suggested explanation of this difference between puberal and adult groups is that a certain level of somatic maturity is a prerequisite for full reproductive activity.2. In all cases the duration of pregnancy was prolonged. The degree of prolongation was variable and could not be related to the number of young in the uterus or suckling. The results provide no support for the suggestion that this prolongation, due to delayed implantation of the fertilised ova, is to be referred to an inhibitory action on the part of the mammary gland. The suggestion is made that the delayed implantation and prolonged pregnancy are due to inability on the part of the corpus luteum to cater adequately for implantation and lactation synchronously.

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 587-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Tsubota ◽  
S Taki ◽  
K Nakayama ◽  
JI Mason ◽  
S Kominami ◽  
...  

The Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus japonicus, is a seasonal breeder and shows delayed implantation for several months during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to clarify the steroidogenic capability of the corpus luteum and placenta during pregnancy, including both delayed implantation and fetal development, by immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in these organs of the Japanese black bear. Ovaries and placentae from 15 wild Japanese black bears, which had been killed legally by hunters and were thought to be pregnant, were used in an immunocytochemical study to localize the cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), 17alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using polyclonal antisera raised in mammals against P450scc, 3betaHSD, P450c17 and P450arom. P450scc and 3betaHSD were localized in all luteal cells throughout pregnancy. P450c17 was present in a few luteal cells, especially in the outer area of the corpus luteum throughout pregnancy, but the number of positively immunostained cells decreased during the post-implantation period. Cells positively immunostained for P450c17 were significantly smaller than negatively immunostained cells (P < 0.01). P450arom was present sporadically in a few luteal cells throughout pregnancy, but the number of positively immunostained cells decreased during the post-implantation period. The size of cells positively immunostained for P450arom was not significantly different from that of negatively immunostained cells. The whole placenta was negatively immunostained for P450scc, 3betaHSD and P450c17, but P450arom was present in the syncytiotrophoblasts and endothelial cells of maternal blood vessels. These results indicate that, in the Japanese black bear, corpora lutea are a source of progesterone which may play an important role in the maintenance of delayed implantation and fetal development during pregnancy. Corpora lutea have a minimum capability to synthesize androgen in small luteal cells and oestrogen in normal-sized luteal cells during pregnancy, and placentae have the ability to synthesize oestrogen during late pregnancy.


1979 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. SERNIA ◽  
C. H. TYNDALE-BISCOE

SUMMARY Specific binding of radio-iodinated ovine prolactin to subcellular tissue fractions of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) was investigated. Specific binding was found, in order of decreasing binding activity, in the lactating mammary gland, corpus luteum, corpus albicans, adrenal gland and ovary. Specific binding was absent in kidney, liver, brain and inactive mammary gland. The mean association constant (Ka at 23 °C) was determined as 0·90 × 109, 2·20 × 109, 2·44 × 109, 3·38 × 109 and 10·98 × 1091/mol for mammary gland, adrenal, corpus albicans, corpus luteum and ovary respectively. The mean receptor concentration (N) varied from 92·87 × 10−14 mol/mg protein for the mammary gland to 1·03 × 10−14 mol/mg protein for the ovary. The concentration in the corpus luteum varied between tissue pools collected at different times of the annual breeding cycle. The specificity for prolactin was shown in the mammary gland and corpus luteum by the failure of ovine FSH, LH, GH and TSH to displace 125I-labelled ovine prolactin, whereas it was displaced readily by both ovine and bovine prolactin.


1982 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. S. Tan ◽  
R. Tweedale ◽  
J. S. G. Biggs

The effects of oxytocin on dispersed luteal cells from human corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle were studied. Oxytocin at a concentration of 4 mi.u./ml produced a slight increase in basal progesterone production. However, higher oxytocin concentrations (400 and 800 mi.u./ml) markedly inhibited both basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin-induced progesterone production. These data provide evidence for an effect of oxytocin on the human corpus luteum. In view of the inhibitory action of oxytocin, increased secretion of this hormone may be important in the demise of the corpus luteum at the end of the menstrual cycle.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 931 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Björkman ◽  
J. Yun ◽  
M. Niku ◽  
C. Oliviero ◽  
N. M. Soede ◽  
...  

The aims of the present study was to develop and describe a transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy method for luteal tissue in the porcine and to evaluate the effects of the method on the reproductive tract, ovarian status and pregnancy status. Biopsies were performed in four multiparous sows on Days 9 and 15 of three consecutive oestrous cycles; the size and histological composition of the samples obtained were evaluated and the reproductive tract of the sows was monitored. Furthermore, biopsies were performed in 26 multiparous sows on Days 10 and 13 after insemination, and the pregnancy rate, gestation length and subsequent litter size were evaluated. RNA was extracted from the samples obtained and the quality and quantity were determined. Altogether, 76 biopsies were performed and 38 samples were obtained. Compared with sows from which no samples were obtained (n = 6), sows from which one or more samples were obtained (n = 24) were older (parity 5.0 ± 2.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, mean ± s.d.), heavier (290 ± 26 vs 244 ± 27 kg) and had higher back fat (11.4 ± 2.7 vs 6.4 ± 2.5 mm; P < 0.05 for all). No effect of the biopsies (P > 0.05) was observed on the cyclicity and reproductive organs of the sows, or on corpus luteum diameter on Day 13 (8.9 ± 1.0 vs 9.2 ± 1.1 mm), pregnancy rate (95% vs 96%), gestation length (115 ± 1 vs 115 ± 1 days) and subsequent litter size (12.7 ± 2.5 vs 13.3 ± 2.8) between sows from which samples were obtained and those from which no samples were obtained. The samples obtained had a diameter of 1 mm and contained heterogeneous tissue with various cell types. The RNA quantity was 520 ± 160 µg per sample and the RNA integrity number was 8.5 ± 1.0. In conclusion, an ultrasound-guided biopsy method for ovarian tissue, which can be used for gene expression studies, was established in the porcine. No effect on corpus luteum function was found.


1956 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. BUCHANAN ◽  
A. C. ENDERS ◽  
R. V. TALMAGE

SUMMARY The effect of ovariectomy during delayed implantation on the fate of the free blastocyst has been studied in the armadillo. If bilateral ovariectomy is performed about the middle of the 4-month delay period, implantation occurs 30–34 days later and is indistinguishable from normal implantation. In animals ovariectomized toward the end of the delay period, implantation occurs at the time when normal implantation would have been expected, which is less than 30 days postoperatively. However, resorption or abortion follows shortly thereafter. Removal of the corpus luteum towards the end of the delay period for the most part results in loss of the blastocyst and non-implantation. Removing the corpus luteum in early gestation causes loss of the embryos, but no effect was observed following loss of the corpus luteum in animals past approximately the first third of gestation. A possible explanation of the findings is discussed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
J. B. S. Borges ◽  
D. X. Thedy

Successful establishment of pregnancy in the cow depends on early rise of progesterone (P4) to improve embryo development. The present study was carried out to determine the corpus luteum (CL) function and pregnancy rate following the administration of 1.500 IU of hCG in suckled beef cows on Day 4 after fixed-time AI (FTAI). Crossbred Angus cows (n = 429), 40 to 70 days postpartum, were synchronized using 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB) i.m. and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device containing 1 g of P4 for 7 days. At device removal, prostaglandin F2a (150 mg of D-cloprostenol) was injected i.m.; 24 h later, 1 mg of EB was given and the FTAI were done 30 to 36 h after EB using semen of just 1 bull. Cows were assigned alternatively to receive 1.500 IU of hCG i.m. (n = 200) or 1 mL of saline i.m. (n = 229) on Day 4 after FTAI. Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasonography (n = 71) on Days 4 and 7 to detect the presence and to measure the area of CL. Blood samples were collected on Days 4, 7, 10, 14, and 30 post-oestrus to determine P4 concentration by RIA. Pregnancy diagnoses were done 30 days after FTAI. The effects of treatments on CL area and serum P4 levels were analysed by ANOVA (Proc GLM, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) and pregnancy rates compared by chi-square (Proc CATMOT, SAS). The induction of accessory CL determined on Day 7 was 44% in cows treated with hCG and not observed in the control group. The area of the CL on Day 7 was significantly higher (P < 0.01; 3.37 ± 2.56 v. 2.56 ± 0.22 cm2) in the hCG group. Despite the increase in CL size, the mean levels of P4 on Days 4, 7, 10, 14, and 30 post-AI indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in CL function between control and hCG-treated cows. On Day 30, pregnancy rates were not different (P = 0.08), at 46.7 and 55% for control and hCG-treated cows, respectively. In conclusion, administration of 1.500 IU of hCG on Day 4 post-FTAI did not improve pregnancy rate in suckled beef cows.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
A. Shirasawa ◽  
Y. Nakamura ◽  
A. Ideta ◽  
Y. Oono ◽  
M. Urakawa ◽  
...  

Recipient animals for bovine embryo transfer (ET) are routinely selected according to the morphology of the corpus luteum (CL) estimated by rectal palpation. However, rectal palpation is not a precise method of diagnosing the functional status of a CL. Ovarian ultrasonography (US) may be used to improve such diagnoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ultrasonographic images of CL and pregnancy rates after ET in Holstein heifers to determine whether US can be used to select recipients for ET. Recipient heifers (n = 285) were selected by detection of natural oestrus or following oestrus synchronization using a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID; ASKA Pharmaceutical, Tokyo, Japan). Transrectal US was performed immediately before ET, on Days 6 to 8 of the oestrous cycle (oestrus = Day 0), using a B-mode scanner (HS1500V; Honda Electronics Co. LTD, Aichi, Japan) equipped with a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer designed for intrarectal placement. A cross-sectional image of the maximal area of the CL and luteal cavity was obtained. The areas of the CL and luteal cavity were each calculated using the formula for the area of an ellipse (height/2 × width/2 × π). (1) Ultrasonic morphology of CL was classified into 3 types: without cavity (n = 128), with cavity (n = 145) and with blood clot (n = 12). (2) The luteal cavity was categorized into 3 groups: small (<100 mm2, n = 93), medium (100 ≤ x < 200 mm2, n = 32) and large (≥200 mm2, n = 20). (3) Luteinized tissue area (total area of CL minus the area of the luteal cavity) was categorized into 3 groups: small (<250 mm2, n = 61), medium (250 ≤ x < 350 mm2, n = 128) and large (≥350 mm2, n = 84). In vivo–produced embryos were transferred nonsurgically into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal US on Days 30 to 40 of gestation. The pregnancy rates of each experimental group were analysed by logistic regression. In this study, the pregnancy rate did not differ significantly in each experimental group: (1) without cavity: 77.3% (99/128), with cavity: 75.2% (109/145) and blood clot: 75.0% (9/12); (2) small cavity: 73.1% (68/93), medium: 75.0% (24/32) and large: 85.0% (17/20). The mean area of the cavity was 100.8 ± 110.3 mm2 (mean ± standard deviation) and recipients with 0 to 539.7 mm2 sized cavities had successful pregnancies (observational range was 0 to 539.7 mm2). (3) The pregnancy rates of recipients that had small, medium and large luteinized tissue were 77.0% (47/61), 75.0% (96/128) and 77.4% (65/84), respectively. The mean area of luteinized tissue was 318.9 ± 90.3 mm2 and 155.0 to 620.0 mm2 sized luteinized tissue had pregnancy success (observational range was 132.8 to 620.0 mm2). In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that the presence of a luteal cavity or blood clot has no detrimental effect on pregnancy success after ET in Holstein heifers. Furthermore, no relationship was found between luteinized tissue area at the time of ET and pregnancy rate.


2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 229
Author(s):  
J. W. Thorne ◽  
C. R. Looney ◽  
J. F. Hasler ◽  
D. K. Hockley ◽  
D. W. Forrest

This study was performed to test the viability of administering Folltropin-V® (FSH, Bioniche Animal Health) diluted in hyaluronan (MAP-5 50 mg, sodium hyaluronate, Bioniche Animal Health) to beef cows enrolled in a recipient synchronization protocol to evaluate its effect on recipient fertility. All recipients were administered an estradiol 17β (2.5 mg, IM) and progesterone (50 mg, IM) combination injection on Day 0, a CIDR® (progesterone 1.34 g, Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA) was inserted for 7 days. Lutalyse® (dinoprost tromethamine, Pfizer Animal Health, 25 mg, IM) was administered at the time of CIDR removal on Day 7, and estradiol 17β (1 mg, IM) was administered on Day 8. On Day 16, the presence of at least one corpus luteum, detected via ultrasound, resulted in the recipient receiving an embryo (both fresh and frozen–thawed embryos were used). Embryos were not transferred into cows that did not show ultrasonic evidence of a CL. Dependent variables for which data were collected included circulating progesterone levels at the time of transfer and CL diameter, area, and circumference; measured in millimeters. The total study (n = 274) consisted of both wet (n = 85) and dry (n = 189) cows and included both Bos indicus (Brahman-influenced) crossbred (n = 93) and Bos taurus (Angus-based) cows (n = 181). The experiment consisted of cows being placed in either the treated or control groups, with treated cows receiving a single 40 mg (1 mL) IM injection of Folltropin-V in hyaluronan on Day 5 and control cows receiving no additional injections. Results are shown in Table 1. Transfer rate, conception rate, and pregnancy rate were tested for significance with chi-square analysis and remaining statistics were analyzed with a t-test: two-sample assuming equal variances. There were no significant differences found between the treated and control groups for transfer rate, conception rate, or pregnancy rate. Corpus luteum diameter was shown to be larger in control cows (P < 0.05); however, CL area and circumference did not differ significantly. Folltropin-V given with hyaluronan at a 40-mg dose on Day 5 did not improve fertility, induce a larger CL, or increase circulating progesterone levels in synchronized beef recipients as hypothesized. Further work is needed with Folltropin-V in hyaluronan to determine if an alternative dose or timing of administration would be more appropriate for improving fertility in recipients. Table 1.Fertility data in beef recipients following synchronization for fixed-time embryo transfer with a protocol that included (Treated) or did not include (Control) FSH in hyaluronan


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