Uptake of beta-carotene by ovarian and uterine tissues and effects on steroidogenesis during the estrous cycle in cats.
OBJECTIVE
To determine uptake of beta-carotene by ovarian and uterine tissues and influence of dietary beta-carotene on steroidogenesis and production of uterine protein during the estrous cycle in cats.


METHODS
56 female cats.


METHODS
Cats were fed diets containing 0, 0.4, 2, or 10 mg of beta-carotene daily for 8 weeks prior to detection of estrus. At time of observed estrus, all cats were manually induced to ovulate. Blood samples were obtained at estrus and every 2 days until day 14 after ovulation. On that day, cats underment laparotomy, and the ovaries and uterus were removed. Uterine contents were flushed, and luteal and endometrial tissues were obtained.


RESULTS
Concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma and luteal and endometrial tissues increased in a dose-dependent manner. Concentrations of plasma progesterone were higher between days 6 and 10 after ovulation in cats fed diets containing beta-carotene and continued to increase through day 14 after ovulation in cats fed a diet containing 10 mg of beta-carotene. Plasma concentration of estradiol-17beta also was higher between days 0 and 4 after ovulation in cats fed diets containing beta-carotene. Cats fed a diet containing 10 mg of beta-carotene had the highest plasma estradiol concentration. Total uterine protein concentration was higher in cats fed beta-carotene, compared with values for cats fed an unsupplemented diet.


CONCLUSIONS
Cats readily absorb beta-carotene. Increased concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and uterine protein may provide more optimal ovarian function or a better uterine environment for embryonic survival and development.
Chew
B P
BP
Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6351, USA.
Weng
B B
BB
Kim
H W
HW
Wong
T S
TS
Park
J S
JS
Lepine
A J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000662:veterinary; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011897:Random Allocation; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D011506:Proteins; D019207:beta Carotene; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol