The ovarian and uterine responses of Baixadeiro mares to prostaglandin synchronization during the dry and rainy seasons

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synchronization with prostaglandin F2α in Baixadeiro mares during the rainy and dry seasons. Fourteen mares were synchronized by administering two doses of 1 mL prostaglandin PGF 2α and monitored by rectal palpation and ultrasound for the assessment of follicular development and uterine echotexture. Of this total, nine mares allowed the collection of blood, in which the blood was collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein to determine progesterone (P4) by ELISA. Mares showed no differences (P > 0.05) in weight, body score condition (BSC), tone, uterine edema, frequency of ovulation, synchronization interval, estrus, and the total number of follicles between periods. However, there was a difference in large increased follicle diameter (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The average concentrations of P4 in mares differed (P < 0.05) between the pre- and post-ovulatory phases for both seasons and after ovulation, with higher concentrations in the rainy season. Furthermore, statistical differences in daily light (P < 0.05) were observed between the dry and rainy periods. Thus, we conclude that mares from the genetic grouping Baixadeiro showed no reproductive seasonality, though there was a difference in luminosity between the rainy and dry seasons. The treatment with two doses of PGF 2α was effective in synchronizing the mares, promoting the return of estrus in the dry and rainy periods. The mares remaining cyclically active throughout the year provided there were appropriate forage availability and quality levels to allow for normal values of body weight and condition.

The ovarian and uterine responses of Baixadeiro mares to prostaglandin synchronization during the dry and rainy seasons

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synchronization with prostaglandin F2α in Baixadeiro mares during the rainy and dry seasons. Fourteen mares were synchronized by administering two doses of 1 mL prostaglandin PGF 2α and monitored by rectal palpation and ultrasound for the assessment of follicular development and uterine echotexture. Of this total, nine mares allowed the collection of blood, in which the blood was collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein to determine progesterone (P4) by ELISA. Mares showed no differences (P > 0.05) in weight, body score condition (BSC), tone, uterine edema, frequency of ovulation, synchronization interval, estrus, and the total number of follicles between periods. However, there was a difference in large increased follicle diameter (P < 0.05) during the dry season. The average concentrations of P4 in mares differed (P < 0.05) between the pre- and post-ovulatory phases for both seasons and after ovulation, with higher concentrations in the rainy season. Furthermore, statistical differences in daily light (P < 0.05) were observed between the dry and rainy periods. Thus, we conclude that mares from the genetic grouping Baixadeiro showed no reproductive seasonality, though there was a difference in luminosity between the rainy and dry seasons. The treatment with two doses of PGF 2α was effective in synchronizing the mares, promoting the return of estrus in the dry and rainy periods. The mares remaining cyclically active throughout the year provided there were appropriate forage availability and quality levels to allow for normal values of body weight and condition.(AU)

Aspectos morfofisiológicos e biotécnicas aplicadas à reprodução de novilhas bovinas e búfalas pré-púberes / Morphophysiological aspects and biotechnologies applied to the reproduction of prepubertal bovine and buffalo heifers

A puberdade corresponde ao momento da primeira ovulação, que culmina com o desenvolvimento final dos órgãos e estruturas envolvidas no controle neuro-endócrino reprodutivo. É um fenômeno multifatorial com grande impacto na vida produtiva das futuras matrizes e em sua eficiência econômica, ocorrendo muitas interações entre os fatores internos e externos. A idade da puberdade está relacionada ao peso corporal, que possui grandes efeitos da genética do animal e sua interação com o ambiente, especialmente a nutrição e interação social com machos. Algumas espécies, como os bubalinos, sofrem efeito de outros elementos ambientais, como a luminosidade e o fotoperíodo. A puberdade novilhas búfalas ou bovinas pode ser adiantada por meio do emprego de biotécnicas: indução da puberdade ou inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Em ambas, os protocolos baseiam-se, principalmente, em aplicação de progestágeno associado com fonte de estradiol; mas a indução também pode ser realizada utilizando outros hormônios, como hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas, prostaglandinas e gonadotrofina coriônica equina. No emprego da IATF, novilhas pré-púberes podem ser induzidas e inseminadas com outro protocolo de sincronização ou podem ser inseminadas com o mesmo protocolo de IATF, podendo aumentar as taxas de prenhez e diminuir os custos. Adiantando a puberdade, ocorre incremento na produção, melhorando a eficiência econômica da atividade pecuária.(AU)

Puberty corresponds to the moment of the first ovulation, which culminates in the final development of the organs and structures involved in the neuro-endocrine control of reproduction. It is a multifactorial phenomenon with a great impact on the productive life of future matrices and their economic efficiency, with many interactions between internal and external factors. The age of puberty is related to body weight, which has great effects on the animal's genetics and its interaction with the environment, especially nutrition and social interaction with males. Some species, such as buffalo, are affected by other environmental elements, such as luminosity and photoperiod. Puberty in buffaloes and bovine heifers can be advanced through the use of biotechniques: induction of puberty or timed artificial insemination (TAI). In both, the protocols are mainly based on the application of progestogen associated with a source of estradiol; but induction can also be performed using other hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandins and equine chorionic gonadotropin. In the employment of the TAI, prepubertal heifers can be induced and inseminated with another synchronization protocol or they can be inseminated with the same TAI protocol, which can increase pregnancy rates and decrease costs. Advancing puberty, there is an increase in production, improving the economic efficiency of livestock activity.(AU)

The role of prostaglandin F2α on ovulation and LH release in cows / A função da prostaglandina F2α na ovulação e na liberação de LH em vacas

This study aimed to evaluate the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on ovulation. In Experiment 1, cows were randomly allocated to two treatments to receive 150 µg of d-Cloprostenol (PGF Group, n = 12) or 2 mL of NaCl 0.9% (Control Group, n = 11) and CIDRs, were removed 4 days later. No cow ovulated in Control and PGF groups. In Experiment 2, cows were randomly separated into two experimental groups to receive 4 injections of 150 µg of d-Cloprostenol (n = 9) or 2 mL of NaCL 0.9% (n = 9). In this experiment, ovulation was not observed in any cows. In Experiment 3, ovariectomized cows receive three injections of 300µg of PGF analog (PGF Group, n = 5), 100µg of Lecirelin (GnRH Group, n = 5) or 2 mL of PBS (Control Group, n = 4). The LH concentration was higher (P <0.0001) in cows from the GnRH group than in the PGF and Control groups. In experiment 4, cows with preovulatory follicles (>11.5 mm) were treated with Saline (Control Group, n = 6); Lecirelin (GnRH Group, n = 7) or Cloprostenol Sodium (PGF Group, n = 6). There was a significant increase in the vascular area of follicles from 0 to 24 h in GnRH and PGF treatments. In conclusion, PGF was not able to induce ovulation in cows with high or low plasma progesterone concentration. Additionally, PGF alone was not able to induce LH release and follicle luteinization, but increased follicular vascularization.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o papel da prostaglandina F2α (PGF) na ovulação. No Experimento 1, as vacas foram alocadas aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos para receber 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol (Grupo PGF, n = 12) ou 2 mL de NaCl 0,9% (Grupo Controle, n = 11) e os CIDR, foram removidos 4 dias depois. Nenhuma vaca ovulou nos grupos Controle e PGF. No Experimento 2, as vacas foram separadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais para receber 4 injeções de 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol (n = 9) ou 2 mL de NaCL 0,9% (n = 9). Não foi observada ovulação em nenhum dos animais deste experimento. No Experimento 3, vacas ovariectomizadas receberam três injeções de 300µg de análogo de PGF (Grupo PGF, n = 5), 100µg de Lecirelina (Grupo GnRH, n = 5) ou 2 mL de PBS (Grupo Controle, n = 4). A concentração de LH foi maior (P <0,0001) nas vacas do grupo GnRH do que nos grupos PGF e Controle. No Experimento 4, vacas com folículos pré-ovulatórios (> 11,5 mm) foram tratadas com solução salina (Grupo Controle, n = 6), Lecirelina (Grupo GnRH, n = 7) ou Cloprostenol Sódico (Grupo PGF, n = 6). Houve um aumento significativo na área vascular dos folículos de 0 a 24h nos tratamentos com GnRH e PGF. Em conclusão, a PGF não foi capaz de induzir ovulação em vacas com alta ou baixa concentração plasmática de progesterona. Além disso, a PGF sozinha não foi capaz de induzir a liberação de LH e a luteinização do folículo, mas aumentou a vascularização folicular.(AU)

The role of prostaglandin F2α on ovulation and LH release in cows / A função da prostaglandina F2α na ovulação e na liberação de LH em vacas

This study aimed to evaluate the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) on ovulation. In Experiment 1, cows were randomly allocated to two treatments to receive 150 µg of d-Cloprostenol (PGF Group, n = 12) or 2 mL of NaCl 0.9% (Control Group, n = 11) and CIDRs, were removed 4 days later. No cow ovulated in Control and PGF groups. In Experiment 2, cows were randomly separated into two experimental groups to receive 4 injections of 150 µg of d-Cloprostenol (n = 9) or 2 mL of NaCL 0.9% (n = 9). In this experiment, ovulation was not observed in any cows. In Experiment 3, ovariectomized cows receive three injections of 300µg of PGF analog (PGF Group, n = 5), 100µg of Lecirelin (GnRH Group, n = 5) or 2 mL of PBS (Control Group, n = 4). The LH concentration was higher (P <0.0001) in cows from the GnRH group than in the PGF and Control groups. In experiment 4, cows with preovulatory follicles (>11.5 mm) were treated with Saline (Control Group, n = 6); Lecirelin (GnRH Group, n = 7) or Cloprostenol Sodium (PGF Group, n = 6). There was a significant increase in the vascular area of follicles from 0 to 24 h in GnRH and PGF treatments. In conclusion, PGF was not able to induce ovulation in cows with high or low plasma progesterone concentration. Additionally, PGF alone was not able to induce LH release and follicle luteinization, but increased follicular vascularization.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o papel da prostaglandina F2α (PGF) na ovulação. No Experimento 1, as vacas foram alocadas aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos para receber 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol (Grupo PGF, n = 12) ou 2 mL de NaCl 0,9% (Grupo Controle, n = 11) e os CIDR, foram removidos 4 dias depois. Nenhuma vaca ovulou nos grupos Controle e PGF. No Experimento 2, as vacas foram separadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais para receber 4 injeções de 150 µg de d-Cloprostenol (n = 9) ou 2 mL de NaCL 0,9% (n = 9). Não foi observada ovulação em nenhum dos animais deste experimento. No Experimento 3, vacas ovariectomizadas receberam três injeções de 300µg de análogo de PGF (Grupo PGF, n = 5), 100µg de Lecirelina (Grupo GnRH, n = 5) ou 2 mL de PBS (Grupo Controle, n = 4). A concentração de LH foi maior (P <0,0001) nas vacas do grupo GnRH do que nos grupos PGF e Controle. No Experimento 4, vacas com folículos pré-ovulatórios (> 11,5 mm) foram tratadas com solução salina (Grupo Controle, n = 6), Lecirelina (Grupo GnRH, n = 7) ou Cloprostenol Sódico (Grupo PGF, n = 6). Houve um aumento significativo na área vascular dos folículos de 0 a 24h nos tratamentos com GnRH e PGF. Em conclusão, a PGF não foi capaz de induzir ovulação em vacas com alta ou baixa concentração plasmática de progesterona. Além disso, a PGF sozinha não foi capaz de induzir a liberação de LH e a luteinização do folículo, mas aumentou a vascularização folicular.(AU)

Effects of venoms on neutrophil respiratory burst: a major inflammatory function

Neutrophils play a pivotal role in innate immunity and in the inflammatory response. Neutrophils are very motile cells that are rapidly recruited to the inflammatory site as the body first line of defense. Their bactericidal activity is due to the release into the phagocytic vacuole, called phagosome, of several toxic molecules directed against microbes. Neutrophil stimulation induces release of this arsenal into the phagosome and induces the assembly at the membrane of subunits of the NAPDH oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the production of superoxide anion that gives rise to other reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process called respiratory burst. Altogether, they are responsible for the bactericidal activity of the neutrophils. Excessive activation of neutrophils can lead to extensive release of these toxic agents, inducing tissue injury and the inflammatory reaction. Envenomation, caused by different animal species (bees, wasps, scorpions, snakes etc.), is well known to induce a local and acute inflammatory reaction, characterized by recruitment and activation of leukocytes and the release of several inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins and cytokines. Venoms contain several molecules such as enzymes (phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase and proteases, among others) and peptides (disintegrins, mastoporan, parabutoporin etc.). These molecules are able to stimulate or inhibit ROS production by neutrophils. The present review article gives a general overview of the main neutrophil functions focusing on ROS production and summarizes how venoms and venom molecules can affect this function.(AU)

Effects of venoms on neutrophil respiratory burst: a major inflammatory function

Neutrophils play a pivotal role in innate immunity and in the inflammatory response. Neutrophils are very motile cells that are rapidly recruited to the inflammatory site as the body first line of defense. Their bactericidal activity is due to the release into the phagocytic vacuole, called phagosome, of several toxic molecules directed against microbes. Neutrophil stimulation induces release of this arsenal into the phagosome and induces the assembly at the membrane of subunits of the NAPDH oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the production of superoxide anion that gives rise to other reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process called respiratory burst. Altogether, they are responsible for the bactericidal activity of the neutrophils. Excessive activation of neutrophils can lead to extensive release of these toxic agents, inducing tissue injury and the inflammatory reaction. Envenomation, caused by different animal species (bees, wasps, scorpions, snakes etc.), is well known to induce a local and acute inflammatory reaction, characterized by recruitment and activation of leukocytes and the release of several inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins and cytokines. Venoms contain several molecules such as enzymes (phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase and proteases, among others) and peptides (disintegrins, mastoporan, parabutoporin etc.). These molecules are able to stimulate or inhibit ROS production by neutrophils. The present review article gives a general overview of the main neutrophil functions focusing on ROS production and summarizes how venoms and venom molecules can affect this function.(AU)

Hormonal protocols for the synchronization and induction of synchronized estrus in dairy ewes kept under tropical conditions

Background: Lacaune is an important sheep breed and shows reproductive seasonality which affects dairy product supply. The most common hormonal protocols are based on progesterone-releasing devices in order to reach reproductive activity. Due to international consumer demand for natural, green, and clean methods, such issues encourage the minimal or absent use of synthetic hormones in livestock. In this sense, the present study tested the efficiency of induction and estrus synchronization protocols in lacaune ewes, considering: application interval of synthetic prostaglandin at the breeding season; length of synthetic progesterone exposure; and eCG dose at the outbreeding season. Materials, Methods & Results: In study 1: 52 ewes were submitted to estrus synchronization protocol using two doses of d-cloprostenol 7 or 9 days apart. In study 2: 47 ewes were submitted to estrus induction protocol using an intravaginal device containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate maintained for 6, 9, or 12 days. In study 3: 46 ewes were submitted to synchronized estrus induction protocol using intravaginal progesterone device for six days. On the fifth day, d-cloprostenol and 300 IU or 400 IU of eCG were administered. For all studies, signs of estrus beginning/ending were recorded and natural mating was performed. After 30 days, transrectal ultrasound was performed for pregnancy diagnosis. In study 1, groups presented similar rate of estrus behavior (78.8%) and pregnancy (average 75.6%). Meanwhile, compared to G9days (37.8 ± 7.2 h), interval between the second dose of prostaglandin and beginning of estrus was smaller in G7days (31.5 ± 7.8 h). No difference was found among variables studied in study 2 (P > 0.05), nevertheless the SD for the estrus duration was shorter (P < 0.05) in G6days and G12 days when compared with the G9days . Equally, the SD...

Pre-TAI protocol strategies to increase reproductive efficiency in beef and dairy cows

Ovulation synchronization protocols are well established in beef and dairy cows. However, the protocol response rate is around 70-90%. In beef cows, factors such as inadequate nutrition and calf presence negatively impact the response of progesterone (P4)/estradiol-based ovulation synchronization protocols by interfering with GnRH release and consequently reducing LH pulsatility and final follicular development. In dairy cows, protocols based on GnRH and prostaglandin (Ovsynch) are the most widely used in the world. However, the efficiency of Ovsynch is dependent on the presence of a large follicle at the time of administration of the first GnRH. In these ovulation synchronization protocols, pre-synchronization protocols (Prostaglandins, Double Ovsynch and P4synch) are usually attempted in an effort to increase responses. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss pre-ovulation synchronization strategies (administration of injectable P4 or energetic/protein supplementation or presynchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone devices) aiming to increase the LH pulsatility in beef cows or induce the formation of a GnRH-responsive follicle at the beginning of the Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.

Hormônios utilizados na indução da ovulação em bovinos Artigo de revisão / Hormones used as ovulation inducers in cattle A review

Diversos hormônios podem ser utilizados em protocolos que visam otimizar biotécnicas reprodutivas como a inseminação artificial (IA) e inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), que exigem controle preciso do ciclo estral e da ovulação. Alguns hormônios possuem ação central no eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário, como o hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH) e os ésteres de estradiolcomo o benzoato (BE) e o cipionato de estradiol (CE), enquanto outros como a gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e o hormônio luteinizante (LH) apresentam ação local, a nível ovariano. Atualmente os protocolos mais utilizados para indução da ovulação utilizam GnRH e estrógenos. Recentemente, foi demonstrado que as prostaglandinas possuem efeitos positivos na indução do processo ovulatório, mas seu mecanismo de ação não está totalmente esclarecido. A presente revisão tem por objetivo abordar os principais indutores da ovulação utilizados em protocolos para controle do ciclo estral em bovinos, relatando o período de ocorrência das ovulações após a sua aplicação.(AU)

Several hormones may be used in protocols aimed to optimize reproductive biotechniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) which require precise control of the estrous cycle and the ovulation. Some hormones act on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, such as the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol esters such as estradiol benzoate (EB) and cypionate (EC), whereas others act directly on the ovaries, such as human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Currently, the most commonly used protocols for ovulation induction use GnRH or estrogen. Prostaglandins have recently been shown to have positive effects on induction of the ovulatory process, but their mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present review aims to address the main ovulation inducers used in protocols to control the estrous cycle in cattle, emphasizing the period between their administration and the occurrence of ovulation.(AU)

Pre-TAI protocol strategies to increase reproductive efficiency in beef and dairy cows

Ovulation synchronization protocols are well established in beef and dairy cows. However, the protocol response rate is around 70-90%. In beef cows, factors such as inadequate nutrition and calf presence negatively impact the response of progesterone (P4)/estradiol-based ovulation synchronization protocols by interfering with GnRH release and consequently reducing LH pulsatility and final follicular development. In dairy cows, protocols based on GnRH and prostaglandin (Ovsynch) are the most widely used in the world. However, the efficiency of Ovsynch is dependent on the presence of a large follicle at the time of administration of the first GnRH. In these ovulation synchronization protocols, pre-synchronization protocols (Prostaglandins, Double Ovsynch and P4synch) are usually attempted in an effort to increase responses. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss pre-ovulation synchronization strategies (administration of injectable P4 or energetic/protein supplementation or presynchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone devices) aiming to increase the LH pulsatility in beef cows or induce the formation of a GnRH-responsive follicle at the beginning of the Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.(AU)

Hormônios utilizados na indução da ovulação em bovinos – Artigo de revisão / Hormones used as ovulation inducers in cattle – A review

Diversos hormônios podem ser utilizados em protocolos que visam otimizar biotécnicas reprodutivas como a inseminação artificial (IA) e inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), que exigem controle preciso do ciclo estral e da ovulação. Alguns hormônios possuem ação central no eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário, como o hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH) e os ésteres de estradiolcomo o benzoato (BE) e o cipionato de estradiol (CE), enquanto outros como a gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e o hormônio luteinizante (LH) apresentam ação local, a nível ovariano. Atualmente os protocolos mais utilizados para indução da ovulação utilizam GnRH e estrógenos. Recentemente, foi demonstrado que as prostaglandinas possuem efeitos positivos na indução do processo ovulatório, mas seu mecanismo de ação não está totalmente esclarecido. A presente revisão tem por objetivo abordar os principais indutores da ovulação utilizados em protocolos para controle do ciclo estral em bovinos, relatando o período de ocorrência das ovulações após a sua aplicação.

Several hormones may be used in protocols aimed to optimize reproductive biotechniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI) which require precise control of the estrous cycle and the ovulation. Some hormones act on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, such as the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol esters such as estradiol benzoate (EB) and cypionate (EC), whereas others act directly on the ovaries, such as human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Currently, the most commonly used protocols for ovulation induction use GnRH or estrogen. Prostaglandins have recently been shown to have positive effects on induction of the ovulatory process, but their mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present review aims to address the main ovulation inducers used in protocols to control the estrous cycle in cattle, emphasizing the period between their administration and the occurrence of ovulation.

Indução do estro em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) utilizando-se protocolos à base de prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo de GnRH / Estrus induction in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) using protocols based on prostaglandin isolated or in association to GnRH analogue

Comparou-se a eficiência de protocolos para indução de estro em cutias. Em cinco fêmeas, foram administradas duas doses de cloprostenol (5µg) com intervalo de nove dias, via intraperitoneal; em outras cinco, administraram-se 30µg de análogo do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH), via intravulvar, seguidos de 5µg de cloprostenol, via intraperitoneal, após sete dias e, após mais dois dias, nova dose do análogo de GnRH. A cada três dias, a ciclicidade reprodutiva dos animais foi monitorada, por meio de coleta de sangue, para dosagem hormonal, ultrassonografia ovariana e citologia vaginal. Duas das fêmeas que receberam apenas prostaglandina, as quais estavam em fase luteal no início do tratamento, manifestaram o estro aos três e seis dias após a segunda administração da droga. Já nas fêmeas que receberam a prostaglandina associada ao análogo do GnRH, duas que originalmente estavam em fase luteal apresentaram estro aos quatro dias após o tratamento, e uma outra apenas após 10 dias. Não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatísticas quanto à eficiência dos tratamentos (P>0,05). Conclui-se que, de acordo com os protocolos utilizados, o uso da prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo do GnRH para a indução do estro em cutias D. leporina apresenta eficiência limitada às fêmeas que estejam em fase luteal por ocasião do início do tratamento.(AU)

We compared the efficiency of protocols for estrus induction in agoutis. Five females received double intraperitoneal administration of cloprostenol (5µg) on a 2-days interval; other five females were treated with intravulvar administration of 30µg gonadotrophin release hormone analogue (GnRH associated to intraperitoneal administration of 5µg cloprostenol after seven days and a new administration of GnRH analogue after two days. Every 3 days, the agoutis' reproductive cycle was monitored by blood collection for hormonal analysis, ovarian ultrasound and vaginal cytology. Two females, originally in luteal phase, that received isolated prostaglandin presented estrous signs at 3 and 6 days after the second drug administration. From the females that received the association, two that were originally in luteal phase presented estrus at 4 days after treatment, and one other presented estrus only after 10 days. There was no significant statistical difference regarding the efficiency of treatments for estrus induction (P>0.05). We conclude that, according to the protocols tested in the study, the use of isolated prostaglandin or its association to GnRH analogue for estrus induction in D. leporine shows an efficiency limited to the females that were in luteal phase in the beginning of the treatment.(AU)

Indução do estro em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) utilizando-se protocolos à base de prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo de GnRH / Estrus induction in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) using protocols based on prostaglandin isolated or in association to GnRH analogue

Comparou-se a eficiência de protocolos para indução de estro em cutias. Em cinco fêmeas, foram administradas duas doses de cloprostenol (5µg) com intervalo de nove dias, via intraperitoneal; em outras cinco, administraram-se 30µg de análogo do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH), via intravulvar, seguidos de 5µg de cloprostenol, via intraperitoneal, após sete dias e, após mais dois dias, nova dose do análogo de GnRH. A cada três dias, a ciclicidade reprodutiva dos animais foi monitorada, por meio de coleta de sangue, para dosagem hormonal, ultrassonografia ovariana e citologia vaginal. Duas das fêmeas que receberam apenas prostaglandina, as quais estavam em fase luteal no início do tratamento, manifestaram o estro aos três e seis dias após a segunda administração da droga. Já nas fêmeas que receberam a prostaglandina associada ao análogo do GnRH, duas que originalmente estavam em fase luteal apresentaram estro aos quatro dias após o tratamento, e uma outra apenas após 10 dias. Não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatísticas quanto à eficiência dos tratamentos (P>0,05). Conclui-se que, de acordo com os protocolos utilizados, o uso da prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo do GnRH para a indução do estro em cutias D. leporina apresenta eficiência limitada às fêmeas que estejam em fase luteal por ocasião do início do tratamento.(AU)

We compared the efficiency of protocols for estrus induction in agoutis. Five females received double intraperitoneal administration of cloprostenol (5µg) on a 2-days interval; other five females were treated with intravulvar administration of 30µg gonadotrophin release hormone analogue (GnRH associated to intraperitoneal administration of 5µg cloprostenol after seven days and a new administration of GnRH analogue after two days. Every 3 days, the agoutis' reproductive cycle was monitored by blood collection for hormonal analysis, ovarian ultrasound and vaginal cytology. Two females, originally in luteal phase, that received isolated prostaglandin presented estrous signs at 3 and 6 days after the second drug administration. From the females that received the association, two that were originally in luteal phase presented estrus at 4 days after treatment, and one other presented estrus only after 10 days. There was no significant statistical difference regarding the efficiency of treatments for estrus induction (P>0.05). We conclude that, according to the protocols tested in the study, the use of isolated prostaglandin or its association to GnRH analogue for estrus induction in D. leporine shows an efficiency limited to the females that were in luteal phase in the beginning of the treatment.(AU)

Prostaglandin A1 inhibits the replication of bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus can cause acute disease in livestock, leading to economic losses. We show that Prostaglandin A1 inhibits bovine viral diarrhea virus replication in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (94% inhibition using 5 µg/mL). Light and electron microscopy of infected cells shows that Prostaglandin A1 also prevents virus-induced vacuolization, but at higher concentrations (10 µg/mL).(AU)

Effect of phospholipase A2 inhibitors during infection caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Background: Lipid metabolites play an important role in parasite differentiation and virulence. Studies have revealed that Leishmania sp. uses prostaglandins to evade innate barriers, thus enabling the parasites to survive inside immune cells. Despite the role of the enzyme Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in prostaglandins production, few studies have investigated the role of parasite PLA2 during the interaction between L. (L.) amazonensis and the host (in vitro and in vivo) immune cells. Methods: In the present work, the leishmanicidal effect of PLA2 inhibitors, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), bromoenol lactone (BEL) and aristolochic acid (AA) were investigated in vitro (promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis) and during in vivo infection using BALB/c mice. Results: The aforementioned inhibitors were deleterious to promastigote and amastigote forms of the L. (L.) amazonensis and were non-toxic to peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. L. (L.) amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice treated with the inhibitor BEL presented decreased lesion size and skin parasitism; however, BEL treatment induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice. Conclusions: Results presented herein suggested that PLA2 inhibitors altered L. (L.) amazonensis viability. In spite of liver toxicity, treatment with BEL was the most selective compound in vitro, as well in vivo, resulting in lower skin parasitism in the infected mice. These findings corroborate the role of PLA2 in parasite virulence and maintenance in vertebrate hosts, and suggest that molecules structurally related to BEL should be considered when planning compounds against Leishmania sp.

Placental contribution to the endocrinology of gestation and parturition

In addition to many other functions, the placenta is a source of a vast number of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine factors. However, the spectrum of placental regulatory factors, their concentrations, gestational profiles and roles may differ considerably even between phylogenetically closely related species. Depending on the species, placental regulatory factors of a broad range of molecule classes have been found including (glyco- )proteins, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins. Local placental regulatory factors are especially important for the dialogue between the fetal and the maternal compartment immediately at the feto-maternal borderline and for the control of growth, differentiation and functions of the placenta itself. Moreover, placental hormones in a proper sense may also have effects in more remote targets within the maternal compartment, serving functions such as pregnancy-specific adaptations of maternal circulation, provision of hemotrophe to the fetus or the development and function of the mammary gland. Functions of placental hormones in the fetus proper are less clear but may be especially important before the establishment of a functional fetal endocrine system and near term within the highly species-specific networks of signals preparing and initiating parturition. This review takes a comparative view on the situation in different domestic animals focusing on ruminants and on placental hormones occurring at significant concentrations in the maternal circulation.

Placental contribution to the endocrinology of gestation and parturition

In addition to many other functions, the placenta is a source of a vast number of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine factors. However, the spectrum of placental regulatory factors, their concentrations, gestational profiles and roles may differ considerably even between phylogenetically closely related species. Depending on the species, placental regulatory factors of a broad range of molecule classes have been found including (glyco- )proteins, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins. Local placental regulatory factors are especially important for the dialogue between the fetal and the maternal compartment immediately at the feto-maternal borderline and for the control of growth, differentiation and functions of the placenta itself. Moreover, placental hormones in a proper sense may also have effects in more remote targets within the maternal compartment, serving functions such as pregnancy-specific adaptations of maternal circulation, provision of hemotrophe to the fetus or the development and function of the mammary gland. Functions of placental hormones in the fetus proper are less clear but may be especially important before the establishment of a functional fetal endocrine system and near term within the highly species-specific networks of signals preparing and initiating parturition. This review takes a comparative view on the situation in different domestic animals focusing on ruminants and on placental hormones occurring at significant concentrations in the maternal circulation.(AU)

Effect of phospholipase A2 inhibitors during infection caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Background: Lipid metabolites play an important role in parasite differentiation and virulence. Studies have revealed that Leishmania sp. uses prostaglandins to evade innate barriers, thus enabling the parasites to survive inside immune cells. Despite the role of the enzyme Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in prostaglandins production, few studies have investigated the role of parasite PLA2 during the interaction between L. (L.) amazonensis and the host (in vitro and in vivo) immune cells. Methods: In the present work, the leishmanicidal effect of PLA2 inhibitors, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), bromoenol lactone (BEL) and aristolochic acid (AA) were investigated in vitro (promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis) and during in vivo infection using BALB/c mice. Results: The aforementioned inhibitors were deleterious to promastigote and amastigote forms of the L. (L.) amazonensis and were non-toxic to peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. L. (L.) amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice treated with the inhibitor BEL presented decreased lesion size and skin parasitism; however, BEL treatment induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice. Conclusions: Results presented herein suggested that PLA2 inhibitors altered L. (L.) amazonensis viability. In spite of liver toxicity, treatment with BEL was the most selective compound in vitro, as well in vivo, resulting in lower skin parasitism in the infected mice. These findings corroborate the role of PLA2 in parasite virulence and maintenance in vertebrate hosts, and suggest that molecules structurally related to BEL should be considered when planning compounds against Leishmania sp.(AU)

Manipulação hormonal do ciclo estral em ovinos: uma revisão / Hormonal manipulation of the estrous cycle in sheep: a review

O consumo de carne ovina no Brasil tem apresentado aumento expressivo, mas sem oferta suficiente para atender a demanda gerada. Visto os entraves reprodutivos na espécie, buscam-se alternativas de manejo que possam incrementar sua eficiência, como a associação de protocolos de sincronização e indução de estro/ovulação. Embora os mais utilizados sejam protocolos a base de prostaglandina F2α (PGF) ou progesterona, a associação com gonadotrofinas tem sido avaliada e demonstra aumento nas taxas reprodutivas.Objetivou-se com este artigo rever os protocolos de sincronização utilizados em ovinos e discutir estratégias para incremento da produção.

The consumption of sheep meat in Brazil has presented a significant increase, but there is no enough product in the market to meet this demand. Considering the reproductive obstacles in the species, alternatives of reproductive management that increase its efficiency, such as the association of synchronization protocols andestrus induction, are sought. Although the most commonly used are prostaglandin or progesterone-basedprotocols, their association with gonadotrophins has been evaluated and allows an increase in reproductive rates. The objective of this article was to review the synchronization protocols used in the species and to discuss strategies to increase production.