The relationships between vaginal collagen, plasma oestradiol and uterine prolapse in turkeys.
Uterine and vaginal collagen content and plasma oestradiol concentration were measured in traditional, male-line and prolapsed male-line turkeys to investigate the higher incidence of uterine prolapse in the male-line strain. The effect of exogenous oestradiol on vaginal collagen and plasma oestradiol was also tested in the traditional and male-line strains. Vaginal collagen was significantly lower in the male-line compared to the traditional-line, while it was lowest in prolapsed male-line turkeys. Plasma oestradiol concentration was higher in the traditional-line than the male-line. No difference in plasma oestradiol concentration was found between prolapsed and non-prolapsed male-line turkeys. Administration of oestradiol for 7 days significantly raised plasma oestradiol concentration but had no effect on vaginal collagen. Decreased vaginal collagen content was associated with uterine prolapse and may predispose the male-line strain to uterine prolapse. There was no evidence from these results to support an involvement of oestradiol in uterine prolapse in male-line turkeys.
Buchanan
S
S
Roslin Institute, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PS, Scotland.
Robertson
G W
GW
Hocking
P M
PM
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D010057:Oviducts / Q000187:drug effects; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D014422:Turkeys; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D004958:Estradiol; D003094:Collagen