Genital blood flow and endometrial gene expression during the preovulatory period after Prostaglandin F(2alpha)-induced luteolysis in different luteal phases in cows.
The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that follicular and uterine perfusion as well as endometrial gene expression during the ovulatory period differs after induction of luteolysis during the 1(st) follicular wave compared with the 2(nd) wave or in intact cycle. Nine healthy non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were examined during three estrous cycles. A prostaglandin F(2alpha) analogue (PGF) was administered randomly either on Day 7 (1(st) wave cycle) or Day 11 (2(nd) wave cycle) after detection of ovulation (=Day 1). No hormonal treatment was used in the intact cycle with spontaneous ovulation. Transrectal Doppler sonography was conducted daily after PGF injection and in the intact cycle beginning on Day 18 of the estrous cycle until ovulation. Follicular blood flow (FBF) was determined by measuring the maximum area of colour pixels on digitalized images of the follicles. Uterine blood flow was quantified by the time-averaged maximum velocity (UTAMV) and pulsatility index (PI) in both uterine arteries. Blood flow measurements were carried out on Days -1 and 0. Endometrial biopsy specimens were taken on Day 1 and analyzed for the gene expressions of estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin and VEGF receptors and eNOS and iNOS using RT-PCR. The interval from PGF injection to ovulation was shorter (P<0.05) in 1(st) wave cycles than in 2(nd) wave cycles. On Days 0 and -1, FBF was greater (P<0.05) in 1(st) wave cycles than in intact and 2(nd) wave cycles. On Day -1, UTAMV was greater (P<0.05) in 1(st) wave cycles than in intact and 2(nd) wave cycles. There were no differences (P>0.05) in FBF and UTAMV values between 2(nd) wave and intact cycles. No differences (P>0.05) were detected in the gene expressions of endometrial receptors and enzymes between intact, 1(st) and 2(nd) wave cycles. The results show that follicular and uterine perfusion during the ovulatory phase are higher after induction of luteolysis during the 1(st) follicular wave compared with the 2(nd) wave or intact cycle. There were no effects on endometrial gene expression.
Jordan
Anne
A
Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover.
Herzog
Kathrin
K
Ulbrich
Susanne E
SE
Beindorff
Nicola
N
Honnens
Anne
A
Krüger
Lars
L
Miyamoto
Akio
A
Bollwein
Heinrich
H
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D003341:Luteolysis / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D015237:Dinoprost