Retention and development of eggs transferred to the uterus at various times after ovulation in the rabbit.
The pattern of egg expulsion/retention was determined in rabbits 24 h after transfer of eggs to the uterus 24-84 h p.c. Nearly all eggs transferred at 24 or 36 h p.c. were expelled into the vagina but from 36 h onwards an increasing proportion was retained in utero, although maximum retention was not recorded until 76-84 h p.c. In rabbits in which both uterine horns were ligated before egg transfer at 12-48 h p.c., egg development was evaluated 24 or 72 h later, or at term. Practically all eggs transferred at 12 or 24 h perished within 3 days; however, from transfers at 36 h 25% of eggs implanted with 40% survival to term, and further improvement in endometrial receptivity occurred by 48 h. These findings reveal a clear time difference between limitations imposed by endometrial and myometrial function on egg development. Limited attempts to create more favourable uterine conditions by means of progesterone treatment were unsuccessful.
D000818:Animals; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D010060:Ovulation; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015053:Zygote / Q000502:physiology*
D011374:Progesterone