Temporal changes in the corpus luteum during early pregnancy reveal regulation of pathways that enhance steroidogenesis and suppress luteolytic mechanisms†

Although rescue of the corpus luteum (CL) is required for pregnancy, luteal function during maternal recognition of pregnancy remains largely unexplored. CL were collected from pregnant cattle on days 14, 17, 20, and 23, to encompass the maternal recognition of pregnancy period. Next-generation sequencing was used to profile mRNA abundance during this time, while tandem mass spectrometry and nanostring technology were used to profile proteins and miRNA, respectively. A total of 1157 mRNA were differentially abundant, while 27 miRNA changed, and 29 proteins tended to change. mRNA that increased were regulators of interferon signaling and DNA repair, while those that decreased were associated with luteolytic processes, such as calcium signaling and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) signaling, indicating inhibition of these processes. One of these, MMP12, was regulated by prostaglandin F2A in vitro. mRNA that were maximally abundant on day 20 were primarily associated with immune processes. Two of these, C-C motif chemokine ligand 1 and NFKB inhibitor alpha, were regulated by interferon tau in vitro. MiRNA that increased were predicted to inhibit phosphatidylinositol signaling, while those that decreased may be negative regulators of steroidogenesis. One protein that was greater on day 20 than on day 14 was aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), which synthesizes retinoic acid. Pharmacological inhibition of this enzyme, or of retinoic acid receptor signaling, led to suppression of progesterone production in vitro. Overall, these data indicate that there are changes in the CL of pregnancy that are important for continued luteal function.

103 Effects of administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin at Day 5 post-ovulation on development of the original corpus luteum depend on the locational relationship between the original and accessory corpora lutea

In cattle, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is administered at Day 5 post-ovulation to improve fertility. This treatment can induce ovulation of the first-wave dominant follicle (W1DF), from which an accessory corpus luteum (CL) is generated. In addition, hCG has the effect of promoting CL development. It is possible that the locational relationship between the original and accessary CLs influences the effect of hCG on CL development, because the locational relationship of the CLs affects intraovarian blood flow. The present study aimed to clarify whether the locational relationship between the original and accessory CLs influences the effect of hCG on their development. Cross-bred beef heifers (Holstein×Japanese Black, n=56) were used for the present study. The oestrus cycle was synchronized using oestradiol benzoate (EB) and a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based program. Briefly, an administration of EB (2mg) with 9-day CIDR insertion was followed by administration of prostaglandin F2a analogue (PGF2a) on the day of CIDR removal, EB (1mg) 1 day after a PGF2a injection, and GnRH 12h after the second EB injection. At Day 5 post-ovulation, the locational relationship between the original CL and the W1DF was confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography (USG), and two groups were defined: ipsilateral group (IG; n=30), in which the CL and the W1DF are in the same ovary, and contralateral group (CG; n=26), in which the CL and the W1DF are in separate ovaries. Moreover, IG and CG were respectively subdivided into two groups, with or without hCG (1500IU) treatment (IG/hCG, n=15; IG without hCG, n=15, and CG/hCG, n=14; CG without hCG, n=12). The diameter and luteal tissue area (i.e. minus the cavity area) of the original CL and the accessory CL were examined at Days 5, 7, and 14, using USG. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the diameter and luteal tissue area between IG/hCG and IG without hCG, and between CG/hCG and CG without hCG. In CG, the diameter (P<0.01) and luteal tissue area of the original CL (P<0.001) at Day 7 was increased by receiving hCG, while it did not change in IG. The diameter and luteal tissue area of the original CL at Day 14 were not affected by the administration of hCG in either CG or IG. Moreover, for the accessory CL, no difference of the diameter and luteal tissue area was observed between CG and IG. The present study showed that hCG treatment at Day 5 post-ovulation stimulate the growth of the original CL at Day 7, when the original CL and accessory CL are on contralateral sides. Our results suggest that the effect of administration of the hCG at Day 5 post-ovulation on the original CL development depends on the locational relationship between the original and accessory CL (IG or CG). The function of the CL affects the intrauterine environment for embryonic development. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of the hCG injection at Day 5 on the function of CL (i.e. plasma P4 concentration) in IG and CG, respectively.

PSX-6 The appropriate phase of follicle size and progesterone concentration could control ovulation of ruminant animal

Ovarian follicular development was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonographic examination in 20 female goats for 2 successive estrous cycles (40 cycles). These animals exhibited ovulatory cycles with a mean length of 20.8 ± 1.1 days. The mean number of follicles ovulated was 2.3 ± 0.9 and their diameter before ovulation was 6.9 ± 1.1 mm. Among 40 estrous cycles examined, 9 (23 %) displayed 1 latent follicular wave and the remaining 31 (77 %) cycles displayed 2 latent follicular waves. Three and 4 days after the second spontaneous ovulation (day 0 = ovulation), when diameter of dominant follicles of the first latent wave exceeded 5.5 mm, 20 goats were treated with a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) and randomly assigned to one of three groups. This treatment immediately decreased plasma levels of progesterone and increased those of estradiol, resulting in ovulation 2 or 3 days later. One group of goats (n = 5) treated with PGF2a at the first latent follicular wave and was mated with fertile male goat, resulting in 4 pregnancies. For the second group of goats (n = 5), 4 successive short estrous cycles were induced. A total of 35 short ovulatory cycles were induced at a mean interval of 6.5 ± 1.2 days with a range of 4–9 days. Five of goats were allowed to mate following 4 consecutive short ovulatory cycles; normal oestrous behavior was observed at each estrus. The goats were successfully mated, became pregnant and delivered kids of normal body weight and length. The remaining goats (n = 6), in addition to PGF2a treatment, received exogenous progesterone supplement which allowed latent follicular development to occur, but prevented ovulation until the effect of progesterone supplement subsided. Thus, it was concluded that appropriate phase of follicle size and progesterone concentration could control ovulation of ruminant animal.

2ND TRIMESTER PREGNANCY

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of prostaglandin F2á by extra amnioticroute and I/V oxytocin infusion for induction of labor in 24 hours. Study Design: This wasa randomized control study. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conductedat the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur from March 2017to October 2017. Materials and Methods: A total number of 104 patients (52 given PGF2áand 52 increasing infusion rate of I/V oxytocin) between 13 to 26 weeks of gestation wereenrolled using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Two groups ‘A’ and ‘B’ wereformed having patients of comparable age, parity and gestational age to minimize the effectof confounders. Both the groups were compared for induction delivery interval (hours), andcomplications. Chi square test was used as test of significance and any value <0.05 was takenas statistically significant. Results: The ages of patients ranged from 16-45 years (28.93 + 8years). Gestational ages were between 13-26 weeks (mean 16.48 + 6.43 weeks). The parityranged from 0-9 (mean 3.9 + 2.87). Missed abortion was the major reason for TOP, seen in 71(68.3%). In Gorup-A, all patients aborted / delivered within 28 hours from the start of the infusionso got successful induction in 100% patients whereas 5 (9.6%) patients failed in Group B. InGroup A, successful induction of delivery was done in significantly less interval (11.27+6.2hours) as compared to Group B (18.4+10.8 hours) with a statistically significant p value of0.016.There were 3 (5.8%) patients in Group A and 10 (19.2%) in Group B who developed oneor more complications and this difference turned out to be statistically significant (p=0.038).No major complications developed in any of the groups. Conclusion: Extra amniotic PGF2á ismore effective than I/V Oxytocin for termination of pregnancy.

Pyometra in the bitch

Pyometra is the final stage of a developing cystic endometrial hyperplasia. The aetiopathogenesis remains unresolved. Repeated barren oestrus cycles, excessive use of progestins or oestrogens as well as a bacterial infection of the endometrium contribute to the development of pyometra. Pyometra sould be suspected if, a post-estrous, usually aged bitch is presented with a varying degree of depression, inappétence, polydipsia, polyuria, dehydration, abdominal distension, manifesting or not an abnormal vulvar discharge. Abdominal radiography or ultrasonograpy can confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory findings prove to be helpful in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice along with proper fluid and antimicrobial therapy for aged or severely ill bitches or for those with low breeding value. Medical treatment with Prostaglandin F2a combined with bactericidal antibiotics can be recommended, provided that the bitch is young, of high breeding value and with mild clinical signs.