[The effect of carbimazole on lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes and thyroid hormone levels in sheep]. / Efekt karbimazolu na izoenzýmy laktátdehydrogenázy a koncentrácie tyreoideálnych hormónov u oviec.

The oxidative processes in the organism are activated by hormones of the thyroid gland. The pyruvate-lactate component catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase presents one of the important oxidic-reductive systems in the animal organism of biochemical importance (EC. 1.1.1.27). In certain cases of the thyroid gland disturbances antithyroid drugs, such as derivatives of thiouracil, mercaptoimidazole and some others may be used for the treatment of men and animals (Marchant et al., 1979; Negwer, 1987). In the present study, the activity changes of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in the blood plasma of young rams and ewe hoggets in experiments with carbimasole [carbimasolum(1-carbaethoxy-3-methyl-2-thioimidazolum) ] have been studied. The dose of carbimasole at the time of sampling (May, 1993) was 7O mg per animals and day. In May, no significant differences in T3 and T4 concentrations in the serum of experimental and control animals in males and females were found (Tab. 1). The T3 concentrations in the experimental group of young rams were 0.56 +/- 0.21 nmol/l (n = 3), in ewe hoggets 0.70 +/- 0.19 nmol/l (n = 6). The T4 concentrations in young rams were 39.15 +/- 24.15 nmol/l (n = 3), in ewe hoggets 48.6 +/- 15.3 nmol/l (n = 6). Out of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, only LD4 exhibited significant differences (P < 0.02) in the blood plasma of ewe hoggets (Tab. I). In the course of these months, no clinical signs of hypothyrosis were observed in experimental animals.

[The effect of repeated administration of carbetocin (Depotocin, Spofa) in the first days postpartum on levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone and on fertilization]. / Ucinok opakovanej aplikácie karbetocínu (Depotocin, Spofa) v prvých dnoch po pôrode na koncentrácie tyroxínu, trijódtyronínu, 17 beta-estradiolu, progesterónu a na koncepciu bahníc.

Application of new procedures in the sphere of the control of sexual functions requires an extension of present knowledge of postparturient endocrinium or endogenic factors comprised in postparturient physiology of sexual activity. According to recent data, oxytocin, besides its uterotonic and luteolytic activity, acts as an ovarian factor in the local intrafollicular regulation of stereidogenesis and as a modulator of uterine secretion of prostaglandines. Based on present knowledge of oxytocin effects, this study was aimed at investigation of the influence of repeated carbetocin (Depotocin inj. Spofa) administration on the dynamics of changes in thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) concentrations and their mutual correlations from the 36th hour till the 51st day after parturition. Simultaneous study of a possible delayed influence of applied carbetocin on conception of ewes after oestrus evocation on day 51 after lambing was carried out. Nineteen ewes of the Slovak Merino breed, lambed in the first decade of February, were assigned to the experimental (n = 9) and to the control group (n = 10). Experimental ewes were subjected to repeated postparturient carbetocin treatment at the dose 0.07 mg per animal. The first dose was applied i. m. in 24 hours, and the second in 72 hours after parturition. On day 51 oestrus was induced in nine ewes of each group by combined treatment with chlorsuperlutin (Agelin, vaginal pessaries, Spofa) and PMSG (500 I.U./animal). On the day of PMSG application ewes were housed together with rams for the period of the next six days. Samples of blood were taken 24 hours before parturition (-1st day), up to 36 h after parturition and on days 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 after parturition. Concentrations of T4, T3, E2 and P4 were determined by commercial kits RIA-test-T4; RIA-test-T3; RIA-test-ESTRA and RIA-test-PROG (URVJT Kosice). Animal of the control group showed variations of T4 concentrations (Tab. I, Fig. 1) at the level of original values (59.4 +/- 9.69 nmol.l-1) up to the 21st day with the exception of temporary drop on day 4 and rise on day 7, insignificant compared to the -1st day. T4 concentrations of the control group displayed an intermittent increasing trend with the statistically insignificant peak after 36 h and on day 17, compared to the -1st day. After the 21st day controls revealed a sustained moderate increase while the experimental ewes displayed a decline of its concentrations until the 51st day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Dynamic changes in hematologic parameters in the blood of sheep during estrus synchronization and in the subsequent early pregnancy]. / Dynamické zmeny hematologických parametrov v krvi oviec pri synchronizácii ruje a v nadväznom case ranej gravidity.

Observation of hematological indices which are a reflection of physiological processes in the individual phases of the reproductive cycle, presents one of the methods of controlling the homeostasis of the ewe's organism. This work focused on the observation of selected indices during synchronization treatment and in the first days of pregnancy The experiment included 10 conventionally bred animals. Blood was obtained from the v. jugularis into an oxalate mixture on days 0 (date of synchronization), 3, 7 and 14 of Agelin implantation, on the day of oestrus and days 7, 14, 17 and 34 of pregnancy. Erythrocyte counts were determined by the Bürker flask method, hemoglobin concentrations by spectrophotometry and packed cell volume (PCV) by the method of Janetzki. For leucocyte count determination the Bürker flask method with Turk's solution was used; the percentual proportion of leucocytes was stated by the leucogram. During synchronization treatment and pregnancy the mean erythrocyte counts ranged from 9.16 +/- 0.81 to 9.74 +/- 0.61 T/l and from 9.09 +/- 0.84 to 9.47 +/- 1.11 T/l, respectively. Hemoglobin concentrations oscillated between 10.71 +/- 1.02 and 11.83 +/- 1.01 g/l. PCV values reached between 32.44 +/- 2.18 and 39.33 +/- 2.73 l/l with a significant increase on day 14 of Agelin implantation and days 17 and 34 of pregnancy (P < 0.05). This dynamics of the red blood components points to the occurrence of functional-morphological changes in the sexual apparatus during oestrus and Agelin treatment. Through mediation by the vascular system a change in the mean values may also occur (Kresan et al., 1979).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The effect of synchronization on estrus and pregnancy in sheep and on levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone and cholesterol]. / Vplyv synchronizacného osetrenia v sezónnom období a v gravidite oviec na koncentrácie tyroxínu, trijódtyronínu, 17 beta-estradiolu, progesterónu a cholesterolu.

Knowledge of pathogenesis of sexual dysfunctions at altered thyroid activity is limited by the knowledge of multiple and ubiquitous action of its hormones throughout the organism. One of the possibilities of modulatory influence of thyroid hormones on sexual functions can be realized through the participation of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the synthesis and metabolism of primary substrate of steroid synthesis--cholesterol. The presented work is aimed at the study of simultaneous dynamic changes of concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and cholesterol (Chol) during synchronization of the rutting period and gravidity at parallel correlative evaluation of mutual relations of the followed parameters in ten Merino sheep in the seasonal period. Synchronization was achieved by chlorsuperlutin (Agelin--vaginal swabs, Spofa; 20 mg of chlorsuperlutin/swab) and PMSG (500 I. U./animal). Blood was sampled by means of a jugular vein puncture at the time of swab insertion (-13th day) and after three (-10th day) and seven (-7th day) following days, at the removal of swabs and application of PMSG (-3rd day), on the day of insemination (zero day), on the 7th, 14th and 17th day and in the middle of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th month of gravidity. In the phase of oestrus synchronization a significant increase of E2 concentrations on days -7 and -3 of the experiment (0.47 +/- 0.079 and 0.542 +/- 0.177 nmol.l-1 of serum, P less than 0.001; P less than 0.001) was observed compared to the E2 values on day -13 (0.084 +/- 0.036 nmol.l-1 of serum). Parallel to these observations, marked intermittent changes of T4 (Tab. I, Graph 1) were recorded with the lowest values of this parameter observed on days -10 (41.75 +/- 20.23, P less than 0.05) and -3 (50.22 +/- 18.77, P less than 0.05) and the highest on day -7 (96.77 +/- 17.51 nmol.l-1, P less than 0.01) and day zero (85.40 +/- 19.59 nmol.l-1 of serum, P less than 0.05) in comparison with the -13th day (67.22 +/- 18.29 nmol.l-1 of serum). Concentrations of P4 (Tab. I, Graph 4) declined to the lowest values on day zero observation (0.09 +/- 0.08 nmol.l-1 of serum, P less than 0.05 vs 3.40 +/- 3.61 nmol.l-1 on day -13). No significant changes of concentrations of T3 (Tab. I, Graph 2) and Chol (Tab. I, Graph 5) were observed during oestrus synchronization. During gravidity, concentrations of E2 (Tab. I Graph 3) showed an increasing trend compared to the -13th day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Levels of sodium and potassium and their relation to ovarian hormones during estrus synchronization and pregnancy in ewes]. / Koncentrácie sodíka, draslíka a ich vztah k ovariálnym hormónom v case synchronizácie ruje a gravidity bahníc.

The active transport of mineral substances by cell membranes plays an important role in the neurohumoral regulation of reproductive processes in farm animals. A great importance is attributed to lipoproteins as sources of the primary precursor of steroid synthesis in the placenta and ovaries (Knopp et al., 1986; Grummer et al., 1988). The effects of hormones on K metabolism in the blood serum of ewes were studied by Hawk et al. (1961). Krajnicáková et al. (1993) observed the dynamic changes of electrolytes in the course of the reproductive cycle in ewes. Na and K levels and their relation to ovarian hormones were determined in the systemic blood stream of ewes during oestrus synchronization and pregnancy. Ten Slovak Merino ewes aged 3-5 years and weighing 40-50 kg were included in the experiment. The animals were reared conventionally. A feed ration consisted of silage, hay, feeding beet-pulp, straw and in the last two months of pregnancy it was supplemented with roughage. Water and salt were given ad libitum. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein prior to synchronization (day 0) and on days 3, 7 and 14 of synchronization with Agelin vaginal implants. After removing the implants the animals received 500 I.U. PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin). The animal in oestrus cycle were inseminated with fresh diluted semen. Reinsemination was not performed in this experiment. Sampling was continued on the day of insemination and on days 7, 14 and in month 2, 3, 4 and 5 of pregnancy. Na and K levels were measured by atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry using the Atom Spek device (RANG-HIGLER). Progesterone (P4) and 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) levels were assayed radioimmunologically using the respective kits (RIA-test-PROG and RIA-test-ESTRA) manufactured by URVJ Kosice. During the observation period Na levels fluctuated within 131.50 +/- 1.71 and 153.55 +/- 4.77 nmol/l of serum (Tab. I) and significantly decreased between day 14 of synchronization and the end of the investigation (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). Potassium levels were observed to significantly decrease from the day of insemination on, throughout the first days of pregnancy and the above-mentioned months of gravidity, the values ranging between 4.57 +/- 0.52 and 3.93 +/- 0.36 nmol/l.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Levels of total lipids, cholesterol and progesterone during estrus synchronization and pregnancy in sheep]. / Koncentrácie celkových lipidov, cholesterolu a progesterónu v case synchronizácie ruje a v priebehu gravidity oviec.

Our investigations were concerned with dynamic changes in total lipids (CL), cholesterol (CHOL) and progesterone (P4) in blood serum of sheep in the period of oestrus synchronization treatment and during mating and gravidity. Our experiment was carried out using 10 animals housed under the conditions of productive rearing. Blood samples were taken from v. jugularis on day of swab application (day 0) and on days 3 and 7 of the action of Agelin vaginal swabs, on day of insemination, and on days 7, 14, 17 and in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th month of gravidity. Blood serum was used to determine total lipids and cholesterol by means of Bio-Lachema tests, and P4 concentrations employing RIA-test-Prog kits (URVJT, Kosice). A statistically significant decrease in concentrations of total lipids (Fig. 1, Tab. I) in sheep blood serum was recorded on day of insemination (P < 0.05) compared to day 0, with the value 1.59 +/- 0.31 g/l of serum, and in the 3rd month of gravidity (P < 0.01), at concentrations 1.36 +/- 0.38 g/l of serum. The determined decrease in their values in the mentioned period can be modulated by the mutually changing ratio of steroid hormones or by inhibition of synthesis of lipoproteins responsible for changes in total plasma lipids. Changes in cholesterol concentrations (Fig. 2, Tab. I) during the introduction of swabs were insignificant and ranged from 1.60 +/- 0.42 to 1.73 +/- 0.33 mmol/l of serum. An insignificant increase in cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.05), with its highest levels 1.98 +/- 0.43 mmol/l of serum, was recorded in the 3rd month of gravidity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Alkaline phosphatase during the puerperium in ewes and its relation to thyroid hormones and ovarian steroids]. / Alkalická fosfatáza v puerpériu bahníc a jej vztah k hormónom stítnej zl'azy a ovariálnym steroidom.

Triacylglycerols as the sources of cholesterol, the primary precursor of steroid synthesis, are one of the factors that limit the speed of steroidogenesis. Synthesis and resynthesis of triacylglycerols depend, in addition to other factors, on phosphatid hydrolysis that is controlled during pregnancy by placentary ALP (Sumikawa et al., 1987) and the FFA pool in the systemic blood stream. Enzymes participating in FFA release from the fat tissue are affected by thyroid hormones and TSH (Mayes, 1977). In view of the above facts, this work was aimed at the observation of changes in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels and their mutual correlations in the systemic blood stream of sheep from the first day after parturition to day 51 p.p. Our attention was paid to the possible delayed effects of placentary ALP and thyroid hormones on the synthesis of ovarian steroids in puerperal ewes. Nine merino sheep were included in the experiment; they lambed in the first decade of February and were kept together with their lambs in a classical sheep-cot on deep litter. The animals were fed according to the Czechoslovak State Standard CSN 46 7070. Blood samples were taken from the v. jugularis from 8 to 9 o'clock a.m. 24 hs (day -1) prior to parturition (a.p.), 36 hs and on days 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 after parturition (p.p.). As compared with day -1 (2.6 +/- 1.08 mu kat/l), ALP concentrations showed a decrease with minimum values occurring on day 17 (1.34 +/- 0.97 mu kat/l, P < 0.05). T4 concentrations also decreased from day -1 (59.4 +/- 9.69 nmol/l) to day 21 (54.89 +/- 11.06 nmol/l, P < 0.05). A similar decrease (from 1.82 +/- 0.33 nmol/l on day 1 to 0.85 +/- 0.32 nmol/l on day 21) could also be observed in T3 levels. As early as 36 hs p.p., the concentrations of both steroid hormones, E2 and P4, significantly decreased [from 2.45 +/- 0.65 and 9.46 +/- 0.34 nmol/l on day -1 to 0.30 +/- 0.24 and 0.05 +/- 0.08 nmol/l, respectively (P < 0.001)]. Throughout the period of investigation, apart from an unsubstantial increase in E2 values on days 17 and 42 and an episodic increase in P4 levels on day 34, the concentrations of both steroids had the values that were significantly lower than those observed on day -1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Thyroid and ovarian hormones in ewes treated with gestagens and PMSG in the spring season]. / Hormóny stítnej zl'azy a vajecníka u bahníc osetrených gestagénmi a PMSG v jarnom období.

Recent experimental observations have shown that the thyroid gland plays a dominant part in the induction and maintenance of anoestrus in ewes. The mechanisms of the anoestrous effects of the thyroid gland are still unclear. On the basis of experiments, in which after thyroidectomy at the onset of sexual activity LH production was maintained also during the spring months, iodothyronines have been supposed to stimulate the inhibitory effects of oestrogens upon the neuroendocrine centres that generate pulsatile LH secretion (Moenter et al., 1991; Webster et al; 1991). However, in our previous work (Bekeová et al., 1995) we observed significant changes in iodothyronine levels, mainly T3, in ewes treated with FSH, LH-RH and oxytocin-based preparations in 24 and 72 h after parturition in the spring. Having made the above observations we suppose seasonal anoestrus to result rather from changes in thyroid and ovarian hormone interactions or from a decrease in thyroid hormone levels that is induced by a temporary decrease in sexual hormones in this phase of the year. Within investigations into the effects of thyroid hormones and their interactions in spring this study focused on the response of the thyroid gland and ovaries in anoestrous ewes to chlorsuperlutin and PMSG treatment in the second half of May. Eighteen Slovak Merino ewes were divided into an experimental and a control group counting 15 and 3 animals, respectively. The experimental animals were each treated with 20 mg chlorsuperlutin (Agelin Spofa vaginal inserts) for 12 days. On day 12 the inserts were removed and each animal was given 500 IU PMSG. In the same time intervals the controls were treated with a placebo (sterile polyurethane, saline). Blood samples were obtained prior to swab insertion (day 0) and in 4-day intervals under chlorsuperlutin treatment (days 4, 8 and 12). For the first 24 h after PMSG-treatment blood samples were taken in 2-hour intervals and then in 48 and 72 h. For radioimmunological determination of T4, T3, E2 and P4 levels the RIA-test-T4, RIA-test-T3, RIA-test-Estra and RIA-test-Prog commercial kits (manufacturer: URVJT Kosice, Slovak Republic) were used, respectively. When compared to the almost constant but significantly lower T4 values in the controls (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; Tab. II, Fig. 1), a repeated massive release of T4 occurred in the experimental animals (Tab. I, Fig. 1). Its first peak observed 4 h after PMSG was significant in comparison both to Day 0 and the controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The same was true for the 2nd peak observed 20 h after PMSG-treatment (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The dynamics of T3 was similar in both groups. The transitory increase in T3 levels observed in the controls (Tab. II, Fig. 2) on day 4 of chlorsuperlutin treatment was insignificant when compared to day 0. Both the decrease observed between day 8 and of chlorsuperlutin treatment and 20 h after PMSG gavage, and the increase between 24 and 72 h appeared to be insignificant. Comparison to day 0 revealed increased T3 levels in the experimental group (Tab. I, Fig. 2) on days 4 and 8 of chlorsuperlutin treatment, the levels of significance being P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively. Between 8 and 24 h after PMSG-gavage, in contrast to the controls, T3 levels in the experimental animals acquired the character of a slowly increasing rhythmic pulsation. At 72 h after PMSG a significant decrease occurred (P < 0.05). In the control animals (Tab. II, Fig. 3) E2 levels revealed interchanging episodes of insignificant increase and decrease beneath test sensitivity. In the experimental ewes (Tab. I, Fig. 3) a double-peaked elevation of E2 could be observed, the first (insignificant) peak occurring 18 and 20 h and the second (significant) one 48 and 72 h following PMSG treatment (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). The inter-group differences were significant at the level of P < 0.05 in each case.

[Concentration of progesterone and thyroxine in the luteal phase of the cycle in heifers after administration of estradiol benzoate]. / Koncentrácia progesterónu a tyroxínu v luteálnej fáze cyklu jalovíc po ovplyvnení estradiol benzoátom.

The effect of current 48-hour infusion of estradiol benzoate (EB) on the dynamics of the concentration of progesterone (P) and thyroxine (T4) was studied in four heifers in the luteal stage of their cycle. The parameters were evaluated in three intervals: infusion (A), post-infusion (B) and "uninfluenced" interval (C). In the course of infusion the concentrations of P in three animals had a markedly descending tendency. The P concentration increase in the 36th hour of infusion was maintained also during the post-infusion interval. The decrease in P in the third, "uninfluenced", interval was replaced by a new rise towards the end. One heifer showed an increase in P concentrations at the beginning of EB infusion. A decrease was recorded towards the end of the interval. The concentration decreased in the post-infusion period. A comparatively high concentration of P in the "uninfluenced" interval was again replaced by a drop towards the end in the 286th hour. The concentration of T4 in three heifers had a descending tendency in the infusion and post-infusion intervals. The decrease in the infusion interval was more pronounced. In the "uninfluenced" interval the T4 concentrations increased step by step. In one heifer the concentration of T4 slightly increased during infusion. A decrease was recorded in the post-infusion and "uninfluenced" interval. Rectal examination in the 172nd hour revealed the original corpus luteum in three animals and the production of the corpus luteum in the same ovary was found in this period in one heifer. In the 88th hour this animal showed clinical manifestations of oestrus. On the basis of the dynamics of the studied hormones and clinical studies, the thyroid hormones can be regarded as an important secondary factor involved in the permanent cyclic changes in reproduction process.

[The follicular system of bovine ovaries after estrus synchronization using the luteolytic action of cloprostenol]. / Folikulárny systém vajecníkov kráv po synchronizácii ruje luteolytickým pôsobením cloprostenolu.

Oestrus synchronization was studied in samples from six cows of the Black-Pied Lowland breed. Three cows four to five days from oestrus were used as the control; three animals with marked periodic corpora lutea were given an i. m. injection of 0.5 mg cloprostenol. The eighth day from the administration of the preparation, the ovaries of the cows were excised and, after histological processing in a simultaneous series in a 4mm interval, the preparations were subjected to qualitative and quantitative microscopic evaluation. The structure of non-atretic and atretic follicles was described in different stages of the atretic process. The lymphoid cells of atretic follicles were observed to penetrate into the granulosa membrane. A multiplication of non-atretic tertiary follicles was observed after the administration of cloprostenol. This multiplication was more pronounced on the right ovary where the preceding ovulation had taken place (P less than 0.01). The treated animals, compared with the controls, showed a significant multiplication of tertiary follicles at early atresia and at total collapse atresia (P less than 0.001), whereas the number of follicles with contractive atresia showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.001). The results suggest that cloprostenol can influence follicle population mostly through the stimulation of the growth and ripening of tertiary follicles; its modulation effect seems manifest itself in cooperating relation with gonadotrophic hormones, mainly with the follicular secondary hormone (FSH), in the theory of the complex effect of proteohormones .

[Dynamics of changes in the cytological picture of vaginal smears and circulating ovarian hormones during the puerperal period in ewes]. / Dynamika zmien cytologického obrazu posvového steru a ovariálnych hormónov cirkulujúcej krvi v puerperálnom období bahníc.

A postparturient period is characterized by low basal secretion of adenohypophysis gonadotropins with the following appropriate changes in ovarian hormones and their response to the morphology of vaginal epithelium. In this study the dynamics of the cytological picture of vaginal swabs and ovarian hormones 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone was investigated in the puerpery of ewes. The objective was to obtain and extend the knowledge of cytological changes in vaginal epithelium and levels of ovarian hormones of ewes after parturition and of their relationships from the first several days after lambing until the 51st day of the period of observation. Vaginal swabs for vaginal cytology were taken from nine ewes on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 after parturition. These swabs were fixed in ether-alcohol 1:1, stained according to the Faltínová-Zidovský method, embedded in Canada balsam and evaluated by differentiation of cells according to Luksh (1953). Blood samples for E2 and P4 determinations were taken from the jugular vein in the same intervals as vaginal swabs. The serum was centrifuged and stored at -18 degrees C until use. E2 and P4 concentrations were determined radioimmunologically, using kits RIA-test ESTRA and RIA-test PROG from URVJT Kosice. A statistically significant decline (P < 0.05) of percentual representation of basal and parabasal cells (Fig. 1, Tab. I) on day 7 after lambing was replaced by their multiplication from day 14 reaching the values of 66.07 +/- 3.95 on day 42. A statistically significant decrease in intermediary flat cells (Fig. 2, Tab. II) was observed on days 14 (P < 0.001), 34 and 42 (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), in comparison with the first day after lambing. An evaluation of intermediary convoluted cells revealed their highest percentage on days 1 and 17 after parturition (34.65 +/- 4.77-20.62 +/- 12.57) and their decline to values in the range of 6.77 +/- 1.46-7.66 +/- 2.25 on the remaining days of the period of observation. Percent occurrence of superficial flat cells (Fig. 3, Tab. I) ranged from 3.9 +/- 1.10 to 10.63 +/- 7.23 from day 1 to day 51 after lambing. The lowest percentual representation (1.32 +/- 0.79-4.10 +/- 1.89) was recorded for superficial convoluted cells. Multiplication of the evaluated cells was observed, reaching the highest but insignificant representation (P > 0.05) on day 25 of postparturient investigation: 4.10 +/- 1.89 (Fig. 3, Tab. I). 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) concentrations were compared to the -1st day before parturition, when its values varied at the level of 2.45 +/- 0.64 nmol/l serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Thyroxine and progesterone levels in cows and heifers after administration of Oestrophan (Spofa) in the luteal phase of the cycle]. / Hladiny tyroxínu a progesterónu u kráv a jalovíc po podaní oestrophanu (Spofa) v luteálnej fáze cyklu.

Thyroxine and progesterone levels were studied in cows and heifers in the luteal stage of the cycle after the application of the synthetic analogue of prostaglandine of group F2 alpha: Oestrophan Spofa. The preparation was administered at a rate of 0.5 mg in 2 ml per animal. The thyroxine and progesterone levels were determined radioimmunologically. The administration of Oestrophan led to a reduction in the progesterone level from the initial value of 17.33 +/- 2.73 nmol/l of serum to 7.69 +/- 1.17 nmol/l of serum an hour after the application, followed by slow decrease below the value 1.59 +/- 0.22 nmol/l of serum at the 24th hour. The initial levels of thyroxine with the average values of 122.11 +/- 23.41 nmol/l of serum were comparatively high. An hour from application of the preparation, a significant decrease to the average levels of 88.14 +/- 16.26 nmol/l of serum (P less than 0.05) was recorded with a significant negative correlation. The correlation coefficient r = -83316, P less than 0.01. The thyroxine level decreases to the values of 24.20 +/- 9.26 nmol/l of serum and 24.12 +/- 6.68 nmol/l of serum, P less than 0.01, at the 52nd to 56th hour, i. e. at the time when the pre-ovulation peak of oestrogens can be expected. A statistically significant correlation--even despite the fact that a highly significant decline in thyroxine and progesterone had been observed--was recorded in none of the cases in the subsequent period of study, except the first hour. It can be assumed from the results that the thyroid hormones are among the links acting at more levels of the regulatory biological circuit responsible for the physiological course of ovulation and reproduction process.

[Dynamics of changes in the serum levels of cholesterol, thyroid and ovarian hormones in the postpartum period in ewes]. / Dynamika zmien koncentrácie cholesterolu, tyroidných a ovariálnych hormónov krvného séra v postpartálnom období bahníc.

Postparturient anoestry, spontaneously changing over to seasonal anoestry, represents an important reserve of full utilization of the reproductive potential of sheep. In spite of the fact that the length of gestation in sheep only amounts to 148 days (+/- 5 days), inability of most sheep to enter the cycle during the spring season acts as a factor limiting the number of lambings--and at the same time production of lambs--to one lambing per year. In order to obtain more detailed knowledge of hormonal conditions in sheep puerpery, the presented work was directed at the study of dynamic changes in concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and cholesterol (Chol) in the blood serum of ewes and at their mutual correlative dependences between the 36th hour and the 51st postparturient day. The observation was carried out in nine nursing ewes of the Slovak Merino breed, with average weight 40-50 kg, lambed in January and February. Blood was sampled by means of jugular vein puncture 14 days (-14th day) before parturition (a. p.), up to 36 h after parturition (p. p.) and on day 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 p. p. In the period from the 36th h to day 21 p. p., concentrations of T4 (Tab. I, Fig. 1) showed a decreasing tendency compared to the starting -14th day (69.55 +/- +/- 0.12 nmol.-1) with the exception of a temporary increase on the 7th day p. p. The lowest values were recorded on days 4 and 21 p. p. (45.66 +/- 21.61 nmol.l-1, P less than 0.05 and 54.89 +/- 11.06 nmol.l-1, P less than 0.05, resp.). An increase of these values to the starting level was observed between days 25 and 51 p. p. Compared to the values on -14th day (0.76 +/- 0.22 nmol.l-1), a significant increase of T3 concentrations (Tab. I, Fig. 2) was recorded at the 36th h and on days 4 and 7 p. p. with the highest values (1.48 +/- +/- 0.34 nmol.l-1, P less than 0.001) at 36 h p. p. After the temporary decrease between days 14 and 21 p. p. its concentrations showed a constantly rising tendency statistically significant on days 34, 42 and 51 p. p., compared to the -14th day (P less than 0.05). Concentrations of E2 (Tab. I, Fig. 3) reached the values of 0.44 +/- 0.41 nmol.l-1 on the -14th day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Biometric parameters of the uterus and ovaries in sheep after administration of Depotocin inj. Spofa in early puerperium]. / Biometrické parametre maternice a vajecníkov po aplikácii Depotocinu inj. Spofa v ranom puerpériu oviec.

Objectivisation of the physiological course of puerpery and control of involution processes of uterus represent topical questions of an increased frequency of lambing. Our study was directed at the determination of the weight, length of body and horns of uterus as well as of the weight, length, width and height of ovaries, following the administration of carbetocin (Depotocin inj. Spofa), in the puerperal period of Slovak Merino sheep. The study was aimed at obtaining objective biometric data on uterus and ovaries and recording the influence of carbetocin on the involution of uterus and ovaries of sheep. Thirty ewes, divided into two groups, were included in the experiment. The animals of the experimental group (n = 15) were subjected to treatment with carbetocin (Depotocin inj. Spofa) at the amount 2 x 0.07 mg. The first dose was applied intramuscularly (i. m.) on the 2nd day after parturition and the second dose was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) on the 4th day after lambing. The second group (n = 15) served as a control. Three ewes (n = 3) were bled on each of the following days: 1, 7, 17, 25 and 34 after parturition. After bleeding the sexual organs were removed by excision and their weight and the length of the body and horns of uterus and of ovaries was determined. The number and size of follicles were determined on the surface of ovaries. The weight of uterus body showed a declining tendency in sheep of the control group with a statistically significant decrease from the 17th till the 34th day after parturition (P less than 0.01). Its weight varied from 56.0-14.6 to 5.2-0.3 g in the above-mentioned time interval. The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in weight as early as on the 7th day after lambing compared to the 1st day after parturition, down to the values 185.66-38.91 g (P less than 0.05). The decrease in the weight of uterus body recorded on day 17 (106.56-41.08 g) was less pronounced than in the control group. The final average weight of the body of uterus on the 34th day after parturition was 41.36-8.52 g, that means higher than in the control group (5.2-0.3 g). The weight of gravid horns in the experimental group declined significantly as early as on the 7th day after parturition to the average weight of 60.89-9.45 g and reached 9.86-3.49 g on the 34th day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The effect of age, weight and the breed of heifer on the concentration of thyroxine during insemination]. / Vplyv veku, hmotnosti a plemennej príslusnosti jalovíc na koncentrácie tyroxínu pri inseminácii.

We determined the thyroxine (T4) concentration in 63 heifers on 0th (day of insemination), 6th and 21st day after first and in repeat-breeder cows after second and third insemination in relation with the breed, age and weight of animals. The examination was carried out with a feed ration balanced according to the Czechoslovak State Standard CSN 46 7070, with all-the-year-round housing, with keeping the uniform time of insemination (8.00--9.00 a. m.) as well as the time of blood sampling (10.00--12.00 a. m.). The animals were inseminated from August to November. The average T4 concentrations, with a successful insemination, fluctuated on 0th day after first, second and third insemination at levels of 56.15 +/- 13.6; 84.6 +/- 10.66 and 89.75 +/- 13.62 nmol X l-1 of serum. As the results show, the lowest T4 concentrations (P less than 0.001; P less than 0.001) on 0th day were recorded in animals becoming pregnant in first insemination. The comparison with non-pregnant animals did not show any statistically significant difference in T4 concentrations. On 0th day of the second insemination, the T4 concentrations in pregnant animals were higher (P less than 0.01) as compared with non-pregnant. On 6th and 21st day after successful first insemination the T4 content increased significantly (P less than 0.001). After second and third successful insemination we recorded in T4 concentrations a moderate decrease on 6th day (P less than 0.01 for third insemination), with insignificant increase on 21st day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Concentrations of thyroxine, beta carotene, vitamin A and pregnancy in heifers after administration of beta carotene]. / Koncentrácie tyroxínu, beta karoténu, vitamínu A a zabrezávanie jalovíc po prívode beta karoténu.

Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), beta-carotene (beta K), vitamin A and conception after the first insemination on the zero, sixth and 21st day were studied in 63 heifers fed synthetic beta K supplement in groups I to IV at stanchion housing and low-carotene diet. The following amount of beta K was supplemented per head/day: I--0 mg (control, n = 17), II--100 mg (n = 16), III--200 mg (n = 14) and IV--400 mg (n = 16). The parameters were evaluated separately according to groups and conception. By comparing the T4 concentration between experimental groups and control, separately in non-gravid and gravid animals, a significant increase (P less than 0.05) was determined only on the zero day in the fourth group. At the same time, in the fourth group, in comparison with the others, insignificantly lower T4 values were recorded in non-gravid animals. beta K values on the zero day in gravid animals increased in a direct proportion to the higher supplement (P less than 0.05; P less than 0.01; P less than 0.001); in non-gravid animals the increase was slower (P less than 0.05; P less than 0.05; P less than 0.01), but differences in relation to gravidity were not significant. An increase of beta K had no significant effect on serum concentrations of vitamin A. Differences between groups as far as conception was concerned were insignificant. It follows from the results that increasing rates of beta K, with the exception of serum concentrations, had no significant effect on other parameters. Higher concentrations of T4 and a slower increase of beta K in non-gravid animals, however, point at mutual co-operation relation and its positive effect on conception in animals.

[Correlation between the thyroxine, 17-beta-estradiol and luteinizing hormones in the systemic circulation and the rectal and vaginal temperature in heifers and cows after administration of cloprostenol]. / Korelácia medzi tyroxínom, 17-beta-estradiolom, luteinizacným hormónom v systémovom obehu a rektálnou i vaginálnou teplotou jalovíc a kráv po podaní cloprostenolu.

Changes in the concentration of 17beta-oestradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and in the rectal and vaginal temperatures (RT and VT) were studied along with the changes in thyroxine concentration (T4) in three cows and three heifers in the luteal stage of the cycle; the animals had been intramuscularly treated with 2 ml Oestrophan (cloprostenol). The closeness of the correlation between T4 and the remaining parameters under study was determined by the calculation of the correlation coefficient and statistical significance. The concentrations of T4 before and during cloprostenol administration were high in comparison with the post-treatment levels. E2 concentrations at cloprostenol administration time were much higher than those recorded before administration. After treatment the concentrations of T4 and E2 sank. The first E2 peak, recorded in the 44th hour, was immediately followed by a marked drop of E2 as well as T4, the lowest values of both being recorded in the 52nd and 56th hour. The second peak of E2 in the 60th hour was followed by a slow but steady decrease. The rise of the concentration of T4 after the 56th hour was slow and reached the peak in the 74th hour; after a partial decrease no further marked changes in concentrations were recorded. LH concentrations rose at a slow rate to reach the peak in the 64th hour. After a rapid decline they reached the pre-peak value in the 70th hour. The lowest RT and VT levels were recorded in the 54th and 94th hour. It can be assumed on the basis of the behaviour of the hormones and the evaluation of their correlations that thyroidal hormones are involved in the stimulation of the synthesis of ovarial oestrogens which tend, after their synthesis, to eliminate from circulation the T4 as well as their own levels and thereby to influence (as feedback) the stimulation of T4 synthesis, their own synthesis, and LH.

[Serum levels of progesterone and estradiol in relation to tertiary follicles in the sheep ovary in proestrus and after administration of gonadoliberin]. / Koncentrácia progesterónu a estradiolu krvného séra vo vztahu k terciárnym folikulom vajecníka oviec v proestre a po podaní gonádoliberínu.

Changes in progesterone (P4) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) concentrations in blood serum as well as changes in counts and quality of tertiary follicles on ovary surfaces of ewes were investigated after administration of different GnRH doses on the 15th and 16th day of the oestral cycle. Progesterone (P4) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunological assays using RIA-test-Prog and RIA-test-Estra kits. It follows from the results that GnRH in Dirigestran inj. Spofa preparation reduces the E2 concentration and multiplication of the number of selected tertiary follicles of ovaries through stimulation of their growth and ripening in ewes of the Improved Wallachian breed. The greatest number of ovulations was reported in ewes administered three doses of the preparation. A positive correlation (r = 0.803) was found between the E2 concentration and the number of selected tertiary follicles of ewes in proestrus. The results corroborated the data on a pulsatile release of gonadoliberin during pre-ovulation incretion of gonadotropins--mainly lutropin (LH), as well as the inhibiting effect of gonadoliberin on the steroidogenesis of the ovary--mainly on estradiol production.

[Biometric parameters of the uterus, ovaries and levels of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) after delivery in sheep]. / Biometrické parametre maternice, vajecníkov a koncentrácie 17 beta-estradiolu (E2) po pôrode oviec.

Biometric changes of uterus, ovaries, follicles and 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) concentrations were investigated in 15 lambing ewes of the Slovak Merino breed in the puerperal period. The sex organs were excised immediately after bleeding from ewes slaughtered on days 1, 7, 17, 25 and 34 post partum (p. p.). Biometric parameters of the body and horns of uterus were measured by a calliper. The ovaries were weighed on an analytical balance, their length, width and height were measured at the same time. The size and number of follicles were determined on the ovary surface. The blood for E2 detection was collected from vena jugularis three and one day before delivery (days -1, -3). Blood samples were also collected after delivery on days 1, 7, 17, 25 and 34. E2 concentrations in the blood serum of ewes were determined by RIA-test-ESTRA kits, designed in one institute at Kosice. The highest weight of uterus body in the test ewes was recorded on day 1 p. p. In the following days the weight of uterus body had a decreasing trend. There were significant differences in the weight of uterus body from day 17 to day 34 p. p., in comparison with the first day after lambing (P less than 0.01). A significant decrease in the length of uterus body was observed from day 17 to day 34 of observation (P less than 0.01; P less than 0.001). An increase in the length of a nongravid horn, observed on day 7 p. p., was followed by a gradual decrease until day 34, similarly like in its weight. No statistically significant differences were found out in the ovary length, width and height. Neither were any greater changes recorded in the weight of ovaries from day 1 to day 34 after delivery. The highest number of small structures (28) observed on day 7 p. p. in the ipsilateral ovary was decreasing in the course of puerperium and the number of follicles larger than 2, 4 and 5 mm was increasing. The highest concentrations of E2 were not recorded on day -1 before delivery. The significantly lowest concentrations of E2 were recorded on day 25 p. p. The above-mentioned results are preliminary and they enlarge the knowledge of biometric parameters of uterus, ovaries, follicles and E2 concentrations after delivery in ewes.

[Micromorphology of the endometrium of dairy cows after estrus synchronization with cloprostenol]. / Mikromorfológia endometria dojníc po synchronizácii ruje cloprostenolom.

Trials were conducted to study and describe the micromorphological parameters of endometrium in five cows of the Black-Pied breed after the expiration of the synchronizing effect of cloprostenol in the Oestrophan inj. Spofa preparation. Two animals four to five days after oestrus were used as control and three cows on the sixth day of sexual cycle with rectally palpated corpora lutea were treated intramuscularly with 0.5 mg cloprostenol in 2 ml of Oestrophan. On the eighth day from the administration of the product, samples of uterine horns were obtained by necropsy and were subjected to histological preparation. Paraffin slices, 7 micron thick, were stained with haematoxylin-eosine by the PAS reaction. Changes were observed in the ipsilateral and contralateral uterine horns in relation to active corpus luteum. A state resulting from previous oedematization, with ample thin connective tissue and fading cell infiltration after the administered preparation, was described in the subepithelial layer of endometrium. The occurrence of intraepithelial lymphoid cells was observed in the surface epithelium of endometrium. A significant increase in the thickness of endometrium (P less than 0.001) was observed to persist on the eighth day after the administration of cloprostenol. An increase in the thickness of surface epithelium, ipsilateral with the corresponding corpus luteum, was on the level of significance (P less than 0.05). The subsurface cells of endometrial glands shrunk significantly after the administration of the preparation, both ipsilaterally (P less than 0.001) and contralaterally (P less than 0.001) to the corpus luteum, like in the glands in the depth of the mucous membrane just above myometrium (P less than 0.01). The occurrence of intraepithelial lymphoid cells decreased significantly after the administration of cloprostenol.