Extended exposure of progesterone and conceptus estrogen influences the vascular compartment of the uterus and expression of many factors, such as prostaglandins (PGs), growth factors, extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules, cytokines and transcription factors. One of the supportive mechanisms by which the conceptus inhibits luteolysis is by changing PG synthesis ...

The precise mechanism of placentation in the bovine species where a restricted trophoblast invasion occurs to form the synepitheliochorial placenta is not fully understood. This study initially investigated the conceptus-maternal interactions in the peri-attachment period by comparing the proteins present at Days 16 and 18 in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) ...

This review highlights information on conceptus-uterus interactions in the pig with respect to uterine gene expression in response to estrogens and interferons (IFNs) secreted from elongating conceptuses. Pig conceptuses release estrogens for pregnancy recognition, but also secrete IFNs that do not appear to be antiluteolytic. Estrogens and IFNs induce expression ...

Birth asphyxia is associated with disturbed development of the neonatal brain. In this study, we determined if low-dose melatonin (0.1 mg/kg/day), administered to the mother over 7 days at the end of pregnancy, could protect against the effects of birth asphyxia in a precocial species - the spiny mouse (Acomys ...

Precocity and efficiency of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and determination of litter size in mice were assessed on a total of 46 adult mice of different lines (19 BALB/c, 15 C57BL/6 and 12 CD1) from Day 4.5 after vaginal plug. Different commercial ultrasound machines and probes (linear versus sectorial; 7.5 ...

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate corpus luteum blood flow (CLBF) as an early indicator of pregnancy status in bovine embryo recipients. Fifty crossbred beef cows were submitted to embryo transfer on Day 7 after estrus. On Days 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 26, 33, and ...

Stable fetal-placental blood pressure and flow are extremely important in fetal growth and development. Uncontrolled and long-standing increased or decreased vascular blood pressure in the umbilical cord (UC) affects hyperaemia or ischaemia and consequently causes fetal death. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most active factors controlling blood flow ...

The aim of the present study was to investigate the localization and expression of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) as well as endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase isoforms in the porcine uterus on Days 20, 30, 40, 60, 75 and 90 of gestation. The significant increase (p<0.001) in NADPH-d reaction ...

Previously, we found that in addition to embryos, the uterine tissues may be a source of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) during early pregnancy in the pig. The aim of the present study was to determine whether porcine endometrium and myometrium secrete androgens - androstenedione (A(4)), testosterone (T) and estrone (E(1)) during early ...

Information on steroid hormone receptor distribution in the uterus is essential to understand the roles of their ligands in pregnancy. This study examined the spatio-temporal localization of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the uterus of sika deer (Cervus nippon) to determine the estrogen and progesterone action ...

Despite efforts undertaken to conserve the endangered European mink, its reproduction is still poorly studied. The aim was to study its reproductive cyclicity, faecal progesterone concentration and ovarian changes during early pregnancy, with the emphasis on the pre-implantation period and implantation. During the 2004 breeding season, oestrous cycle was monitored ...

During early pregnancy in ruminants, progesterone (P4) from the corpus luteum (CL) and interferon tau (IFNT) from the conceptus act on the endometrium to regulate genes including interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) that are hypothesized to be important for uterine receptivity and conceptus growth. Previous custom ovine cDNA array analyses identified ...

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) modulates prostaglandin (PG) synthesis via LPA receptor 3 (LPAR3) in the murine endometrium. The lack of functional LPAR3 in mice may lead to embryo mortality. In the present study, we examined the role of LPA in the bovine uterus. We confirmed that LPA is locally produced and ...

T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis inducing protein 1 (Tiam1) is involved in tumorigenesis processes, including cell migration, adhesion and invasion, proteolysis, cytoskeleton reorganization, cell morphological transformation and intracellular signaling. These processes are also critical for embryo implantation, although the role of Tiam1 during embryo implantation remains poorly understood. The aim of ...

Accurate detection of pregnancy is a useful tool in zoo management and husbandry, conservation breeding programs and research settings. Our study evaluated the ability of a commercial relaxin hormone assay used in domestic dogs (ReproCHEK(TM)) to accurately detect pregnancy through plasma analysis in two wolf and two fox species. The ...

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple eCG injections in the induction of estrus and pregnancy in Colored Mohair goats during the anestrus season. It was also aimed to determine total dose of eCG required for induction of estrus. Ten multiparous and lactating goats were used. The ...

The effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), relaxin (RLX) and luteinizing hormone (LH) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro secretion by endometrial stromal cells in pigs was investigated on days 10-12 and 20-22 of gestation. LH-stimulated stromal cell secretion of VEGF did not differ among tested days of ...

The aim of the study was to examine: 1/ allantochorial concentrations of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and 2/ plasma concentration of NOx in pigs on days 25, 35, 40 and 60 of pregnancy as well as 3/ the influence of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and/or progesterone (P(4)) on NOx production by porcine fetal membranes ...

Ultrasonographic examinations of 10 pregnant bitches with known breeding dates were made on successive days to establish the identifiable characteristics of pregnancy. Subsequent serial examinations were made to sonographically characterize normal canine prenatal development based about the first mating. The initial detection of the fetal and extra-fetal structures were as ...

The main function of the corpus luteum (CL) is production of progesterone (P4). Adequate luteal function to secrete P4 is crucial for determining the physiological duration of the oestrous cycle and for achieving a successful pregnancy. The bovine CL grows very fast and regresses within a few days at luteolysis. ...

Leptin, the product of the OB gene, is a 16-kDa polypeptide of 146 amino acid residues produced mainly by adipocytes that regulates metabolism and reproduction. The actions of leptin are mediated mainly via the long form of the leptin receptor (OB-Rb). The identification of leptin and OB-Rb mRNAs and proteins ...

To investigate the physiological characteristics of the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy, we raised a mAb, human corpus luteum (HCL)-4, against human luteal cells obtained from CL of pregnancy. The affinity-purified antigen from human CL of pregnancy or placenta using HCL-4 was a 61 kDa protein. The partial amino acid ...

Interferon-tau (IFNT) is secreted by the conceptus trophoblast and signals pregnancy recognition in ruminants. IFNT regulates expression of genes in the endometrium, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), and corpus luteum (CL). Microarray analysis identified that expression of (chemosensory) receptor transporter protein 4 (RTP4) increased in PBLs during early pregnancy in cows. ...

Establishment of pregnancy in pigs requires estrogen secretion by the conceptus. The developmental changes of embryo before implantation and embryo-uterine cross talk are dependent on various biological molecules secreted by the endometrium and conceptus. An integral part of maternal recognition of pregnancy seems to be also the lipid signaling system ...

This study is to inspect how the variation of molecular structures and functional groups present in our models, monoazo dye (Tartrazine) and diazo dye (Ponceau), affects decolorization capabilities of green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms. The results revealed that the removal of azo dyes was rapid at the initial period of ...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of root canal sealers. The direct contact test (DCT) was used to assess the antibacterial properties of AH plus, Apexit Plus, Epiphany SE, and RoekoSeal when in contact with Enterococcus faecalis. The materials were examined immediately after setting and ...

Prostaglandins (PGs) of luteal origin may have paracrine and/or autocrine actions on the functions of the corpus luteum (CL). Previously, we have shown that enzymes of PG synthesis pathway such as prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1), prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS) and prostaglandin 9-ketoreductase (CBR1) are important in regulation of PG production ...

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression and localization of Ets-1 in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, and to investigate its effects on ovarian function. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Department of Physiology at Harbin Medical University. ANIMAL(S): Pubertal female Wistar rats. INTERVENTION(S): Vaginal smears were taken daily ...

The present work quantifies hyaluronan (HA) during the late pregnancy and post-partum in order to provide a better understanding of the role of HA in the adaptations that occur in the pubic symphysis during this period. HA was quantified in situ (histochemically) and in interpubic tissue extracts by fluorimetric assay. ...

The efficacy of aglepristone treatment to induce abortion in does 15 and 16 days after mating was investigated. The pregnant does were randomly allocated into two groups: For group I, aglepristone was injected twice (10mg/kg, subcutaneously) on days 15 and 16 after mating (n=10); for group II the does got ...

Numerous antral follicles develop during the second half of pregnancy in the golden hamster even though LH and FSH are maintained at basal levels. To investigate the possible hormone actions of activin A associated with follicular development, pregnant golden hamsters were placentectomized on day 6 of pregnancy and animals were ...

The purpose of the study was to examine: 1/ endometrial concentrations of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) in pregnant pigs, and 2/ the influence of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and/or progesterone (P(4)) on NOx production by porcine endometrium during the first half of pregnancy. Total NOx concentrations were determined using a microplate assay method based ...

Early and accurate diagnosis of nonpregnant sows and gilts has the potential to increase reproductive efficiency and the financial income in pig production by reducing non-productive days per sow per year. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficiency of pregnancy diagnosis between Doppler Echo+ and real time ...

The uterus is a well-known target of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine acting molecules among which steroid hormones (oestrogens, androgens and progesterone) are of special importance. The uterine tissues (endometrium and myometrium) undergo morphological and physiological changes which are associated with changes in expression of steroid hormone receptors. Androgen receptors (AR) ...

The morphological and histological examinations of the lacrimal gland were conducted on pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out using the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification ...

This stroke experiment was designed to define the mismatch between perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in MRI by applying early or instantly acquired PWI. Eight rats were induced with stroke through photothrombotic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and scanned serially between 1 h and day 3 after ...

We previously demonstrated that angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], which is increased in the kidney and urine during pregnancy, influences normal fluid expansion of pregnancy. These previous studies were completed by chronic administration of the Ang-(1-7) receptor antagonist D-Alanine-[Ang-(1-7)] (A-779) at a dose of 48 mug/kg/hr after the start of pregnancy (gestational days ...

It is well known that avian yolk sac is involved in both primitive and definitive erythropoiesis during embryonic development. Definitive erythropoiesis is first detected at about 4-5 days incubation and its maximum activity is reached between day 10 and 15 of incubation, ending between days 18 and 20 of incubation. ...

The present study was undertaken to investigate endometrial modifications that occur before embryo invasion in bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata). These changes were analysed in luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium and stroma of endometrial functionalis on Day 6 post ovulation from pregnant and non-pregnant animals (n = 4 each) by transmission electron ...

Leptin is a multifunctional regulator in numerous tissues, including the pituitary. It is not known, whether the porcine pituitary is a source of leptin synthesis and possesses the leptin receptor protein. It is also unknown, if a relationship exists between expression levels of these proteins in the pituitary and physiological ...

The morphological and histological examinations of the third eyelid and superficial gland of the third eyelid were conducted in pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out by applying the method of macroscopic preparation ...

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this multicentre, multinational trial was to study whether rLH supplementation to recombinant FSH (rFSH) during the late follicular phase increased pregnancy rates. METHODS: After down-regulation with nafarelin, 526 women were randomized on Day 1 of stimulation to use either rFSH (Gonal-F) alone (n = 261) or ...

Prostaglandins (PGs) are critical regulators of a number of reproductive processes. To date, the presence and regulation of PGS in the rat endometrium have not yet been described. The objective of the present study was to investigate the expression of PGD synthase (PGDS) and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) in the endometrium. ...

Past studies of the source of estrogens secreted during maternal recognition of pregnancy in pigs have focused on embryonic rather than uterine origin of these steroids. The present study documents: (1) the expression of the gene CYP 17, encoding cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C(17-20) lyase and (2) the synthesis and secretion of ...

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) belongs to the group of lipid messengers, which act via lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 coupled to G-proteins. The participation of LPA3 in reproductive biology was revealed in mice and has not been studied in gilts. The present study was performed to evaluate the gene expression of LPA3 ...

The aim of this study was to examine the requirement of luteal progesterone or luteal estrogen for the establishment of pregnancy in the Cebus monkey and to test in a primate species the synergism between RU 486 and letrozole (LTZ) found in rodents for inhibiting implantation. Exposure of target tissues ...

The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test for diagnosis of pregnancy in buffaloes. Two hundred and seventy-five buffalo cows and heifers were examined once for pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography using a 5 MHz linear-array ...

The peri-implantation period in mammals is critical with respect to survival of the conceptus and establishment of pregnancy. During this period of pregnancy, reciprocal communication between ovary, conceptus, and endometrium is required for successful implantation and placentation. Therefore, studies were conducted to indentify and characterize novel endometrial genes important for ...

Leptin is a 16-kDa protein hormone encoded by the obese (ob) gene and acts on receptors in the hypothalamus to regulate food intake and energy balance. The identification of leptin and its receptor mRNAs and proteins in human and mouse endometrium and placental trophoblast has attracted attention to the potential ...

Prostaglandins (PGs) play a pivotal role in luteolysis, maternal recognition of pregnancy, and implantation. In many species, including pigs, both conceptus (embryo and associated membranes) and endometrium synthesize PGE(2), which may antagonize PGF(2alpha) by playing a luteotropic/antiluteolytic role. Previously, we have reported expression profiles of PG G/H synthases (PGHS-1 and ...