Vaginal and cervical mucus ferning as a method of detecting estrus in mares

A two-phase study was conducted to evaluate cervical and vaginal mucus ferning as a method for detecting estrus in mares. The ten mares utilized in Phase A were teased every third day while in diestrus and daily during estrus over a 70 day period. Cervical dilation, cervical mucus ferning and vaginal mucus ferning were monitored following teasing. The correlations between teasing and cervical dilation, cervical mucus ferning, and vaginal mucus ferning were: .44 (P<.01), .35 (P<.01), and .36 (P<.01), respectively. The correlation found between cervical and vaginal mucus ferning was. 48 (P<.01).The six mares in Phase B were given PGF_2α on days 0 and 14, and HCG on days 6 and 20. Cervical dilation, as determined by rectal palpation, and vaginal mucus, taken by suction and swab techniques, were monitored on days 17 through 30 prior to daily teasing. The correlations between teasing and cervical dilation and vaginal mucus ferning, obtained by suction technique, were .11 (P>.05) and .23 (P>.05), respectively. Vaginal mucus samples obtained using the suction method more effectively (P<.01) produced ferning patterns than those obtained using the cotton swab technique. The vaginal mucus ferning technique, however, does not appear as effective for detecting estrus in mares as using a teaser stallion.     

Monitoring changes in body surface temperature associated with treadmill exercise in dogs by use of infrared methodology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate treadmill exercise session on body surface and core temperature in dog measured by means of two infrared instruments. Ten Jack Russell Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mixed-breed dogs were subjected to 15 min of walking, 10 min of trotting and 10 min of gallop. At every step, body surface temperature (T_surface) was measured on seven regions (neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back, internal thigh and eye) using two different methods, a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam P25) and a non-contact infrared thermometer (Infrared Thermometer THM010-VT001). Rectal temperature (T_rectal) and blood samples were collected before (T0) and after exercise (T3). Blood samples were tested for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). A significant effect of exercise in all body surface regions was found, as measured by both infrared methods. The temperature obtained in the eye and the thigh area were higher with respect to the other studied regions throughout the experimental period (P<0.0001). RBC, Hb, Hct and T_rectal values were higher at T3 (P<0.05). Statistically significant higher temperature values measured by infrared thermometer was found in neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back regions respect to the values obtained by digital infrared camera (P<0.0001). The results obtained in this study showed that both internal and surface temperatures are influenced by physical exercise probably due to muscle activity and changes in blood flow in dogs. Both infrared instruments used in this study have proven to be useful in detecting surface temperature variations of specific body regions, however factors including type and color of animal hair coat must be taken into account in the interpretation of data obtained by thermography methodology.     

Effect of corticoid induced parturition on lactation and on prepartum profiles of serum progesterone and the estrogens among cows retaining and not retaining fetal membranes

Twenty-one mature F1 Brahman-Hereford cows were treated with 25 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) on day 279 or 280 of gestation to induce birth prematurely. Eigth cows were untreated (UT). Blood was sampled on day 279 or 280 of gestation just prior to treatment of cows with DEX (0 hr), at least daily thereafter to calving and within 1 hr postpartum. Concentrations of progesterone (P₄), estrone (E₁) and estradiol-17β (Eβ) and -17α (Eα) in blood serum were measured by radioimmunoassay. Among 21 cows treated with DEX, 16 (76%) calved within 78 hr (52±3 hr). Eleven of the 16 cows retained fetal membranes more than 12 hr (RFM) and five cows did not retain fetal membranes (NRFM). Five cows (24%) treated with DEX calved 266±46 hr later (NOR) on day 290±1 of gestation compared to day 286±2 for cows in group UT. No cow in groups NOR or UT had RFM. Failure of group NOR to calve prematurely appeared due to elevated serum P₄ (P<.05), low serum Eβ (P<.10) and other estrogens (P>.10) pretreatment, and to only a 32% decrease in serum P₄ within 72 hr after treatment. Serum estrogens, especially Eβ, were next lowest pretreatment in group RFM. However, in group RFM, all serum estrogens increased (P<.10 to P<.01) within 48 hr after treatment, reached higher concentrations and peaked later in relation to calving than in other groups (NRFM, NOR and UT). Synchronization of placental maturation and parturition may require a longer period of elevated serum estrogens prior to calving than was observed in group RFM. Treatment of cows prepartum with DEX had no effect on gain of calves, milk yield or yields of fat, total protein and total solids in milk during the first 12 weeks of lactation.     

Bio-accessible milk casein derived tripeptide (LLY) mediates overlapping anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects under cellular (Caco-2) and in vivo milieu

Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked patho-physiological processes which occur concurrently in many diseased conditions. Recently, interdependence between these two processes explains the antioxidant paradox associated with failure to select appropriate agents required for prevention of diseases known to be induced by oxidative stress. Present study established the overlapping anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potential along with bio-accessibility of milk casein derived tripeptide (LLY). Tripeptide exhibited anti-inflammatory response under ex vivo conditions by suppressing (P<.01) mice splenocytes proliferation and modulating their cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGF-β) with improved phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. Conversely, tripeptide displayed extraordinary radical scavenging ability and cellular anti-oxidative potential using chemical assays and H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress model on Caco-2 cells. Under cellular assessment, on one hand tripeptide inhibited (P<.01) intracellular ROS generation and reduced MDA and protein carbonyls but on the other also increased (P<.01) the activity of anti-oxidative enzyme, catalase without much effect on SOD and GPx. This anti-oxidative potential was further established by studying relative expression of genes (Nrf-2 and Keap1) and Nrf-2 nuclear translocation associated with anti-oxidative signaling in Caco-2 cells. Bio-accessibility of tripeptide and its intact transport across Caco-2 cell monolayer was also found to be 1.72±0.22% through PepT1 mediated transport mechanism. Besides, tripeptide displayed strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential under in vivo conditions in mice against ethanol induced oxidative stress by elevating (P<.01) liver GSH content and by decreasing (P<.01) the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes, MDA along with reduced expression of CYP2E1, PPAR-α, TNF-α and COX-2 genes than ethanol control.     

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: V comparison of prostaglandin F, progestins, estrone and estradiol in uterine flushings from pregnant and nonpregnant gilts

Uterine flushings were collected from 38 gilts representing Days 6,8,10,12,14,15,16 and 18 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The same group of gilts were represented within each of the respective days of the estrous cycle and pregnancy, i.e., three to six gilts per day per status. Uterine flushings (about 40ml) were assayed for prostaglandin F (PGF), estrone (E₁), estradiol (E₂), progestins (P) and protein. Nonpregnant gilts had higher (P<.01) concentrations of P in uterine flushings than pregnant gilts, but pregnant gilts had higher (P<.01) E₁ and E₂ concentrations. Significant day by status interactions were detected for E₁ (P<.05), but not for E₂ concentrations in uterine flushings. Total recoverable PGF and PGF concentrations in uterine flushings were greater (P<.01) in pregnant than nonpregnant gilts and significant (P<.01) day by status interactions were detected. In nonpregnant gilts, PGF increased between Days 12 and 16, i.e., during the period of corpora lutea (CL) regression. In pregnant gilts, PGF in uterine flushings increased markedly between Days 10 and 18. Total recoverable PGF on Day 18 of the estrous cycle was only 464.5 ± 37.6 ng as compared to 22,688.1 ± 1772.4 ng on Day 18 of pregnancy. Total recoverable protein was also higher (P<.01) in pregnant gilts. These data indicate that PGF synthesis and secretion by the uterine endometrium and/or conceptuses is not inhibited during pregnancy and suggest that PGF is sequestered within the uterine lumen of pregnant gilts, as is the total protein component of endometrial secretions referred to as histotroph.     

Coumestrol and its metabolite in mares' plasma after ingestion of phytoestrogen-rich plants: Potent endocrine disruptors inducing infertility

Phytoestrogens exist in plants that are present in forages fed to horses. They may compete with 17-β estradiol and influence the estrous cycle. Therefore, the objective was to determine whether coumestrol from clover-mixed pastures is present in mare's plasma after their ingestion (experiment I), and when this phytoestrogen was present in mare's plasma after ingestion (experiment II). The effect of a long-term ingestion of phytoestrogens on estrous cycle disruption was assessed (experiment III; clinical case). Experiment I was carried out in nonpregnant anestrous and cyclic Lusitano mares (n = 14) kept on clover and grass-mixed pastures, and supplemented with concentrate and hay or cereal straw. Blood and feedstuff were obtained from November to March. In experiment II, stabled cyclic Lusitano mares (n = 6) were fed for 14 days with increasing amounts of alfalfa pellets (250 g to 1 kg/day). Sequential blood samples were obtained for 8 hours after feed intake on Day 0 (control) and on Days 13 and 14 (1 kg/day alfalfa pellets). Experiment III mares were fed with a mixture of alfalfa and clover haylage for 5 months (group 1; n = 4) or for 9 months (group 2; n = 12). Estrous cycle was determined on the basis of plasma estradiol (E₂), progesterone (P₄), and ultrasound (experiment III). Concentrations of phytoestrogen coumestrol and its metabolite methoxycoumestrol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Phytoestrogens decreased in pasture from November until March (P < 0.01) (experiment I), but were always detected in mares' plasma. In experiment II, plasma-conjugated forms of coumestrol and methoxycoumestrol were higher on Days 13 and 14 than in control (P < 0.05). The highest concentrations of conjugated form of coumestrol were at 1.5 and 4 hours (P < 0.001), whereas its free forms peaked at 1 and at 3.5 hours after ingestion (P < 0.05). Methoxycoumestrol-conjugated form concentration was the highest at 1.5 and 5 hours (P < 0.001), whereas its free form peaked at 1 hour (P < 0.05) and at 1.5 hours (P < 0.001). Long-term intake of coumestrol caused lack of ovulation, uterine edema, and uterine fluid accumulation (experiment III). Coumestrol and methoxycoumestrol in both forms were higher in group 2 (while still ingesting haylage) than in group 1, after haylage withdrawal (P < 0.001). These data show that in the mare, coumestrol and its metabolite increase in blood after ingestion of estrogenic plants and can influence reproduction in mares as potent endocrine disruptors.     

Effects of repeated daily injections of prostaglandin F2α on ovaries in mares

In experiment 1, seven groups of pony mares (2 or 3/group) were given either no injections (controls), or 5(5X) or 10(10X) daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of 1.25 mg PGF_2α beginning on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (24.5 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P<.05) for day 7, 10X (33.5 days) and day 13, 10X mares (49.0 days) but was not different for the remaining groups. In experiment 2, nine groups of pony mares (4/group) were given either no injections (controls) or 1(1X) or 10(10X) daily SC injections of 1.25 mg PGF_2α beginning on day 2 of estrus or on days 1, 7 or 13 post-ovulation. Compared to controls (25.0 days), the interovulatory interval was longer (P<.05) for day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares (40.0 days) and shorter (P<.05) for day 1 post-ovulation, 10X mares (14.5 days). The interovulatory interval for the remaining groups was not different (P>.05) from that for controls. In day 13 post-ovulation, 10X mares, the longer interovulatory interval did not appear to be related to a depression in either peripheral LH concentration (no effect of treatment on LH) or on follicular development (no effect of treatment on diameter of largest follicle). This suggests that circulating levels of gonadotropins were adequate for ovarian follicular development and ovulation and the effect of repeated daily injections of PGF_2α in preventing ovulation was likely exerted at the ovarian level directly on the follicle.     

Citric acid improves growth performance and phosphorus digestibility in Beluga (Huso huso) fed diets where soybean meal partly replaced fish meal

A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of dietary fish meal with soybean meal and citric acid (CA) supplementation on growth, food utilization, muscle composition and nutrient digestibility of Beluga, Huso huso. Three isonitrogenic and isoenergetic diets, as SBM₁ (soybean meal protein (SBP):fishmeal protein (FP) = 1:3), SBM₂ (SBP:FP = 2:3) and SBM₃ (SBP:FP = 1:1) containing two levels of CA (0 and 30 g kg⁻¹) were fed to triplicate groups of fish for 8 weeks. The results revealed that adding CA increased (P<0.05) the weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and decreased (P<0.05) food conversion rate (FCR) whereas partial substitution of fishmeal with soybean meal decreased (P<0.05) growth performance. Partial replacement of fishmeal with SBM (P=0.021) as well as CA supplementation (P=0.019) and their interaction (P<0.001) affected hepatosomatic index (HSI). No differences (P>0.05) were observed for viscerosomatic index (VSI) among treatments (P>0.05). No differences (P>0.05) were detected in moisture, protein of muscle sample among treatments, but lipid content was reduced (P<0.05) while ash content increased (P=0.035) by CA. Soybean meal decreased (P<0.05) nutrient digestibility, whereas CA improved apparent protein and phosphorus (P) digestibility (P=0.011 and P<0.001 respectively). No interaction (P<0.05) between levels of SBM and CA was found on these parameters. Results of the present study indicate that Beluga has a limited ability to utilize SBM as a protein source in practical diets whereas CA can improve growth and nutrient utilization in Beluga.     

千斤拔多糖对小鼠免疫功能的调节作用

为研究千斤拔多糖对正常及免疫低下小鼠免疫功能的调节作用,该研究选用SPF级BALB/c小鼠,免疫抑制小鼠采用隔天皮下注射环磷酰胺(40 mg·kg~(-1))5次,通过测定脾脏、胸腺质量及计算脏器指数,采用碳粒廓清法计算单核巨噬细胞吞噬功能,在鸡红细胞免疫后测定小鼠血清溶血素抗体水平,同时观察高、低剂量千斤拔多糖(剂量分别为500、1 000 kg·d~(-1))对正常小鼠及免疫低下小鼠免疫调节的影响。结果表明:千斤拔多糖高、低剂量组对正常及免疫低下小鼠均有不同程度的增加脾脏指数、胸腺指数的作用;千斤拔多糖高、低剂量组对正常及免疫低下小鼠均能提高廓清指数,但没有统计学意义;千斤拔多糖高剂量组对正常及免疫低下小鼠的血清溶血素抗体水平都有显著性提高。这说明千斤拔多糖能有效提高正常及免疫低下小鼠免疫功能的作用。     

The non‐coding RNA OTUB1‐isoform2 promotes ovarian tumour progression and predicts poor prognosis

Ovarian cancer is the leading malignancy of the female reproductive system and is associated with inconspicuous early invasion and metastasis. We have previously reported that the oncogene OTUB1 plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer progression, but the role of its isoform, the non‐coding RNA OTUB1‐isoform2, in ovarian cancer is still elusive. Here, we reported that OTUB1‐isoform2 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in the paired paratumorous tissues (P < .01). The patients with high expression of OTUB1‐isoform2 had larger tumours than those with low expression (P < .05). The high expression of OTUB1‐isoform2 was correlated with the involvement of bilateral ovaries (P < .05), lymph node metastasis (P < .05), vascular invasion (P < .05), greater omentum involvement (P < .01), fallopian tube involvement (P < .05), advanced FIGO stages (P < .01) and recurrence (P < .01). Moreover, OTUB1‐isoform2 served as an independent negative prognostic predictor for disease‐free survival (DFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Overexpression of OTUB1‐isoform2 in the ovarian cancer cells stimulated cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our study suggested that OTUB1‐isoform2 is a novel prognostic biomarker with independent oncogenic functions for ovarian cancer.     

A study of prostaglandin F2α as the luteolysin in swine: II characterization and comparison of prostaglandin F, estrogens and progestin concentrations in utero-ovarian vein plasma of nonpregnant and pregnant gilts

Polyvinyl catheters were inserted into the right and left utero-ovarian veins (UOV) and saphenous vein (SV) and artery (SA)_of six nonpregnant (O) and five pregnant (P) gilts on day 11 after onset of estrus. Beginning on day 12, UOV blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from 0800 to 1100 hr and 2000 to 2300 hr, and single samples were taken at 1200 and 2400 hrs. Peripheral blood (SA or SV) was sampled at 0800, 1200, 2000 and 2400 hr until gilts returned to estrus ( ) or day 24 or pregnancy. UOV plasma PGF concentrations (ng/ml; n = 1929) were measured by RIA. Status (P O) by day interactions were detected (P<.01) but variances among treatments were heterogenous (P<.01). Cuvilinear day trends were detected for PGF in 0 gilts (P<.01) but not P gilts. PGF peaks, defined as concentrations greater than two SD above the mean concentration for each gilt, occurred with greater frequency ((ifχ² = 16.4; P>.01)) in 0 than P gilts; and mean peak levels ( ) were 5.0 ± .27 and 3.84 ± .13 ng/ml, respectively.Progesterone concentrations were maintaiend in pregnant pigs and were indicative of luteal maintenance. Systematic differences in day trends of utero-ovarian venous plasma estradiol were detected between O and P pigs. These differences may be of paramount physiological importance and are discussed.     

Response of chicks to two diets of differing energy levels under conditions of brooding with or without supplemental heat

A 2×2 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the performance and certain physiological parameters of 200 day-old chicks fed diets containing either 2600 or 3000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram for a period of 28 days under conditions of brooding with or without supplemental heat in a hot humid tropical area. The results indicated that within each dietary energy level, there was no significant difference in growth rates of chicks brooded with or without supplemental heat, however, the high energy diet significantly (P<0.01) promoted greater weight gains than the low energy diet. Brooding chicks with supplemental heat and with the high energy diet, decreased feed intake and improved feed conversion efficiency. Chicks brooded without supplemental heat consumed significantly (P<0.01) less water than those brooded with heat, irrespective of the dietary energy level. Mortality and blood glucose levels were not affected by the heat and dietary energy treatments. Thyroid weight expressed as percentage of body weight, haemoglobin and hematocrit values were significantly (P<0.01) higher for chicks brooded without supplemental heat. On the other hand, dietary energy levels did not exert any effect on these physiological parameters. No significant heat and dietary energy level interaction effects were noted on all the parameters considered under this trial.     

Effects of intraluteal implants of prostaglandin E1 or E2 on angiogenic growth factors in luteal tissue of Angus and Brahman cows

Previously, it was reported that intraluteal implants containing prostaglandin E₁ or E₂ (PGE₁ and PGE₂) in Angus or Brahman cows prevented luteolysis by preventing loss of mRNA expression for luteal LH receptors and luteal unoccupied and occupied LH receptors. In addition, intraluteal implants containing PGE₁ or PGE₂ upregulated mRNA expression for FP prostanoid receptors and downregulated mRNA expression for EP₂ and EP₄ prostanoid receptors. Luteal weight during the estrous cycle of Brahman cows was reported to be lesser than that of Angus cows but not during pregnancy. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether intraluteal implants containing PGE₁ or PGE₂ alter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) protein in Brahman or Angus cows. On Day 13 of the estrous cycle, Angus cows received no intraluteal implant and corpora lutea were retrieved, or Angus and Brahman cows received intraluteal silastic implants containing vehicle, PGE₁, or PGE₂ on Day 13 and corpora lutea were retrieved on Day 19. Corpora lutea slices were analyzed for VEGF, FGF-2, ANG-1, and ANG-2 angiogenic proteins via Western blot. Day-13 Angus cow luteal tissue served as preluteolytic controls. Data for VEGF were not affected (P > 0.05) by day, breed, or treatment. PGE₁ or PGE₂ increased (P < 0.05) FGF-2 in luteal tissue of Angus cows compared with Day-13 and Day-19 Angus controls but decreased (P < 0.05) FGF-2 in luteal tissue of Brahman cows when compared w Day-13 or Day-19 Angus controls. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of PGE₁ or PGE₂ on ANG-1 in Angus luteal tissue when compared with Day-13 or Day-19 controls, but ANG-1 was decreased (P < 0.05) by PGE₁ or PGE₂ in Brahman cows when compared with Day-19 Brahman controls. ANG-2 was increased (P < 0.05) on Day 19 in Angus Vehicle controls when compared with Day-13 Angus controls, which was prevented (P < 0.05) by PGE₁ but not by PGE₂ in Angus cows. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of PGE₁ or PGE₂ on ANG-2 in Brahman cows. PGE₁ or PGE₂ may alter cow luteal FGF-2, ANG-1, or ANG-2 but not VEGF to prevent luteolysis; however, species or breed differences may exist.     

Serum progesterone concentrations in pregnant and nonpregnant heifers and after gonadotropin releasing hormone in luteal phase heifers

Serum progesterone (P₄) concentrations were quantitated in 18 Holstein heifers from days 5 to 16 after estrus in an effort to ascertain the effects of pregnancy on circulating levels of this hormone. The P₄ concentration rose faster between days 5 and 10 in the pregnant heifers compared to P₄ levels in both the non-pregnant heifers and the killed sperm inseminated group. It was found that serum P₄ levels were significantly (P<.002) elevated across the entire interval in the pregnant heifers compared to the other experimental groups. It was concluded that pregnancy had a stimulatory effect on P₄ levels and that pregnancy failure is not simply due to the inability of corpora lutea to secrete sufficient P₄.The administration of 250μg gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to 10 Holstein heifers on day 7 after estrus resulted in a significant (P<.025) elevation of serum luteinizing hormone concentrations from 15 min to 3 h postinjection. Similarly this treatment resulted in a significant (P<.05) elevation of serum P₄ levels from .5 to 4 h post-injection. It is concluded that GnRH at this dosage has a transient effect on P₄ levels in luteal phase heifers.     

Superovulating cows with follicle stimulating hormone and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin

A total of 511 embryos was recovered non-surgically from nearly 100 superovulated or untreated donors. Superovulation with FSH-LH resulted in more corpora lutea, recovered ova, and pregnancies (P<.01) than superovulation with PMSG. No differences were observed in numbers of ovulations, embryos recovered, or pregnancies per donor when prostaglandin F_2α was given to donors 2 versus 3 days following gonadotrophin treatment.Pregnancy rates of 12, 31, 58, and 63% were obtained from groups of embryos classified morphologically as poor, fair, good, and excellent (P<.05). Morphologically normal embryos collected and transferred at 5 to 6 days of gestation resulted in more (P<.05) fetuses (75%) than morphologically normal embryos at 8 to 9 days of gestation (56%), but neither was significantly different from morphologically normal embryos at 6.5 to 7.5 days of gestation (61%). There was no difference (P>.05) between pregnancy rates when retarded embryos from untreated donors (12%) were compared to retarded embryos from superovulated donors (22%). However, a higher proportion of morphologically normal embryos from untreated donors developed into fetuses (71%) than did morphologically normal embryos from superovulated donors (59%, P<.05).     

Induction of parturition in the sow with prostaglandin F2α

Sows were injected with prostaglandin F₂α to induce parturition. Blood was collected to determine the effect of PGF₂α on plasma progesterone and estrogen levels. Parturition occurred significantly earlier (P<.01) in the 14 treated animals than in the 9 untreated animals. Nine out of fourteen treated sows farrowed within 48 h after treatment. Whereas untreated sows farrowed 11.6 ± 6.7 h after the predicted time of parturition, treated sows farrowed 48 ± 8.8 h before the predicted time. PGF₂α was most effective in those sows in which plasma progesterone decreased quickly. Plasma estrogen levels remained reasonably constant after treatment.     

Effect of blood withdrawal and angiotensin II on prolactin release in the tilapia,Oreochromis mossambicus

Repeated blood withdrawal (5% of estimated blood volume at 0, 1, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 76 h) from tilapia acclimated to fresh water (FW) resulted in a marked increase in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) during the first 8 h, reaching a peak above 300 ng/ml after 4 h. The increase in plasma PRL levels was significant except for the level after 72 h. A slight but significant decrease in plasma osmolality was observed at all time points after the blood withdrawal. Repeated blood withdrawal from fish acclimated to seawater (SW) resulted in a marked increase in plasma osmolality after 4 and 8 h. A significant increase was observed in plasma growth hormone (GH) in the fish in SW until the end of the experiment, but there was no change in plasma PRL. Plasma levels of cortisol were significantly higher in the fish in SW than in those in FW during the first 24 h. Blood withdrawal resulted in a significant reduction in hematocrit values in both FW- and SW-adapted fish, suggesting hemodilution. In a separate experiment, a single blood withdrawal (20% of total blood) stimulated drinking after 5 h, regardless of whether the fish were held in FW or SW. Plasma PRL level was also elevated following a single blood withdrawal in the fish acclimated to FW, but not in the fish in SW. Intraperitoneal injection of ANG II (1.0 microg/g) into the fish in FW significantly increased plasma PRL levels after 1 h. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system after blood withdrawal and the dipsogenic action of angiotensin II (ANG II) are well established in fish. The reduction in plasma osmolality after repeated blood withdrawal in FW and the increased osmolality in SW suggest that blood volume is restored, at least in part, by drinking environmental water. These results suggest that the marked increase in PRL concentration after blood withdrawal from the fish in FW is due, at least in part, to a facilitative effect between ANG II and reduced plasma osmolality.     

Effects of prostaglandins, dibutyryl camp, LHRH, estrogens, progesterone, and potassium on output of prostaglandin F2α, 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α, HCG, estradiol, and progesterone by placental minces

In order to compare the endocrine response of placental minces to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and to screen for effects of potential stimulatory and inhibitory substances, the simultaneous outputs of PGF_2α, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F_2α (PGFM), progesterone, 17β-estradiol, and hCG were evaluated during a 4 hour incubation in 5 placentas. The output of hCG was highest for 12-week placentas, intermediate for a 16 week placenta, and lowest for term placentas. The output of 17β-estradiol by 12 and 16 week placentas in the presence of 30 μM dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was greater than that by term placentas. Progesterone output was apparently independent of gestational age although some variation between 12-week placentas was demonstrated. Output of PGF_2α was lower in 12 and 16-week placentas than in term placentas and that of PGFM was lower in 12-week placentas than in term placentas. LHRH (100 nM) produced stimulation of PGF_2α output (P<.005) and a trend toward inhibition of progesterone output (which failed to achieve statistical significance) but no stimulation of hCG under these conditions. Stimulation of the outputs of hCG (P<.005) and PGF_2α (P<.001) and inhibition of that of progesterone (P<.005) was produced by 20 mM dbcAMP. DHEAS inhibited output of progesterone (P<.01) and PGF_2α (P<.01). There were no effects of potassium, estrogens, progesterone, or prostaglandins on output of any measured substance.     

Plasma estrogens in the periparturient cow

Six pregnant multiparous beef cows were fitted with indwelling jugular cannulae. On day 277 of pregnancy, blood samples were collected at 4-hr intervals through 46 hr postpartum. Plasma estrogens increased linearly (P<.01) from 399 pg/ml at ?158 hr prepartum to 501 pg/ml at parturition. Postpartum estrogen levels were described by a quadratic equation (P<.05) from parturition to 46 hr postpartum; decreasing rapidly from parturition to 34 hr postpartum (106 pg/ml).     

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Presentation in Normal-weight Compared with Overweight Adolescents

ObjectiveTo characterize polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and determine whether a distinct clinical presentation differentiates normalweight (NW) from overweight (OW) PCOS.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients seen in a tertiary care center from 19982008 who met the National Institutes of Health and/or Rotterdam criteria for PCOS (N = 211; NW = 43, OW = 168). We collected data on clinical features, biochemical markers, and ultrasound findings.ResultsPatient age ranged from 11.3 to 20.3 years (mean, 15.7 ± 1.7 years), and body mass index (BMI) from to 64.2 kg/m² (mean, 31.7 ± 7.7 kg/m²). Seventy one percent of patients were Caucasian, 85% had irregular menses, 69% reported hirsutism, 18% had moderate to severe acne, 91% had a high free androgen index (FAI), and 8% had abnormal thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The BMIstandard deviation (SD) score was 0.1 ± 5 in NW and 3.4 ± 1.8 in OW girls. NW girls were older at diagnosis (16.4 ± 1.4 years vs. 15.5 ± 1.7 years; P = .0006) than OW girls, less likely to have a family history of obesity (22% vs. 65%; P<.0001), and less likely to have acanthosis nigricans (11% vs. 68%; P<.0001). NW girls were more likely to have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (88% vs. 52%; P = .01) and a lower FAI (7.3 ± 4.5 vs. ± 12.9; P<.0001). The BMISD score was negatively associated with sex hormone binding globulin (r_s = 0.52; P<.0001) and positively associated with FAI (r_s = 0.42; P<.0001).ConclusionNW girls are more likely to be older at diagnosis and have polycystic ovaries. Other differences in presentation between groups were attributable to differences in weight. NW PCOS is likely part of a continuous spectrum of clinical PCOS rather than a distinct entity. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:471478)