Canine and feline foetal fluids: Volume, hormonal and biochemical characterization during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the volume, the concentration of steroid hormones, and biochemical composition of the foetal fluids at different gestational ages in dogs and cats. METHODS: Following the ovariohysterectomy, the allantoic and amniotic fluid samples were collected from pregnant bitches and queens and were assigned to different groups according to their gestational age. RESULTS: The canine and feline allantoic fluid volume increased during pregnancy, reached its maximum values on days 40-49 and then decreased. The canine and feline amniotic fluid volume increased steadily by the last days of pregnancy. In spite of significant changes of sex hormones in the foetal fluids, their concentration and ratios were not significantly different between male and female fetuses. The canine amniotic cortisol concentration increased until days 40-49 and decreased significantly afterwards. The maximum cortisol concentrations in the feline allantoic and amniotic fluids were observed on days 50-60 and 40-49, respectively. During the canine pregnancy, the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and the activities of aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the amniotic fluid were higher than the allantoic fluid. The magnesium, potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, creatine and lipase were higher in the allantoic fluid. In the feline allantoic fluid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin and glucose concentrations and the activities of creatine kinase (CK), GGT, LDH and lipase were higher. The ALP, AST activities, sodium and calcium concentrations were higher in the amniotic fluid (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Volume of foetal fluids was determined in dogs and cats. Concentration of sex hormones did not different between male and female fetuses.

Maternal recognition of pregnancy in the pig: A servomechanism involving sex steroids, cytokines and prostaglandins.

Maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) is a term utilized in mammals to describe pathways in which the conceptus alters the endometrial environment to prevent regression of corpora lutea to ensure continued production of progesterone (P4) required for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. For nearly 40 years after publication of the endocrine/exocrine theory, conceptus estrogen (E2) was considered the primary maternal recognition signal in the pig. Conceptus production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was also considered to be a major factor in preventing luteolysis. An addition to E2 and PGE2, pig conceptuses produce interleukin 1B2 (IL1B2) and interferons (IFN) delta (IFND) and gamma (IFNG). The present review provides brief history of the discovery of E2, PGs and IFNS which led to research investigating the role of these conceptus secreted factors in establishing and maintaining pregnancy in the pig. The recent utilization of gene editing technology allowed a more direct approach to investigate the in vivo roles of IL1B2, E2, PGE2, AND IFNG for establishment of pregnancy. These studies revealed unknown functions for IFNG and ILB2 in addition to PGE2 and E2. Thus, pregnancy recognition signal is via a servomechanism in requiring sequential effects of P4, E2, IL1B2, PGE2 and IFNG. Results indicate that the original established dogma for the role of conceptus E2 and PGs in MRP is a far too simplified model that involves the interplay of numerous mechanisms for inhibiting luteolysis, inducing critical elongation of the conceptuses and resolution of inflammation in pigs.

Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the lateral digital palmar artery in pregnant mares.

Cardiovascular changes have been reported in late pregnancy in mares. However, there are no data on changes in peripheral blood flow. Doppler ultrasound represents a sensitive method for assessing the blood flow directed to the hoof. The aims of this study were to evaluate the blood flow parameters of the lateral palmar digital artery (LPDA) in pregnant mares and to assess intra- and interrater agreement between two observers with different levels of experience. The LPDAs of pregnant Italian Standardbred mares were examined. The vessels were located with B-mode ultrasound and analyzed with color and pulsed wave Doppler. The following parameters were recorded by the operators: heart rate (HR), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI). Measurements were performed between 2 and 3 months of gestation (T1), in the last month of pregnancy (T2) and a week after delivery (T3). Seventeen mares aged 3-18 years met the inclusion criteria. Ultrasound examinations of the LPDA were subjectively easy to perform and well tolerated by the mares. Interrater and intrarater agreement were good and moderate, respectively. The HR was higher at T2 than at T1 and T3. The PSV and RI changed significantly during pregnancy, with higher values at T2 and T3, whereas the EDV remained unchanged throughout the examination. Doppler examination showed that peripheral flow changes were present in mares in late pregnancy. However, the persistence of higher values after delivery invites further investigation to assess the correlation between metabolic/endocrine changes related to pregnancy and Doppler parameters.

Development of a fluorometric Cuboni test for the semi-quantitative measurement of urinary estrogen levels and pregnancy detection in mares.

The aim of the present study was to develop a semi-quantitative urine pregnancy test for mares based on the Cuboni reaction and to verify the reliability of this test. The urine specimens were hydrolyzed by heating in the presence of hydrochloric acid. The resulting free estrogens were extracted from the urine matrix using toluene. Sulfuric acid was added to the toluene extract and the mixture was heated again. The lower layer in the test tube containing sulfuric acid was used for fluorescence measurements with excitation at 355 nm and measurement at 535 nm. The fluorometric Cuboni test revealed that the fluorescence counts in urine samples collected after the second trimester of gestation were significantly higher than those obtained from barren mares. The levels of estrogens, including equilin, estrone and estardiol-17ß exhibited a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence counts, whereas other steroids, such as progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, did not affect fluorescence. Heat treatment of urine samples with hydrochloric acid significantly increased the fluorescence counts in those collected after the second trimester of gestation compared to non-pregnant samples, implying the presence of large amounts of conjugated estrogens in pregnant mare urine. Fluorescence counts in urine samples obtained during pregnancy showed a positive relationship with estrone concentrations as measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results of the present study showed that the fluorometric Cuboni test facilitates urine fluorescence counts depending on the urinary estrogen content and is capable of discriminating between pregnancy and non-pregnancy states beyond the second trimester of gestation in mares.

[Use of drugs in pregnant dogs and puppies - what should be considered from a pharmacological point of view?] / Arzneimittelanwendung bei trächtigen Hündinnen und Welpen ­ was ist aus pharmakologischer Sicht zu beachten?

The administration of drugs to pregnant bitches may not only pose a potential danger to the bitch but also to the fetuses. In this context, the extent of the risk also depends on the stage of gestation. Although a number of agents are known to have a fetotoxic and/or teratogenic potential, insufficient knowledge concerning their potential risk to the embryo/fetus is available for the majority of drugs.Arranged in groups of active substances, a selection of drugs that are assumed to be safe according to the current state of knowledge is provided. Drugs for which there is insufficient knowledge or which are clearly contraindicated are also mentioned.The second part of this overview covers the use of medicines in puppies. The physiology of a puppy does not simply correspond to that of a small dog. Only very few drugs posess valid pharmacological data for use in puppies. However, a subset of restrictions on the use of pharmacologic agents may be derived from the specifics of puppy physiology.The recommendations made do not claim to be complete and no guarantee for accuracy is provided, as these have been compiled from a literature review. In certain cases, the recommendations are even contradictory.Veterinarians are therefore encouraged to report all adverse events associated with treatments of pregnant bitches and puppies within the framework of pharmacovigilance. This is the only way to close gaps in knowledge about the treatment of these special patients.

Dispersal-induced social stress prolongs gestation in wild meerkats.

In the majority of mammals, gestation length is relatively consistent and seldom varies by more than 3%. In a few species, females can adjust gestation length by delaying the development of the embryo after implantation. Delays in embryonic development allow females to defer the rising energetic costs of gestation when conditions are unfavourable, reducing the risk of embryo loss. Dispersal in mammals that breed cooperatively is a period when food intake is likely to be suppressed and stress levels are likely to be high. Here, we show that pregnant dispersing meerkats (Suricata suricatta), which have been aggressively evicted from their natal group and experience weight loss and extended periods of social stress, prolong their gestation by means of delayed embryonic development. Repeated ultrasound scans of wild, unanaesthetized females throughout their pregnancies showed that pregnancies of dispersers were on average 6.3% longer and more variable in length (52-65 days) than those of residents (54-56 days). The variation in dispersers shows that, unlike most mammals, meerkats can adapt to stress by adjusting their pregnancy length by up to 25%. By doing so, they potentially rearrange the costs of gestation during adverse conditions of dispersal and enhance offspring survival.

Invited review: Muscle protein breakdown and its assessment in periparturient dairy cows.

Mobilization of body reserves including fat, protein, and glycogen is necessary to overcome phases of negative nutrient balance typical for high-yielding dairy cows during the periparturient period. Skeletal muscle, the largest internal organ in mammals, plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. However, unlike in liver and adipose tissue, the metabolic and regulatory role of skeletal muscle in the adaptation of dairy cows to the physiological needs of pregnancy and lactation has not been studied extensively. The functional integrity and quality of skeletal muscle are maintained through a constant turnover of protein, resulting from both protein breakdown and protein synthesis. Thus, muscle protein breakdown (MPB) and synthesis are intimately connected and tightly controlled to ensure proper protein homeostasis. Understanding the regulation of MPB, the catabolic component of muscle turnover, and its assessment are therefore important considerations to provide information about the timing and extent of tissue mobilization in periparturient dairy cows. Based on animal models and human studies, it is now evident that MPB occurs via the integration of 3 main systems: autophagy-lysosomal, calpain Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. These 3 main systems are interconnected and do not work separately, and the regulation is complex. The ubiquitin-proteasomal system is the most well-known cellular proteolytic system and plays a fundamental role in muscle physiology. Complete degradation of a protein often requires a combination of the systems, depending on the physiological situation. Determination of MPB in dairy cows is technically challenging, resulting in a relative dearth of information. The methods for assessing MPB can be divided into either direct or indirect measurements, both having their strengths and limitations. Available information on the direct measures of MPB primarily comes from stable isotopic tracer methods and those of indirect measurements from assessing expression and activity measures of the components of the 3 MPB systems in muscle biopsy samples. Other indirect approaches (i.e., potential indicators of MPB), including ultrasound imaging and measuring metabolites from muscle degradation (i.e., 3-methylhistidine and creatinine), seem to be applicable methods and can provide useful information about the extent and timing of MPB. This review presents our current understanding, including methodological considerations, of the process of MPB in periparturient dairy cows.

Novel insights into conceptus-maternal signaling during pregnancy establishment in pigs.

Pregnancy establishment in mammals, including pigs, requires coordinated communication between developing conceptuses (embryos with associated membranes) and the maternal organism. Porcine conceptuses signalize their presence by secreting multiple factors, of which estradiol-17ß (E2) is considered the major embryonic signal initiating the maternal recognition of pregnancy. During this time, a limited supply of prostaglandin (PGF2α) to the corpora lutea and an increased secretion of luteoprotective factors (e.g., E2 and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]) lead to the corpus luteum's maintained function of secreting progesterone, which in turn primes the uterus for implantation. Further, embryo implantation is related to establishing an appropriate proinflammatory environment coordinated by the secretion of proinflammatory mediators including cytokines, growth factors, and lipid mediators of both endometrial and conceptus origin. The novel, dual role of PGF2α has been underlined. Recent studies involving high-throughput technologies and sophisticated experimental models identified a number of novel factors and revealed complex relationships between these factors and those already established. Hence, it seems that early pregnancy should be regarded as a sequence of processes orchestrated by pleiotropic factors that are involved in redundancy and compensatory mechanisms that preserve the essential functions critical for implantation and placenta formation. Therefore, establishing the hierarchy between all molecules present at the embryo-maternal interface is now even more challenging.

Influência das fases da lua na ocorrência do parto de cadelas e gatas / Influence of the moon phases on the occurrence of parturition in bitches and cats / Influencia de las fases lunares en la aparición del parto en perras y gatas

A Lua é o satélite natural da Terra e sua participação em diversos aspectos da sociedade tem sido descrito há muitos anos. Nesse quesito, existe uma crença popular que afirma que esse astro possui influência direta sobre o ciclo reprodutivo de diversas espécies. Baseado nisso, estudos averiguaram que as mulheres apresentam maior número de partos durante determinadas fases da Lua. Porém, não há trabalhos com relação a estes aspectos na reprodução de pequenos animais. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar se as fases da Lua influenciam no parto de cadelas e gatas. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo coletando-se os dados de 100 fêmeas que passaram por acompanhamento gestacional no hospital veterinário da instituição. Utilizou-se a data do parto para posterior classificação da fase da Lua correspondente, bem como se o parto ocorreu em uma mudança de fase da Lua. Obteve-se maior incidência de partos durante a Lua crescente (porém sem significância estatística) e na transição entre as fases da Lua. Assim, conclui-se que a influência da Lua sobre os partos de pequenos animais ainda é uma incógnita, devendo-se considerar outros fatores para identificar se essa relação existe.

The Moon is the Earth's natural satellite and its participation in various aspects of society has been described for many years. In this regard, there is a popular belief that this star has a direct influence on the reproductive cycle of various species. Based on this, studies have shown that women give birth more often during certain phases of the Moon. However, there are no studies that analyze this in the reproduction of small animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether the moon phases influence births in female dogs and cats. A retrospective study was carried out, collecting data from 100 females that underwent gestational monitoring at the veterinary hospital of the institution. The date of parturition was used for further classification of the corresponding Moon phase, as well as whether the parturition occurred during a Moon phase change. We found a higher incidence of births during a crescent Moon (but without statistical significance) and during the transition between Moon phases. Thus, we conclude that the influence of the Moon on births in small animals is still unknown, and other factors should be considered to identify if this relationship exists.

La Luna es el satélite natural de la Tierra y desde hace muchos años se ha descrito su participación en diversos aspectos de la sociedad. Existe la creencia popular de que la Luna influye directamente en el ciclo reproductivo de varias especies. Basándose en ello, algunos estudios han demostrado que las mujeres dan a luz con más frecuencia durante determinadas fases de la Luna. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que analicen este hecho en la reproducción de pequeños animales. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar si las fases lunares influyen en el nacimiento de perras y gatitos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo recogiendo los datos de 100 hembras que se sometieron a seguimiento gestacional en el hospital veterinario de la institución. La fecha del parto se utilizó para clasificar posteriormente la fase lunar correspondiente, así como si el parto se produjo durante un cambio de fase lunar. Se obtuvo una mayor incidencia de partos durante la luna creciente (pero sin significación estadística) y durante la transición entre fases lunares. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que la influencia de la Luna en los partos en pequeños animales es aún desconocida y que deben considerarse otros factores para identificar si existe esta relación.

Humoral immunity is not altered in overweight pregnant Crioulo mares / Imunidade humoral não é alterada em éguas Crioulas gestantes com sobrepeso

Both pregnancy and obesity can influence significant changes in the immune system. On this basis, the present study proposes to evaluate the humoral immune response of overweight pregnant mares in response to a commercial vaccine. Thirty pregnant Crioulo mares were separated according to body condition score (BCS) into overweight (BCS≥7/9) or lean-control (BCS= 5-6/9). In each group, the animals were subdivided into vaccinated and controls. The mares were vaccinated against EHV-1 in two doses spaced 21 days apart and had their blood collected monthly, for five months, for antibody evaluation. Both vaccinated groups had an increase in specific neutralizing antibodies after the vaccine. However, after the second dose, there was no increase in antibodies in any of the groups. Vaccinated overweight and lean-control mares did not differ at any time point. Therefore, this study demonstrated that obesity does not influence the humoral immune response in pregnant Crioulo mares.(AU)

Tanto a gestação quanto a obesidade podem influenciar o desenvolvimento de alterações significativas no sistema imune, portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a resposta imune humoral de éguas gestantes com sobrepeso em resposta a uma vacina comercial. Trinta éguas Crioulas gestantes foram separadas de acordo com o escore de condição corporal (ECC) em éguas com sobrepeso (ECC≥7/9) e éguas controles (ECC=5-6/9) e, ainda, em cada grupo, os animais também foram separados em vacinados e controles. As éguas foram vacinadas contra o EHV-1 em duas doses com intervalo de 21 dias, sendo realizadas coletas de sangue mensalmente durante cinco meses para avaliação de anticorpos neutralizantes. Ambos os grupos vacinados tiveram aumento de anticorpos neutralizantes específicos após a vacina, porém, após a segunda dose, não foi observado aumento de anticorpos em nenhum dos grupos. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre éguas vacinadas com sobrepeso e as éguas controles em nenhum momento. Assim, este estudo demonstrou que a obesidade não é um fator que influencia a resposta imune humoral de éguas Crioulas gestantes.(AU)

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Predictors of foaling outcomes in barren and maiden Thoroughbred mares in South Africa.

Population demographics and reproductive performance of Thoroughbred populations have been described, but the most recent assessment of the South African Thoroughbred population was reported two decades ago. Objectives of this study were to report demographic data for selected Thoroughbred breeding populations and to analyse selected mare-level variables in association with foaling outcomes, as predictors of reproductive performance. The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa's stud health scheme requires annual screening of Thoroughbred stallions, maiden and barren mares for venereal pathogens prior to breeding. In 2018 and 2019, 1 065 and 1 207 horses were sampled, respectively. Demographic data were sourced from laboratory sample submission forms that accompanied samples and supplemented by data gathered from the annual Thoroughbred foal identification programme. Univariate analysis of candidate predictors of successful foaling outcomes was performed followed by assessment in a multivariable model.Median ages of mares and stallions tested in 2018 and 2019 were nine and 11 years, respectively. Nearly twice the number of barren compared to maiden mares were tested in each year, and failure to conceive was the most common reported reason for classification as barren. Of mares tested in 2018 and 2019, 68.1% (95% CI 65.1, 70.9) and 63.3% (95% CI 60.4, 66.1), respectively, subsequently produced foals that were presented for identification. Mare age, rather than reproductive status, was a significant predictor of having a foal presented for identification. In conclusion, novel demographic data were described for South African Thoroughbred populations. Seasonal foaling rate as the selected measure of reproductive performance for sampled mares ranged from 63.3% to 68.1% and declined with increasing mare age.

Low plasma progesterone concentration during the early luteal phase delays endometrial development and the beginning of placentation in mares.

While detrimental effects of reduced plasma progesterone concentration in the early luteal phase on conceptus development in horses have recently been demonstrated, there is no information on associated effects on the endometrium, allantochorion (AC), and chorionic girdle (CG) in this species. We hypothesised that reduced early postovulatory progesterone concentration in pregnant horses is detrimental to endometrial function and development of the embryonic membranes and is an underlying cause of delayed conceptus development. After insemination and ovulation, mares (n = 11) were assigned to treatment (TREAT) or control (CON) during two pregnancies. In TREAT pregnancies, mares received a PGF2α analogue for four consecutive days starting on the day of ovulation with the aim to reduce progesterone secretion. Mares were left untreated in CON pregnancies and thus served as their own controls. Endometrial biopsies for analysis of histomorphology, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGFR) mRNA and protein expression in the endometrium, AC, and CG as well as abundance of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) were collected on day 34 of pregnancy. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a higher luminal endometrium and a higher CG epithelium in CON compared to TREAT pregnancies. Abundance of mRNA for EGF and EGFR was large in the endometrium, AC and CG but did not differ between TREAT and CON pregnancies. The number of endometrial regulatory T lymphocytes was reduced in TREAT compared to CON pregnancies, adding further aspects to the potentially detrimental effects of reduced progesterone concentrations on equine pregnancy.

Relationship between days before parturition and fetal kidney length, cortical thickness, medullary thickness and their ratio in dogs.

Canine gestational age can be estimated based on fetal kidney length (L) although accuracy, sensitivity and specificity decrease during the last 5 days of pregnancy. In humans, fetal renal cortical and medullary thickness (CT and MT) and their ratio (CT/MT) are described as useful tools for monitoring the development of fetal kidneys. The aim of this study was to evaluate a potential relationship between canine fetal kidney parameters and gestational age. Ten clinically healthy pregnant bitches of different breeds were monitored by ultrasound at least twice from -10 to 0 days before parturition (dbp). L, CT, MT and CT/MT were measured on the three most caudal fetuses of both uterine horns. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed model considering maternal size (small ≤10 kg, N = 4, medium 11-25 kg, N = 3, and large 26-40 kg, N = 3) as fixed effect, dbp (-10 to 0) and litter size as covariates, and the bitch as a random and repeated effect. Dbp and L, CT, MT showed a negative and linear correlation, and their estimated regression coefficients were -0.68 ± 0.14, -0.04 ± 0.01 and -0.12 ± 0.02 mm, respectively (P < 0.01). CT/MT decreased as parturition approached, whereas MT and CT increased. A statistically significant difference was found for L between small and large bitches (17 ± 1 vs 24 ± 2 mm, P = 0.03) and, for CT, between small, medium and large bitches (1.57 ± 0.04 vs 1.77 ± 0.04 vs 1.99 ± 0.05 mm, P < 0.001). None of the renal parameters were affected by litter size. L, CT, MT and CT/MT are related to dbp and may be considered for predicting parturition in dogs.

Energy balance and hippo effector activity in endometrium and corpus luteum of early pregnant ewes.

CONTEXT: The establishment of pregnancy in cows requires uterine activity regulation of the main Hippo signalling effector yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). It remains unknown (1) how YAP activity at the corpus luteum (CL) correlates with early pregnancy-related events in ruminants; and (2) if YAP activity in the uterus and CL can be affected by metabolic disorders that may lead to pregnancy failure in ruminants. AIMS AND METHODS: To determine the effect of early pregnancy on total and phospho-YAP expression and its transcriptional activity in the CL, we compared non-pregnant vs pregnant ewes. To understand the YAP activity dysregulation with disorders that may result in pregnancy loss, we induced negative energy balance in pregnant ewes. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our main results indicate that early pregnancy alters the expression and activity patterns of YAP in the ovine CL but not in the endometrium. In addition, while our NEB-induced model fails to alter YAP activity at the endometrium level, we found that fasting during the first but not second week of pregnancy affects YAP activity in the CL of pregnant ewes. IMPLICATIONS: The data presented herein provide considerable insight into the activity of a signalling pathway that may be a key player in pregnancy recognition and establishment in ewes.

Descriptive Study of Medication Usage and Occurrence of Disease and Injury During Gestation in Thoroughbred Broodmares.

The study aimed to (1) describe the use of reproductive therapeutics; (2) estimate the incidence of disease and injury; and (3) describe non-reproductive medications administered during pregnancy in Thoroughbred broodmares. A prospective birth cohort was established on seven farms across the UK and Ireland. Details of dams' signalment, breeding history, reproductive management during the breeding season(s) and veterinary-attended episodes of illness or injury and medication usage during gestation were retrieved retrospectively for 275 pregnancies in 235 mares over two breeding seasons. Results are reported at pregnancy-level of mares with data available. Preoestrus medications, ovulatory agents and post-covering treatments were administered to 55% (n = 85/155, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 47-62), 64% (n = 101/157, 95% CI 57-71) and 73% (n = 109/150, 95% CI 65-79) of mares respectively. Antibiotics were utilized in 69% (n = 75/109, 95% CI 60-77) of post-covering treatments. Of mares with no visible fluid on post-covering ultrasound, 37% (n = 24/65, 95% CI 26-49) still received treatment. Thirty-four percent (n = 70/203, 95% CI 28-41) of mares suffered at least one veterinary-attended episode of disease or injury, with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system (23%, n = 46/203, 95%CI 17-29) and placentitis (5%, n = 10/203, 95% CI 3-9) most prevalent. Forty-seven percent (n = 95/203, 95% CI 40-54) of mares received at least one non-reproductive medication during gestation, antibiotics (25%, n = 51/203, 95% CI 20-31) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (23%, n = 47/203, 95% CI 18-29) being most frequently prescribed. Post-covering treatments often included antibiotics and were sometimes given in the absence of fluid, highlighting a need to further understand therapeutic rationale. Disease occurrence and medication usage during gestation were frequent and warrant additional investigation.

Evidence that Murciano-Granadina does with longer anogenital distance are more fertile and prolific and produce heavier and male-biased litters.

Anogenital distance (AGD) is related to fertility in cows, but there is little information on the association of AGD and reproduction in does. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the relationship between AGD and reproductive variables in Murciano-Granadina does. AGD was measured as the distance between anus and clitoris and does (n = 578) were divided into two categories of AGD, including short AGD (AGD ≤ median of AGD in studied does; n = 313) and long AGD (AGD > median of AGD in studied does; n = 265). Data of reproductive variables were retrieved from the herd database and were analyzed using multivariable statistical models, in which the potential confounding factors were included. AGD data were not normally distributed (3.78 ± 0.02 cm) and ranged from 2.70 to 5.10 cm. AGD was longer in multiparous and primiparous does than nulliparous does (P < 0.0001), and was positively associated with age and body weight (P < 0.0001). The risk of pregnancy and kidding, litter size, fecundity, proportion of male offspring and birth weight of kids were higher in long AGD does than short AGD does (P < 0.05). But abortion risk did not differ between does with long and short AGD (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that AGD had individual variation among Murciano-Granadina does, and does with long AGD were more fertile and more likely to produce larger, heavier and male-biased litters as compared with does with short AGD.

Fat augments leptin-induced uterine contractions by decreasing JAK2 and BKCa channel expressions in late pregnant rats.

Altered lipid metabolism in obesity causes pregnancy complications in humans and animals. Leptin levels increase in pregnancy, as well as obesity. However, the effect of obesity on uterine leptin receptors and its distal signaling is not clear. The present study aimed to understand the effect of increased fat on leptin signaling in rat uterus. Wistar female rats were fed with an HF diet (40% Fat, 17% Sucrose, 1.25% Cholesterol, 0.75% Cholic acid) for 6 weeks before the mating and during pregnancy. HF diet significantly increased the fat depots, liver weight, serum, and tissue cholesterol levels. It produced fatty degeneration in the liver and caused infiltration of inflammatory cells, cystic endometrial glands, and sub endometrial fibrosis of the uterus. In isometric tension experiments, leptin caused a significant increase in uterine contractions in high fat-fed animals compared to control animals. Analysis of receptor expressions revealed no significant difference between the groups. However, a significant decrease in the JAK2 and BKCaα mRNA expression was observed in the uterus of high fat-fed rats. No change in the BKCaß, eNOS, iNOS, MLCP, and MLCK mRNA expressions was noticed in the HF group compared to the control. The findings of the present study suggest that the contractile response to leptin in the uterus of high fat-fed rats may be attributed to reduced signaling through JAK2 and, lowered expressions of BKCa channel α subunits.