Glucocorticoid suppression of oestrus, follicles, LH and ovulation in the mare.
Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, was administered (30 mg/day) from Day 10 after ovulation to assess the involvement of the adrenal glands in the ovulatory cycle. Only 1 of 8 mares treated in this way exhibited behavioural oestrus, compared to 7 of 8 control mares. Mean maximum LH concentration and follicle size were significantly reduced. Ovulation occurred in 1 and possibly in 2 other treated mares, compared to all 8 control mares. The results demonstrated that dexamethasone can interfere with ovulation and associated events in the mare, but the mechanism of action is uncertain.
D000818:Animals; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects
D003907:Dexamethasone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone