| Superconception in mammalian pregnancy can be detected and increases reproductive output per breeding season. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20865801 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The concept of superfetation, a second conception during pregnancy, has been controversial for a long time. In this paper we use an experimental approach to demonstrate that female European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) frequently develop a second pregnancy while already pregnant and thereby increase their reproductive success. After a new, successful copulation, we confirmed additional ovulations before parturition in living, late-pregnant females by detecting a second set of fresh corpora lutea using high-resolution ultrasonography. The presence of early embryonic stages in the oviduct, demonstrated by oviduct flushing, next to fully developed fetuses in the uterus is best explained by passage of semen through the late-pregnant uterus; this was confirmed by paternity analysis using microsatellite profiling. Subsequent implantation occurred after parturition. This superfetation, categorized as superconception, significantly increased litter size and permitted females to produce up to 35.4% more offspring per breeding season. It is therefore most likely an evolutionary adaptation. |
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Authors:
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Kathleen Roellig; Frank Goeritz; Joerns Fickel; Robert Hermes; Heribert Hofer; Thomas B Hildebrandt |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Nature communications Volume: 1 ISSN: 2041-1723 ISO Abbreviation: Nat Commun Publication Date: 2010 Sep |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-09-23 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101528555 Medline TA: Nat Commun Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: doi:10.1038/ncomms1079 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, Berlin, Germany. kathleen_roellig@gmx.de |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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