Effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection on the ovary and progesterone levels in third trimester pregnant sows.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a common cause of reproductive failure and abortion in swine. The mechanism of abortion is not fully defined, and the effect of the virus on luteal function has not been explored. In this study, we exposed late-term pregnant swine to varied doses of PRRSV strain NADC-8 and evaluated effects on ovarian function by serial determination of plasma progesterone levels and by microscopic evaluation of ovarian pathologic alterations combined with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to detect PRRSV antigen. We identified no specific trend in plasma progesterone level associated with PRRSV infection status and no microscopic ovarian lesions. PRRSV antigen was not demonstrated in ovarian tissues by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization at necropsy 21 days postexposure. Based on these findings, it does not appear that either a direct or an indirect effect on luteal function contributes to PRRSV-induced abortion.
Benson
J E
JE
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, USA.
Yaeger
M J
MJ
Ford
S P
SP
D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000821:virology; D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019318:Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019316:Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D011374:Progesterone