Impact of inspired substance concentrations on the results of breath analysis in mechanically ventilated patients.

A well-defined relationship has to exist between substance concentrations in blood and in breath if blood-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are to be used as breath markers of disease or health. In this study, the impact of inspired substances on this relationship was investigated systematically. VOCs were determined in inspired and expired air and in arterial and mixed venous blood of 46 mechanically ventilated patients by means of SPME, GC/MS. Mean inspired concentrations were 25% of expired concentrations for pentane, 7.5% for acetone, 0.7% for isoprene and 0.4% for isoflurane. Only if inspired concentrations were <5% did substance disappearance rates from blood and exhalation rates correlate well. Exhaled substance concentrations depended on venous and inspired concentrations. Patients with sepsis had higher n-pentane and lower acetone concentrations in mixed venous blood than patients without sepsis (2.27 (0.37-8.70) versus 0.65 (0.33-1.48) nmol L-1 and 69 (22-99) versus 18 (6.7-56) micromol L-1). n-Pentane and acetone concentrations in breath showed no differences between the patient groups, regardless whether or not expired concentrations were corrected for inspired concentrations. In mechanically ventilated patients, concentration profiles of volatile substances in breath may considerably deviate from profiles in blood depending on the relative amount of inspired concentrations. A simple correction for inspired substance concentrations was not possible. Hence, substances having inspired concentrations>5% of expired concentrations should not be used as breath markers in these patients without knowledge of concentrations in blood and breath.     

高山森林林窗对苔藓及土壤微量元素含量的影响

苔藓植物和土壤在森林元素循环过程中具有重要作用,其元素含量特征可能受林窗和生长基质的影响,但有关不同林窗位置对苔藓和土壤微量元素含量影响的研究尚未见报道。为理解林窗更新对森林苔藓和土壤微量元素含量及分布特征的影响,于2016年10月,调查研究了在川西高山岷江冷杉(Abies faxoniana)原始林林下、林缘、林窗和旷地中地表苔藓和石生苔藓Na、Zn、Mg、Mn、Ca、Fe元素含量以及对应土壤有机层和矿质土壤层的元素含量。结果表明:川西高山森林地表苔藓与石生苔藓的Na、Zn、Mg、Fe、Ca含量差异不显著,地表苔藓的Mn元素含量显著高于石生苔藓;土壤有机层的Zn、Mg、Mn和Ca元素含量显著高于矿质土壤层,但Fe元素含量则相反,Na元素含量差异不显著。林窗位置对地表苔藓和石生苔藓Na、Zn、Ca和Fe元素含量具有相似的影响,均以林窗和旷地相对较高;石生苔藓与地表苔藓的Mn含量对林窗的响应存在差异,石生苔藓的Mn含量以林下最高,而地表苔藓则以林窗中心最高。但是,林窗对苔藓植物Mg元素含量的影响不显著。森林林窗位置对土壤有机层和矿质土壤层微量元素含量具有相似的影响。Na元素含量以旷地土壤最高,而Zn、Mn、Ca和Fe含量以林窗中心的土壤最高;除元素Na,所有微量元素均以林缘的土壤最低。此外,地表苔藓的Na、Zn、Mn和Ca含量显著高于土壤,而土壤中的Fe含量显著高于苔藓植物;苔藓中Ca和Mn元素含量与土壤的Ca和Mn元素含量呈显著正相关。可见,高山森林林窗更新过程在不同程度上影响了森林地表苔藓和土壤对微量元素的吸存特征,为进一步了解林窗和苔藓植物在高山森林生态系统物质循环中的作用提供了新的角度。     

蕹菜典型品种中Cd、Pb、Cr、Ni 等重金属含量及其相关性

目的:蕹菜(Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.)Cd(镉)积累典型品种对Cd、Pb(铅)、C(r铬)、N(i镍)等多种重金属的吸收积累及相互关系。方法:采用盆栽试验,分析4个蕹菜Cd积累典型品种在6种土壤上的两茬茎叶及根Cd、Pb、Cr、Ni含量及相关性。结果:①品种和土壤对供试蕹菜典型品种Cd含量的效应均达显著水平(P<0.05),对Pb、Cr和Ni含量的效应因重金属、收获时期及部位而不同,二者对Cd、Pb含量具一定的交互效应。②两茬茎叶Cd含量平均值均为T308>GDB>QLB>QLQ,根Cd平均含量高于茎叶Cd平均含量;除Cr外,根Pb和Ni平均含量均高于茎叶。③Cd、Pb、Cr、Ni含量呈现复杂的相关关系。茎叶Cd含量与Pb含量正相关,且第一茬相关性极显著(P<0.01);Pb含量与Ni含量相关关系明显,第一茬茎叶、根Pb含量与Ni含量的正相关达到显著(P<0.05)或极显著水平(P<0.01),但第二茬茎叶Pb含量与Ni含量却显著负相关(P<0.05);Pb含量与Cr含量的相关性仅第一茬茎叶显著(P<0.05);Cr含量与Ni含量的相关性仅第二茬茎叶达极显著水平(P<0.01)。结论:蕹菜典型品种对Cd、Pb、Cr、Ni的吸收积累存在协同和拮抗两种作用。     

Regulation of Yolk-Androgen Concentrations by Plasma Prolactin in the American Kestrel

The concentrations of maternally derived androgens in the yolks of avian eggs vary within and among clutches, but a mechanistic basis for this variation has not been elucidated. We investigated in the American kestrel, Falco sparverius, whether changes in plasma-prolactin concentrations induced by changes in photoperiod and food supply affect yolk-androgen concentrations. Over the course of a photoinduced breeding period in the laboratory, we measured concentrations of plasma immunoreactive prolactin (ir-prolactin) in female kestrels with ad libitum food availability (control) or food availability that was reduced during the early breeding period. In a second laboratory study, we administered via osmotic mini-pumps ovine prolactin (o-prolactin) to females beginning on the day they laid their first egg of a clutch (egg-day 1) to determine the effects of high prolactin concentrations on yolk-androgen concentrations. In both this study and one on free-living kestrels, we quantified changes in yolk-androgen concentrations with date of clutch initiation. Concentrations of ir-prolactin in nonlaying females rose with date, irrespective of food treatment. Egg-day 1 ir-prolactin concentrations were higher in control females laying late during the breeding phase than in those laying early. This increase was absent in food-reduced females. Yolk-androgen concentrations in eggs 3 and 4 but not eggs 1 and 2 of the clutch were higher in clutches initiated late than in clutches initiated early in the breeding phase in both the field and laboratory. o-prolactin treatment elevated yolk-testosterone but not androstenedione concentrations. These findings suggest that, in American kestrels, seasonal and laying-associated increases in plasma-prolactin concentrations elevate yolk-testosterone concentrations. Food availability and other factors may interact with date to regulate the effects of prolactin on yolk-testosterone deposition.     

Effect of elevated systemic concentrations of ammonia and urea on the metabolite and ionic composition of oviductal fluid in cattle

High dietary protein leads to elevated systemic concentrations of ammonia and urea, and these, in turn, have been associated with reduced fertility in cattle. The effect of elevating systemic concentrations of ammonia and urea on the concentrations of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes in bovine oviductal fluid were studied using estrus-synchronized, nulliparous heifers (n = 25). Heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments consisting of jugular vein infusion with either ammonium chloride (n = 8), urea (n = 8), or saline (n = 9). Oviducts were catheterized, and fluid was recovered over a 3-h period on either Day 2 or 8 of the estrous cycle. No difference (P > 0.05) was found in the concentrations of any electrolyte or nonelectrolyte between oviducts ipsi- or contralateral to the corpus luteum. Plasma and oviductal concentrations of urea were increased by infusion with urea (P < 0.001) and ammonium chloride (P < 0.05) but not by saline (P > 0.05). Plasma and oviductal concentrations of ammonia were elevated by infusion with ammonium chloride (P < 0.001) but not by infusion with urea or saline (P > 0.05). No effect (P > 0.05) of treatment was found on oviductal or plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, magnesium, potassium, or sodium or on plasma concentrations of insulin or progesterone. The concentration of calcium in oviductal fluid was reduced by urea infusion and was negatively associated with systemic and oviductal concentrations of urea. Oviductal concentrations of sodium were higher on Day 8 than on Day 2 (P < 0.05). No effect of sample day was found on any of the other electrolytes or nonelectrolytes measured (P > 0.05). Elevated systemic concentrations of ammonia and urea are unlikely to reduce embryo survival through disruptions in the oviductal environment.     

Endocrine profiles during doe-litter separation and the subsequent pregnancy in rabbits

This study was carried out to determine the effects of a transient doe-litter separation on plasma prolactin, LH, FSH, estradiol-17beta and progesterone concentrations before artificial insemination and during the subsequent pregnancy. Control does (n=12) had free access to nursing, whereas separated does (n=12) were kept away from their litters for 48 hours before artificial insemination. Both groups were inseminated on day 11 after parturition. Teat stimulation by suckling caused a high increase in prolactin concentrations in separated does (p < 0.0001). Basal prolactin concentrations were observed in both groups on days 8 and 18 of pregnancy. No effect of the treatment was detected on LH and FSH concentrations during the sampling period. A rise of estradiol-17beta concentrations was observed 48 hours after doe-litter separation, compared to control does and to previous values (p < 0.003). Both groups showed low progesterone concentrations before artificial insemination. Pregnant rabbits in both groups showed increased progesterone concentrations on days 8 and 18 of pregnancy. Lower estradiol-17beta concentrations were observed in control does on day 18 of pregnancy compared with separated rabbits (p < 0.003). The results suggest that a transient separation of nursing does from their litters before artificial insemination may promote high follicular steroidogenesis activity leading to increased estradiol-17beta concentrations. This hormonal change could be a result of several stimulatory actions probably triggered by the absence of suckling episodes and may affect the luteotrophic function during the subsequent pregnancy.     

Effects of Nutrients on Growth and Nodularin Production of Nodularia Strain GR8b

To determine the effects of nutrients on growth and toxin production of Nodularia strain GR8b, several nutrient concentrations were tested in batch and chemostat cultures. In batch cultures, phosphate (55-5,500 mg L-1) and nitrate (100-30,000 mg L-1) concentrations were applied, whereas in chemostat cultures, phosphate concentrations (5-315 mg L-1) were tested. Intra- and extracellular toxin concentrations, together with biomass parameters, were measured. In the batch cultures with low phosphate concentrations, chlorophyll a and protein contents were reduced, but dry weights and cell numbers were not significantly affected. The highest nitrate concentrations resulted in reduced dry weight concentrations. Nodularin concentration per dry weight, nodularin to protein ratio, and dissolved nodularin were highest at the end of the experiment, but were not influenced by the nutrient concentrations. Nodularin concentration per cell was also rather constant under the varying nutrient concentrations. In the chemostat cultures, the biomass increased with high phosphate concentrations. However, the phosphate concentrations did not have statistically significant effects on nodularin production rates.     

Effects of time and watershed characteristics on the concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts in river water.

Water samples were collected from four locations on two rivers in Washington State and analyzed by membrane filtration-immunofluorescence assay to establish Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations. Sampling locations were selected to evaluate effects of watershed character, from pristine mountain to downstream agricultural, on oocyst concentrations. Samples were collected at six biweekly intervals from late June to early September, with two additional sets of five samples taken on separate days (one set taken at bihourly intervals and one set taken simultaneously). Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 34 of 35 samples at concentrations ranging from about 0.2 to 65 oocysts per liter. Oocyst concentrations were highest early in the sampling period, when they were influenced by postrainfall runoff, and decreased through the summer months. Oocyst concentrations found in ten samples collected on two days (5 samples per day) showed no short-term variations. Oocyst concentrations and oocyst production per square mile (ca. 2.6 km2) of watershed found in water draining a controlled public water supply watershed were the lowest observed. The concentrations and production rates for drainage from an adjacent, comparable, but uncontrolled watershed were nearly 10 times higher. The concentration and production rates of the downstream area influenced by dairy farming were nearly 10 times higher than rates at the upstream stations. The data showed clearly that oocyst concentrations were consistently observed above the detection limit of the analytical method, about 0.1 oocysts per liter; that oocyst concentrations were continuous as opposed to intermittent; and that watershed character and management affected surface water oocyst concentrations significantly.     

Concentration-dependent differing actions of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug,celecoxib, in distearoyl phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles

The interactions of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, celecoxib, with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine multilamellar vesicles were studied as a function of temperature and different drug concentrations, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and turbidity technique at 440?nm. Our studies reveal that celecoxib lowers the main phase-transition temperature and decreases the fluidity of the membranes at all concentrations. Celecoxib induced opposing effects on molecular order at different concentrations by increasing the ordering of the system at low concentrations and disordering it at high concentrations. Further, the drug increases the number of hydrogen bonds around the carbonyl groups at low concentrations in both phases, whereas the degree of dehydration increases at high concentrations in the gel phase. An evidence of phase separation has also been clearly observed at high concentrations. Thus, depending on the concentration used, celecoxib induces significant changes in the biophysical properties of membranes that may aid in understanding its mechanism of action.     

Endocrine profiles during doe-litter separation and the subsequent pregnancy in rabbits

This study was carried out to determine the effects of a transient doe-litter separation on plasma prolactin, LH, FSH, estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations before artificial insemination and during the subsequent pregnancy. Control does (n=12) had free access to nursing, whereas separated does (n=12) were kept away from their litters for 48 hours before artificial insemination. Both groups were inseminated on day 11 after parturition. Teat stimulation by suckling caused a high increase in prolactin concentrations in separated does (p<0.0001). Basal prolactin concentrations were observed in both groups on days 8 and 18 of pregnancy. No effect of the treatment was detected on LH and FSH concentrations during the sampling period. A rise of estradiol-17β concentrations was observed 48 hours after doe-litter separation, compared to control does and to previous values (p<0.003). Both groups showed low progesterone concentrations before artificial insemination. Pregnant rabbits in both groups showed increased progesterone concentrations on days 8 and 18 of pregnancy. Lower estradiol-17β concentrations were observed in control does on day 18 of pregnancy compared with separated rabbits (p<0.003). The results suggest that a transient separation of nursing does from their litters before artificial insemination may promote high follicular steroidogenesis activity leading to increased estradiol-l7β concentrations. This hormonal change could be a result of several stimulatory actions probably triggered by the absence of suckling episodes and may affect the luteotrophic function during the subsequent pregnancy.     

Influence of ovaries and photoperiod on reproductive function in the mare.

A 16 h daily photoperiod hastened the onset of the ovulatory season (first ovulation); gonadotrophin and follicular changes prior to the onset were similar in intact light-treated and control mares. A preovulatory decline in FSH concentrations before the onset of the ovulatory season preceded the decrease in number of follicles (15--25 mm) and the rise in LH concentrations which was temporally associated with the growth of an ovulatory follicle. Seasonal changes of FSH and LH concentrations were found in ovariectomized mares and were influenced by photoperiod. During the anovulatory season, there was no ovarian influence on gonadotrophin concentrations. However, during the ovulatory season the ovaries exerted a positive influence on seasonally elevated LH concentrations during oestrus and a negative influence during dioestrus. The ovaries exerted a negative influence on seasonally elevated FSH concentrations throughout the oestrous cycle. The onset of the ovulatory season occurred at the time of the first sustained increase in LH concentrations resulting from positive seasonal (increasing photoperiod) and ovarian influences.     

Uptake and tissue distribution of manganese in the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) under conditions of low pH

Concentrations of manganese were determined in the liver, kidney, muscle and bone of white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) from five acid (pH < 5.8), and two circumneutral lakes in south-central Ontario. Manganese tissue concentrations were greater in fish captured from the most acidified lakes with the greatest concentrations of dissolved manganese. These fish had increased concentrations of manganese in the liver, as indicated by a comparison of liver:kidney manganese concentration ratios among the seven fish populations. Tissue concentrations of manganese from all populations either were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) or remained constant with fish size indicating homeostatic regulation of this metal. Manganese concentrations of the benthic fauna were positively correlated to sediment concentrations (R=0.30). Lake sediment manganese concentrations were significantly correlated to maximum lake depth (R=0.80, P < 0.03), with the concentrations in the top 0–1 cm dependent on the redox conditions in the seven lakes. Based on the seven lakes studied, manganese concentrations in the benthic-feeding white sucker correlated better with dissolved manganese, than with either the concentrations in food or surficial sediments.     

Impact of inspired substance concentrations on the results of breath analysis in mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract

A well-defined relationship has to exist between substance concentrations in blood and in breath if blood-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are to be used as breath markers of disease or health. In this study, the impact of inspired substances on this relationship was investigated systematically. VOCs were determined in inspired and expired air and in arterial and mixed venous blood of 46 mechanically ventilated patients by means of SPME, GC/MS. Mean inspired concentrations were 25% of expired concentrations for pentane, 7.5% for acetone, 0.7% for isoprene and 0.4% for isoflurane. Only if inspired concentrations were <5% did substance disappearance rates from blood and exhalation rates correlate well. Exhaled substance concentrations depended on venous and inspired concentrations. Patients with sepsis had higher n-pentane and lower acetone concentrations in mixed venous blood than patients without sepsis (2.27 (0.37–8.70) versus 0.65 (0.33–1.48) nmol L^?1 and 69 (22–99) versus 18 (6.7–56) µmol L^?1). n-Pentane and acetone concentrations in breath showed no differences between the patient groups, regardless whether or not expired concentrations were corrected for inspired concentrations. In mechanically ventilated patients, concentration profiles of volatile substances in breath may considerably deviate from profiles in blood depending on the relative amount of inspired concentrations. A simple correction for inspired substance concentrations was not possible. Hence, substances having inspired concentrations >5% of expired concentrations should not be used as breath markers in these patients without knowledge of concentrations in blood and breath.     

Pre-parturitional changes in serum prolactin, placental lactogen, growth hormone, progesterone, and corticosterone in the C3H/HeN mouse

Pre-parturitional changes in serum prolactin, placental lactogen, growth hormone, progesterone, and corticosterone in the C3H/HeN mouse are described. Serum prolactin concentrations display an apparent biphasic pre-parturitional increase. Both serum placental lactogen and growth hormone concentrations are elevated during the second half of pregnancy. Serum placental lactogen concentrations remain elevated until parturition, whereas serum growth hormone concentrations decline on the last two days of pregnancy. Serum progesterone and corticosterone concentrations are elevated during the latter half of pregnancy and decline on the day preceding parturition.     

Effects of time and watershed characteristics on the concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts in river water.

Water samples were collected from four locations on two rivers in Washington State and analyzed by membrane filtration-immunofluorescence assay to establish Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations. Sampling locations were selected to evaluate effects of watershed character, from pristine mountain to downstream agricultural, on oocyst concentrations. Samples were collected at six biweekly intervals from late June to early September, with two additional sets of five samples taken on separate days (one set taken at bihourly intervals and one set taken simultaneously). Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 34 of 35 samples at concentrations ranging from about 0.2 to 65 oocysts per liter. Oocyst concentrations were highest early in the sampling period, when they were influenced by postrainfall runoff, and decreased through the summer months. Oocyst concentrations found in ten samples collected on two days (5 samples per day) showed no short-term variations. Oocyst concentrations and oocyst production per square mile (ca. 2.6 km2) of watershed found in water draining a controlled public water supply watershed were the lowest observed. The concentrations and production rates for drainage from an adjacent, comparable, but uncontrolled watershed were nearly 10 times higher. The concentration and production rates of the downstream area influenced by dairy farming were nearly 10 times higher than rates at the upstream stations. The data showed clearly that oocyst concentrations were consistently observed above the detection limit of the analytical method, about 0.1 oocysts per liter; that oocyst concentrations were continuous as opposed to intermittent; and that watershed character and management affected surface water oocyst concentrations significantly.     

Program for the computation of concentrations of free metabolites, metal ions and their complexes in chemical balance]

Enzymic reaction velocities often depend primarily on the concentrations of single free and complexed species rather than on the total metal and metabolite concentrations. For determining single species concentrations from total concentrations and complex stability constants, a program is described. The program may not only calculate the single concentrations, but also estimate their uncertainty due to the unavoidable uncertainty of complex stability constants. Making use of the ICT 1900 magnetic drum storage, it may deal with quite large complex patterns as are found in vivo.     

Hair zinc and copper: Relationship to hair type and serum concentrations in children and adolescents

The zinc and copper serum and hair concentrations of 691 3-18-y-old girls and boys previously determined as a part of the Multicentre Study of Atherosclerosis Precursors in Finnish Children and Adolescents were further analyzed in order to find a possible association between these two zinc and copper indices. The influence of hair color and the diameter of individual hair strands on hair concentrations were studied by the analysis of covariance. Hair color and serum zinc concentrations were found to be associated with hair zinc concentrations in boys. Such an association was not found for zinc and copper concentrations in girls. Hair vs serum concentrations in different age and hair color groups did not show however, a significant relationship either in copper or in zinc concentrations. The subjects with very low or high serum zinc or copper concentrations did not usually have extreme hair concentrations and vice versa. However, there were some subjects with low or high serum concentrations associated with low or high hair concentrations.     

Effect of sodium chloride on the intracellular solute pools of Listeria monocytogenes.

The concentrations of intracellular solutes in Listeria monocytogenes were examined in cells grown at various concentrations of NaCl. At 5% NaCl, cells contained elevated concentrations of potassium and glycine betaine compared with concentrations in cells grown without NaCl. At 7.5% NaCl, cells contained increased concentrations of K+, glycine betaine, glycine, alanine, and proline. Only glycine betaine, choline, or glycine promoted growth on a solidified defined medium containing 4% NaCl; there was no growth at higher concentrations of NaCl in the defined medium.     

Effects of GTP on cyclic AMP concentrations in intact Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that intracellular concentrations of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) regulate the activity and hormonal sensitivity of adenylate cyclase in intact cells. By appropriate treatments, the GTP concentrations of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells could be varied between 28% and 680% of control values. Cyclic AMP concentrations were measured before and after addition of epinephrine in cells containing this range of GTP concentratins. Basal cyclic AMP concentrations were unaffected by changes in GTP concentrations. In cells containing lowered concentrations of GTP, the cyclic AMP concentration following addition of epinephrine was half that in control cells. Elevation of GTP concentrations above normal and had no effect on cyclic AMP concentrations following epinephrine treatment.     

Acute effects of prostaglandin F(2alpha) on systemic oxytocin and progesterone concentrations during the mid- or late-luteal phase in mares

The acute effects of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF) on circulating oxytocin and progesterone concentrations were characterized in mares during the mid- or late-luteal phase. Pony mares were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups based on treatment with PGF (2.5mg) or saline on Day 8 or Day 13 (Day 0=ovulation): PGF-8, PGF-13, saline-8, or saline-13 (n=7/group). Mares were fitted with indwelling, jugular vein catheters and two blood samples (-5 and 0 min) were collected prior to treatment. Treatments were administered into the jugular vein (0 min) and blood collection continued thereafter at 1 min intervals until 5 min and then at 5 min intervals until 60 min. Based on the combined data of -5 and 0 min samples, mares on Day 8 had greater (P<0.05) oxytocin concentrations than mares on Day 13. On Day 8, PGF treatment resulted in a biphasic pattern of oxytocin release. Oxytocin concentrations increased (P<0.05) 1 min after PGF treatment, decreased (P<0.05) from 1 to 10 min, and increased (P<0.05) from 10 to 30 min. Oxytocin concentrations were greater (P<0.05) from 1 to 3 min in PGF-treated than saline-treated mares and at most sample times from 15 to 60 min. On Day 13, oxytocin concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in PGF-treated than in saline-treated mares for most sample times. Mares treated with PGF on Day 8 had greater (P<0.05) oxytocin concentrations at 25, 30, and 40 min than mares on Day 13. Progesterone concentrations on Day 8 also increased by 1 min after PGF, decreased toward basal concentrations by 2-3 min, and then increased to a maximum 10 min after treatment. Subsequently, circulating progesterone decreased (P<0.05) below pretreatment concentrations by 40-50 min after PGF. In conclusion, treatment with PGF resulted in an immediate and biphasic increase in progesterone concentrations prior to the expected decrease. Treatment of mares with PGF on Day 8 resulted in an overall greater increase in systemic oxytocin concentrations compared to treatment on Day 13, and the increase on Day 8 was biphasic.