The effects of uncomplicated miscarriages and stillbirths on the ability of baboons to return to cyclicity and subsequently conceive.
Pregnant baboons are used regularly in medical research studies. Occasionally these studies have resulted in stillbirths and/or miscarriages. In addition, pregnant animals can spontaneously undergo stillbirths or miscarriages unrelated to any medical or research procedure. In the absence of identifiable inflammatory, infectious, or pathologic processes, it generally was assumed that these events had no bearing on the baboon's future ability to return to cyclicity and conceive. However, these assumptions were based on observational and anecdotal evidence. To test the validity of these assumptions, we established two data groups: baboons that had uncomplicated stillbirths (Gp-1; n = 11) and those that had uncomplicated miscarriages (Gp-2; n = 12). The mean number of days from first detectable postpartum estrus (i.e., perineal swelling/turgescence) to conception was 49 days for Gp-1 and 53 days for Gp-2. In addition, for Gp-1 animals we determined that the mean number of days to the first indication of estrus was 29 days; these data were unavailable for Gp-2 because of the lack of parturition as a reference point. Control baboons (lactating mothers) required approximately 59 days from first detectable estrus to conception, and our findings for Gp-1 and Gp-2 were consistent with this value. Therefore, within the limits of our study parameters, we suggest that uncomplicated stillbirth and miscarriage had no profound effects on a baboon's future ability to return to cyclicity and conceive.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Animal Resources, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Room 203, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
Max E
ME
Cary
Buddy
B
Valentine
Gary L
GL
White
D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors