36 FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS IN PROLIFIC SHEEP: PGF-BASED ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
L. Proctor ◽  
D. Tutt ◽  
D. Olliver ◽  
S. Galloway ◽  
J. L. Juengel ◽  
...  

A study was designed to compare the effect of a prostaglandin-based synchronization protocol on ovarian follicular dynamics in sheep with the FecB (Booroola) mutation. Forty dry Romney sheep (57.6 ± 7.3 kg; 6.1 ± 1.1 years) were randomly selected from both Invermay Booroola (BB; n = 20) and commercial (non-FecB carriers, ++; n = 20) flocks. All ewes had their estrous cycles synchronized with 2 i.m. injections of PGF (150 μg of cloprostenol, Estrumate, Schering-Plough Coopers Animal Health Ltd., New Zealand) administered 7 days apart. Ewes were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography (Aloka 900-SSD and a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer, Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) daily from Day -2 to the day of ovulation. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Variances were compared with Barlett’s test. Paired t-test compared the number of preovulatory follicles in each genotype after PGF treatments and intervals from PGF to ovulation after PGF. Data are presented as mean (± SEM). The number of corpora lutea (CL) and total CL area at the time of the first and second PGF treatment were 4.4 ± 0.6; 5.7 ± 1.4 and 672.1 ± 133.5 mm2; 999.0 ± 145.9 mm2 in the BB and 2.1 ± 0.2; 2.1 ± 0.5 and 342.3 ± 60.7 mm2; 401.3 ± 68.6 mm2 in ++ ewes, respectively. These 2 variables were higher (P < 0.01) at both PGF injections in the BB than in the ++ ewes, except the CL area at the time of first PGF treatment (P = 0.15). The largest follicle diameter at the time of the first and second PGF treatments was smaller (P < 0.003) in BB (4.1 ± 0.3 mm; 3.5 ± 0.2 mm) than in ++ (5.3 ± 0.3 mm; 5.8 ± 0.1 mm) ewes. The median and mean number of follicles that ovulated after the first and second PGF treatment were higher (P < 0.0001) in BB (6 & 7; 5.7 ± 0.3; 6.9 ± 0.3; difference = 1.2 ± 0.4; P < 0.003) than in the ++ (2 & 2; 2.1 ± 0.1; 2.1 ± 0.1) sheep. The luteal area at the time of first and second PGF in both BB and ++ did not differ (P = 0.3). The intervals from the first and second PGF to the respective ovulations did not differ (P > 0.61) between BB (3.4 ± 0.2; 3.0 ± 0.3d) and ++ (3.5 ± 0.2d; 3.0 ± 0.1d) ewes. However, interval from the second PGF to ovulation was more variable (P = 0.002) in the BB than in the ++ ewes. Data of both groups were combined and a mean significant difference of 0.6 ± 0.2d (P < 0.003) was found between the first and second PGF-to-ovulation intervals. The interval from the first PGF to emergence of the next follicular wave was shorter (P < 0.02) and more variable (P < 0.03) in the BB (2.7 ± 0.4d) than in the ++ (3.5 ± 0.2 d) group. Preovulatory follicles were smaller in Booroola, but higher in number, than in ++ ewes, whereas the luteal area was similar. Within the BB ewes, the higher number of follicles that ovulated after the second PGF than after the first injection may be due to a higher follicular response to an elevated rebound in circulating FSH after the first PGF. A high number of growing follicles of the first follicular wave may also have contributed to this event. These findings warrant further research aimed at the study of the interaction between FSH and follicle dynamics in estrus synchronized sheep carrying the FecB mutation.

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
M. E. F. Oliveira ◽  
C. C. D'Amato ◽  
L. G. Oliveira ◽  
S. D. Bicudo ◽  
J. F. Fonseca ◽  
...  

This study was designed to investigate if the superovulatory response and embryo yield in Santa Ines ewes are influenced by the time that FSH treatments are inititiated: near the emergence of the first or last follicular wave of a progesterone-based (P4) protocol. Days of emergence of the follicular waves was defined in a previous study that evaluated follicular dynamics in oestrus synchronization treatments (Oliveira et al. 2011 Acta Sci. Vet. 40). Twenty Santa Ines cyclic ewes were submitted to 2 superovulatory protocols according to the time that FSH treatments were initiated (G-first wave, n = 10 and G-last wave, n = 10). Thus, the FSH treatment started on Day 4 and 10 of protocol for G-first and G-last, respectively (Day 0 = onset of protocol). Ewes were treated with a P4 device (CIDR®; Pfizer-New Zealand) for 6 and 12 days for G-first and G-last, respectively. Additionally, in G-last, the CIDR was replaced by a new one on Day 7. All ewes received 2 injections of 37.5 μg of D-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Arsa-Argentina) on Day 0 and at CIDR removal. The superovulatory regimen consisted of 8 IM injections of pFSH (Folltropin®; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) administrated twice daily (40, 40, 30, 30, 20, 20, 10 and 10 mg of porcine FSH). A single IM dose of 200 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) was given concurrently with CIDR removal. Ewes were mated by a fertile ram. Embryo collections were accomplished 7 days after CIDR removal. The superovulatory response was classified in scores: (0) 4 or fewer corpora lutea (CL); (1) between 5 and 10 CL and (2) 11 or more CL. Means (± SD) were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and percentages using Chi-square (P < 0.05). Most donors (70%, 7/10) from G-last had a superovulatory response classified as score 2 and the remainder (30%, 3/10) as score 1, whereas half of ewes from G-first were classified as score 2 and half as score 1 (P > 0.05).There was no effect between treatments (P > 0.05) for ovulation rate (G-first: 90.7 ± 10.2% vs G-last: 93.0 ± 7.2%), number of ovulations (G-first: 13.1 ± 7.3 vs G-last: 14.0 ± 5.8), or number of luteinized unovulated follicles (G-first: 1.4 ± 1.3 vs G-last: 0.9 ± 1.0). Furthermore, there was no effect between G-first and G-last (P > 0.05) in the rate of ova/embryos recovered (55.1 ± 27.1% vs 67.0 ± 19.4%), mean number of ova/embryos recovered (7.0 ± 5.5 vs 9.1 ± 3.8), number of viable embryos (3.9 ± 6.1 vs 5.7 ± 4.4), or viability rate (49.1 ± 43.7 vs 58.5 ± 34.6). In conclusion, superovulatory response and embryo yield did not differ between FSH treatments initiated during the first or last follicular wave of a progesterone-based treatment in Santa Ines ewes. Financial support of FAPESP is acknowledged.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 130 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J. Mapletoft ◽  
M.G. Colazo ◽  
J.A. Small ◽  
D.R. Ward ◽  
J.P. Kastelic

The objective was to investigate the effect of dose of estradiol valerate (EV) on ovarian follicular growth profiles, intervals to follicular wave emergence and, following CIDR removal, estrus and ovulation in beef cows. On Day 0, 43 non-lactating, crossbred beef cows, 3 to 9 yr of age and at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR (Bioniche Animal Health; Belleville, Ontario, Canada) and were randomly allocated to one of four groups to receive no further treatment (Control; n=10), or an injection of 1mg (n=11), 2mg (n=10), or 5mg (n=12) i.m. of EV (Sigma Chemical Co, St. Louis, MO, USA) in 2mL canola oil. On Day 7, CIDR were removed and cows received 500μg i.m. of cloprostenol (Estrumate, Schering Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada). Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasonography once daily until 48h after CIDR removal to detect ovarian follicle growth profiles, and twice daily thereafter to detect ovulation. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (LSD and Bartlett’s tests) and chi-square procedures. One cow (5mg EV group) lost the CIDR and was removed from all analyses. There was an effect of day (P&lt;0.0001) on CL diameter, but the effects of treatment (P=0.3), and the treatment-by-day interaction (P=0.1), were not significant. Follicular wave emergence occurred within 7d in 7/10 (70%) Control cows and 31/32 (97%; P&lt;0.04) EV-treated cows (one cow in late diestrus at the time of treatment did not respond to 1mg EV). Mean (±SD) interval from treatment to wave emergence was longer (P&lt;0.03) in cows treated with 5mg EV (4.8±1.2d) than in those treated with 1mg (3.2±0.9 days) or 2mg EV (3.4±0.8 days), while Control cows were intermediate (3.8±2.0 days). Although follicular wave emergence tended (P&lt;0.09) to be more synchronous in cows receiving EV, intervals from CIDR removal to estrus (P=0.7) and ovulation (P=0.8) did not differ among groups. Diameter of the dominant follicle was smaller (P&lt;0.04) at CIDR removal and tended to be smaller (P&lt;0.08) just prior to ovulation in the 5mg EV group (8.5±2.2 and 13.2±0.6mm, respectively) than in the Control (11.8±4.6 and 15.5±2.9mm, respectively) or 1mg EV (11.7±2.5 and 15.1±2.2mm, respectively) groups, with the 2mg EV group (10.7±1.5 and 14.3±1.7mm, respectively) intermediate. Diameter of the dominant follicle at CIDR removal was less variable (P&lt;0.01) in the 2 and 5mg EV groups than in the Control group and intermediate in the 1mg EV group. In summary, dose of EV affected follicular dynamics, interval to and synchrony of follicular wave emergence, and dominant follicle diameter at CIDR removal and just prior to ovulation in CIDR-treated cows. However, interval from CIDR removal to estrus and ovulation was not affected by treatment. Results suggest that a dose of 2mg EV may be most efficacious in synchronizing follicular wave emergence in CIDR-treated cows.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P. Kastelic ◽  
M.G. Colazo ◽  
J.A. Small ◽  
D.R. Ward ◽  
R.J. Mapletoft

The objective was to characterize ovarian follicular dynamics in beef cows treated with a CIDR (Bioniche Animal Health; Belleville, Ontario, Canada) and an injection of estradiol-17β (E2), with or without progesterone (P4), late in the estrous cycle. Previously synchronized, non-lactating, crossbred beef cows (n=36) received a CIDR (Day 0) 16 to 18 days after ovulation and were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: no further treatment (Control, n=12), an injection of 5mg E2 (E2, n=12), or 5mg E2 plus 100mg P4 (E2P4, n=12; both from Sigma Chemical Co., St.Louis, MO, USA) i.m. in 2mL canola oil. On Day 7, CIDR were removed and cows received 500μg i.m. of cloprostenol (Estrumate, Schering Plough Animal Health, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada). Ovaries were examined once daily by transrectal ultrasonography to detect ovarian follicle growth profiles, and determine the time of ovulation. Blood samples were taken daily for progesterone determination. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (LSD and Bartlett’s tests), Student’s t-test and chi-square procedures. Diameter of the CL and the dominant follicle, and progesterone concentration on Day 0 did not differ among groups (P=0.6; overall mean (±SD), 16.8±2.7mm, 14.1±2.0mm, and 1.5±1.9ngmL, respectively). Thirteen cows ovulated within 3 days of treatment (50% of E2- and E2P4-treated cows and 8.3% of Control cows; P=0.05); cows that ovulated had smaller CL diameters (15.2±1.7 v. 17.7±2.7mm; P&lt;0.004) and lower progesterone concentrations (0.4±0.2 v.2.1±2.2ngmL; P&lt;0.001) at the time of treatment. Follicular wave emergence occurred within 7 days in 4/12 Control cows, 10/12 E2-treated cows, and 10/12 E2P4-treated cows (P&lt;0.01). Although the interval from treatment to wave emergence did not differ among treatments (P=0.8; overall, 3.4±1.5 days), follicular wave emergence was more synchronous (P&lt;0.004) in the E2 group than in the Control or E2P4 groups. At CIDR removal, dominant follicle diameter was larger (P&lt;0.02) in the Control group (15.9±5.5mm) than in the E2 (11.9±1.8mm) or E2P4 (11.5±3.4mm)groups, but dominant follicle diameter was less variable (P&lt;0.003) in the E2 group than in the other two groups. Three cows did not ovulate after CIDR removal; two in the Control group and one in the E2P4 group. Interval to ovulation was shorter (P&lt;0.05) in the Control group (70.8±10.5h)than in the E2 (87.0±9.0h) or E2P4 (86.2±7.2h) groups, and the intervals to ovulation in cows that ovulated following treatment (91.0±8.0h) was longer (P&lt;0.001) than in those that did not (76.6±9.6h). In summary, treatment of cows with an estradiol-progesterone protocol late in the estrous cycle resulted in ovulation (50.0%), atresia (33.3%) or persistence (16.6%) of the dominant follicle present at that time. As length of follicular dominance and timing of ovulation were affected, fertility may be impaired following AI.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 363
Author(s):  
T. Huanca ◽  
O. Cardenas ◽  
M. Gonzales ◽  
W. Huanca ◽  
L. A. Quintela ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ovarian response in alpacas to superstimulatory treatment with FSH and eCG. Alpacas females (n = 49) were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography using a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer (Aloka SSD500, Tokyo, Japan) to determine ovarian follicular dynamics. Alpacas (n =41) were selected when a growing follicle ≥7 mm in diameter was detected and were given an i.m. injection of 4 μg of buserelin (Conceptal®, Intervet, Millsboro, MD, USA) on Day 0 (i.e. beginning of treatment). On Day 2, alpacas were assigned to 1 of the following 2 treatments: (1) the FSH group (n = 21), which received a total dose of 200 mg NIH-FSH-P1 of pFSH (Folltropin®-V, Bioniche Animal Health Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) in decreasing dosages of 52, 48, 40, 32, and 28 mg divided in twice-daily i.m. injections for 5 days; and (2) the eCG group (n = 20), which received a single dose of 750 IU of eCG (Folligon®, Intervet, Millsboro, MD, USA). Animals received an i.m. dose of 0.150 mg of triapost (PGF; Iliren, Intervet, Millsboro, MD, USA) on Day 6. On Day 7, ovaries of all alpacas were examined by transrectal ultrasonography, followed by mating and embryo collection on Day 14. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The mean number of follicles <7 mm in diameter was 5.8 ± 1.0 and 3.2 ± 0.9 for those treated with FSH and eCG, respectively (NS). The number of follicles 7 to 13 mm in diameter was 5.8 ± 1.5 and 9.7 ± 1.2 for the FSH and eCG groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The number of follicles >13 mm in diameter was 0.3 ± 0.4 and 1.0 ± 0.3 for the FSH and eCG groups, respectively (NS). The mean (± SD) follicle diameter was 8.3 ± 0.3 and 9.0 ± 0.2 for the FSH and eCG groups, respectively (NS). The mean (± SD) number of CL was 6.0 ± 1.9 and 8.7 ± 2.3 for the FSH and eCG groups, respectively (NS). Only 82.9% of animals (34/41) were flushed and embryos were recovered in 18 animals (52.9%), with 2.7 ± 0.4 and 2.7 ± 0.7 embryos in the FSH and eCG groups, respectively (NS). Large unovulated follicles (diameter >13 mm) were observed in 34.1% of animals (14/41) on Day 14 and most of them (71.4%) were in the group treated with eCG (10/14; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of eCG resulted in a higher number of preovulatory follicles (7-13 mm in diameter) than FSH. However, the percentage of animals with large unovulated follicles was also higher in the eCG-treated group, resulting in no differences in the number of CL counted or embryos obtained per treatment.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. I. Derar ◽  
H. A. Hussein

The objective of the current study was to describe follicular dynamics in Egyptian Jennies throughout the estrous cycle. In this experiment, 8 estrus cycles in 8 cyclic Jennies were studied from February to June using ultrasonography. The result revealed that one follicular wave per cycle was recorded throughout the studied period. Dominant follicle (DF) was firstly detected at day in Jennies. The growth rate of DF was  mm/day. Left ovulations were nonsignificantly () more than right ovulations (55.6% versus 44.6%). The CL was firstly detected at D , developed in a rate of  mm/day, reached a maximum diameter of  mm at D , and started to regress on D with a mean regression rate of  mm d-1. Results of the present study indicated that Jennies had one follicular wave per cycle. The Day of the cycle has a significant effect on the number of different classes of the ovarian follicles, but not large ones. Ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicles could be useful to predict ovulation. CL developed and regressed in a slow rate.


Author(s):  
Joko Kusnoto

  Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether Bolton ratio can be applied clinically to the Indonesian population and to determine a more suitable Bolton ratio for the Indonesian population.Methods: This study was conducted on 120 readily available study models of treated cases comprising 37 males and 83 females. Two investigators separately measured the mesiodistal crown width of maxillary and mandibular tooth on each study model using sliding calipers. According to Bolton’s method, the overall and anterior ratios from each sample were calculated and the mean was generated. Using Student’s t-test with a 95% confidence interval, the investigators compared whether there is a significant difference between the ratio from Bolton’s samples and the ratio from the Indonesian samples.Results: The result of this study showed that, for Indonesian samples, the overall ratio is 89.7±2.05, while the anterior ratio is 76.4±2.76. Student’s t-test showed that there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the results of this study and that of Bolton’s study for both the anterior and overall ratios.Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a difference between Indonesian population and Caucasian population in tooth size and Bolton ratio value. Therefore, original Bolton ratio value cannot be used as an accurate diagnostic tool for Indonesian population.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
T. Miyauchi ◽  
C. A. C. Fernandes ◽  
E. R. Oliveira ◽  
B. F. L. Alves ◽  
J. H. M. Viana

Transvaginal guided follicle aspiration (TGFA) is the main technique used in Brazil to recover oocytes for in vitro embryo production (IVP) in bovine. Different protocols have been proposed to synchronize follicular emergence in oocyte donors, but most of them were developed for use in European breeds of cattle, which show many differences in ovarian physiology when compared with Zebu breeds. The aim of this study was to compare different protocols for preparation of Gyr (dairy zebu breed) oocyte donors. The TGFA were performed in a donor management facility located in Minas Gerais State, southeast Brazil. Pluriparous cycling Gir cows (n = 42) were used as donors. All cows underwent 3 treatments: G1 (control), no treatment before TGFA; G2, 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) for follicular wave synchronization given i.m. 5 days before TGFA; and G3, norgestomet auricular implants given 9 days and 2 mg of EB plus 0.53 mg of cloprostenol given 5 days before TGFA. The interval between TGFA in the same donor was greater than 30 days. All procedures were made by the same technician, using a portable ultrasound device, disposable 19G or 20G needles, and a vacuum pressure of 80 mm Hg. The aspirated follicular fluid was collected in 50-mL Falcon tubes and sent to the laboratory for COC identification and classification under 50 × magnification. Recovered oocytes were classified according to cumulus cell layers and cytoplasm morphology. The total number of oocytes and viable COC recovered and the procedure length (min), including time spent for TGFA and laboratory manipulation, were compared. Data were evaluated by ANOVA, and means compared by Tukey’s test. A total of 126 TGFA sessions were performed, with recovery of 2,809 oocytes (20.31 ± 12.32 of COC and 14.83 ± 7.97 of viable COC per cow/session; mean ± SD). The total number of recovered oocytes and viable COC recovered were lower in G1 compared with G2 and G3 (15.18 ± 11.07 v. 21.18 ± 9.71 and 24.68 ± 9.03; and 9.53 ± 7.22 v. 16.97 ± 6.47 and 18.84 ± 8.90, respectively; P < 0.05) There was no difference (P > 0.05) between G2 and G3 on the number of oocytes or viable COCs recovered. The procedure length, however, was longer in G1 and G2 compared with G3 (49.6 ± 15.1 and 46.9 ± 13.4 v. 35.8 ± 13.1 min, respectively; P < 0.05) The shorter procedure length in G3 was probably associated with the reduced number of cows showing no corpora lutea (38/42, 90%), which resulted in reduction of bleeding and clot formation in the aspirated fluid. These results show that (1) previous follicular wave synchronization by EB can improve the number and quality of recovered oocytes; (2) the absence of corpora lutea does not increase the number of recovered COC and viable COC, but reduces the time spent in the procedure. Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
A. Garcia Guerra ◽  
G. A. Bó ◽  
J. Villarreal ◽  
G. M. Brogliatti

Ovarian asynchrony and variability in response to superstimulation remain the most limiting factors in any embryo transfer program (Armstrong D 1993 Theriogenology 39, 7–24). Ovarian response can be increased and less variable if superstimulatory treatment is started at the time of follicular wave emergence (Bö GA et al. 1995 Theriogenology 43, 31–40). A combination of progesterone (P4) and estradiol have been used to synchronize follicular wave for superstimulation. A retrospective analysis was done to compare the ovarian response, superovulatory response and embryo production of cows in Argentina that received progesterone and estradol prior to superstimulation at different stages of the estrous cycle. This research was carried out using different breed of donors (n = 584, 88% Angus) during the last 4 years in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Heat detection was performed twice a day. At random stages of the estrous cycle, donors received an intravaginal progesterone device (DIB; Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina), 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and 50 mg of progesterone (Syntex, Buenos Aires, Argentina) IM on the same day. On day 4 after DIB insertion, superestimulatory treatment was initiated on a decreasing dose regimen of FSH (Pluset; Callier, Spain, or Folltropin, Bioniche Animal Health Inc., Belleville, Ontario, Canada) as IM injections every 12 h over 4 d. On day 6, DIBs were removed, and cows received two doses of 2 mL of cloprostenol 12 h apart. At heat detection, all donors received a dose of 2 mL of GnRH (Dalmarelin; Fatro Von Franken, Buenos Aires, Argentina) by IM injection and were inseminated 12 and 24 h later. Seven days later, embryo collection was performed and ovarian response was evaluated as number of CL + unovulated follicles by transrectal ultrasound using a 7.5-MHz transducer (Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands). Ova/embryos were evaluated and classified according to the IETS manual. Donors were assigned to receive DIB and estradiol during the following stages of the cycle: group 1: between days 4 and 7 post-estrus (dominant follicle period), group 2: between days 8 and 12 post-estrus (emergence of the second follicular wave), and group 3: between days 13 and 21 post-estrus (dominant follicle of the second wave). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare variables among groups, and results are shown in Table 1. Ovarian response as CL + unovulated follicles and number of ovulations were significantly different among groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of fertilized ova or transferable embryos. Nevertheless, numeric differences that show that group 2 (started between days 8 and 12 post-estrus) was always superior for all variables. In conclusion, data suggest that estradiol may be more effective in synchronizing follicle wave emergence for superstimulation during the mid-part of the estrous cycle. Table 1. Superovulatory response in cows in which follicle wave emergence was synchronized with estradiol at different stages of the estrous cycle (mean ± SD) Research supported by Centro Genetico Bovino Eolia S.A.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
A. Wischral ◽  
K. T. Haag ◽  
G. R. Fonseca ◽  
M. O. Gastal ◽  
S. S. King ◽  
...  

Colour- and power-Doppler ultrasonography have recently been used as potential new technologies to assess the degree of vascular perfusion of the ovary and follicles for research and clinical studies of ovarian and follicle hemodynamics and to predict fertility in horses, cattle and humans. In the present study, the following hypotheses were tested: (1) preovulatory follicle (POF) diameter (≥30 mm), but not blood flow, is repeatable between cycles within the same mare; (2) POF diameter and blood flow are good indicators of follicle status; (3) double POF have similar blood flow; and (4) highly vascularized POF produce corpora lutea (CL) with greater blood flow. Non-lactating mares (n = 13; 5 to 21 years old) of mixed breeds were used from March to May in the Northern Hemisphere. Follicle diameter and vascularity of the follicle wall before the first and second ovulations of the season and vascularity of the first CL were measured daily using transrectal colour-Doppler ultrasonography. The vascularity of the follicle wall and CL was based on the display of the blood-flow signals visualised in a slow, continuous-motion evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed by the SAS MIXED procedure, ANOVA and Student's t-tests and Spearman's correlation. A total of 26 periovulatory periods were evaluated. Unexpectedly, there were 84.6% (11/13) and 61.5% (8/13) double dominant POF and 30.8% (4/13) and 46.2% (6/13) double ovulations in the first and second periovulatory periods, respectively. The POF diameters were highly correlated (r = 0.68; P < 0.0001) between the first and second periovulatory periods. The diameter of the POF 5 days before the first ovulation was larger (P < 0.004) than before the second ovulation of the year. However, the POF vascularity did not differ between those periods. For 4 days before ovulation (Day 0), the diameter and blood flow of the POF were greater (P < 0.05) than for those follicles that underwent atresia in single- and double-ovulatory mares. The POF diameter and blood flow were positively correlated in ovulatory (r = 0.51; P < 0.0001) and in atretic (r = 0.32; P < 0.02) follicles. In double-ovulatory mares, POF diameter and blood flow increased (P < 0.0006) for 5 days before ovulation, with no difference between the 2 follicles in the same cycle for each parameter. The POF blood flow was positively correlated (r = 0.32; P < 0.0009) with CL vascularity during the first periovulatory period (Day –7 to +6) of the season. Furthermore, a positive correlation (r = 0.58; P < 0.01) was observed between the maximum vascularity of the POF and its subsequent CL. In conclusion, although preliminary, our results demonstrated that (a) POF vascularity is not repeatable within individuals; (b) potential atretic POF have low blood flow; (c) double POF have similar vascularity; and (d) greater blood flow to the POF is associated with higher CL vascularity.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 242
Author(s):  
C. Kawashima ◽  
N. Sudo ◽  
C. Amaya Montoya ◽  
E. Kaneko ◽  
M. Matsui ◽  
...  

Recent studies have shown that IGF-1 is a crucial factor for ovarian follicular development in mammals. In postpartum (pp) dairy cows, plasma IGF-1 and estradiol (E2) levels in ovulatory cows at the first follicular wave pp are higher than in anovulatory cows. However, the plasma IGF-1 profile in an ovulatory or anovulatory dominant follicle (DF), which have different E2 production, at the first follicular wave pp have not yet been elucidated. Thus, we investigated the changing profile of plasma IGF-1 levels during first follicular wave pp. In 22 multiparous Holstein cows, blood samples were obtained 2 times/week from 4 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks pp, and the first follicular wave was monitored by ultrasound 2 times/week from 7 days pp to ovulatory phase. Detailed IGF-1 profiles in blood were determined during DF growth and maturation 4 times/day from 10 days pp to 7 days after the first ovulation in 5 ovulatory cows and to 20 days pp in 4 anovulatory cows; the data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, and Student&apos;s t-test. There was no interaction between groups and time within the prepartum or the pp period. The ovulatory cows (n = 13/22) with an estrogen-active dominant (EAD: high plasma E2 level with peak) follicle showed higher IGF-1 levels than anovulatory cows (n = 9/22) with an estrogen-inactive dominant (EID: low plasma E2 level without peak) follicle during the prepartum (117 � 8 vs. 91 � 5 ng mL-1; P &lt; 0.05) and the pp (91 � 4 vs. 64 � 4 ng mL-1; P &lt; 0.001) period. Especially noteworthy, during the first follicular wave pp in ovulatory cows, the plasma IGF-1 levels were maintained at a high level until E2 levels increased, followed by an LH surge. We observed that the EAD follicle in ovulatory cows ovulated. To further examine the IGF-1 system in the intra-follicular environment, we used the EAD and EID follicles from ovaries of dairy cows obtained at a slaughterhouse. The EAD and EID follicles were classified on the basis of follicle diameter and E2 concentrations in follicular fluid (FF). The significant differences of factors between EAD and EID were analyzed by Student&apos;s t-test. The expression of IGF-1 mRNA was not detected in follicular cells in either EAD and EID, suggesting that IGF-1 in FF is mainly derived from liver. The free IGF-1 levels in FF in EAD (4.8 � 0.5 ng mL-1) were higher than those in EID (2.7 � 0.1 ng mL-1; P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the expression of type 1 IGF receptor (IGFR-1) mRNA in EAD was higher than hat in EID (P &lt; 0.0001). From the results of the present study, it is apparent that the EAD follicle during the first follicular wave pp in ovulatory cows sufficiently expressed IGFR-1, and a liver-derived IGF-1 stimulates E2 production in the follicle to ovulate. In conclusion, our data suggest that a high concentration of IGF-1, secreted from the liver, during the peripartum period may be one of important factors for the appearance of an ovulatory follicle during the first follicular wave pp cows.


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