Spontaneous preeclamptic toxemia of pregnancy in the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas).

A disease characterized by edema, proteinuria, hypoproteinemia and hypertension was seen in late gestation in patas monkeys. The initial sign was edema of the perineum, ankles and lower trunk. The onset was abrupt, occurring 7 days or less prepartum. The affected animals were not depressed, and convulsions were not seen. In 6 of the 98 pregnancies during a 1-year period, symptoms of the disease were present. The highest incidence was manifested by primiparous animals with 3 of 36 pregnancies affected. Two of 38 second pregnancies and 1 of 24 third pregnancies were also affected. Five of the animals recovered spontaneously and were normal 14 days postpartum. Edema persisted for 30 days in one female. This animal continued to be hypertensive and had persistent mild proteinuria and hypoproteinemia. She was killed approximately 1 year postpartum due to severe renal disease. The spontaneous disease seen in patas monkeys resembled toxemia of pregnancy in humans more closely than the experimentally induced disease in other animals.     

Frozen-sectioning yields similar results as traditional methods for fetal cephalic examination in the rat

BACKGROUND: An integral component of developmental toxicity studies is the evaluation of fetal anatomy, which consists of external, visceral, and skeletal examinations. The visceral examination includes an assessment of the fetal head which, in the rat, is typically completed after chemical fixation. Because chemical fixation requires approximately 7 days, a comprehensive visceral examination, including the head, of the fetal rodent cannot be completed at the time of cesarean section. An alternative method to chemical fixation was desired, whereby one could complete an overall visceral examination at the time of cesarean section. In addition, the method would also have to present fetal cranial structures in a manner consistent with that derived after chemical fixation. METHODS: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered either 6-aminonicotinamide (6AN), 6 or 12 mg/kg on gestation day 13, or all-trans retinoic acid (RA) 5 or 25 mg/kg on gestation days 9 and 10, untreated dams served as a control group. On gestation day 20, fetuses were sacrificed and removed via cesarean section and one-half of the fetuses from each litter were placed in Bouin's solution (chemical fixation) and the remaining fetuses maintained under refrigeration until just before frozen tissue preparation (freeze fixation). Sectioning of the fetal head was similarly conducted after either chemical or frozen-fixation. Fetal cranial findings observed after chemical fixation were compared to those observed after frozen-fixation in the untreated control and 6AN and RA-treated groups. RESULTS: The incidence and severity of the cranial findings, including effects on the eye, brain, and palate, were similarly observed, regardless of fixation method. CONCLUSIONS: A frozen sectioning method for evaluation of the fetal head, yielding results comparable to those derived after chemical fixation, is described. This procedure provides a viable alternative to chemical fixation, and allows the teratologist to complete a comprehensive fetal visceral examination at the time of cesarean section.     

Controversial points of estimation of the thickness of the anterior wall of the pregnant uterus

OBJECTIVE: to study reasons for the discrepancy between clinical and echographic estimates of the thickness of the pregnant uterine wall during cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 175 labors running physiologically, during labor induction and delivery stimulation and 22 cases of late abortions (19-27-week gestation) when clinically indicated, were studied. RESULTS: while incising the anterior uterine wall during planned cesarean section, practitioners noted its thickness to be about 2 cm or more. Ultrasonography showed that the thickness was 5.5-8.5 cm. The reason for this discrepancy was the development of traumatic local hypertone at the moment of dissection of the anterior uterine wall. CONCLUSIONS: the different estimation of the myometrial thickness is associated not only with methodological differences (clinical and echographic), but also with the physiological features of the uterus as a muscular organ that is able to rapidly alter its thickness during labor pains and its traumatization during cesarean section or amniocentesis.     

Effects of Gestational Maternal Undernutrition on Growth,Carcass Composition and Meat Quality of Rabbit Offspring

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of gestational undernutrition of rabbit does on growth, carcass composition and meat quality of the offsprings. Thirty primiparous non lactating rabbit does were artificially inseminated and randomly divided in three treatment groups: Control (C; fed to 100% of maintenance requirements throughout gestation, n = 10), early undernourished (EU; fed to 50% of maintenance requirements during days 7–19 of gestation, n = 10) and late undernourished (LU; fed to 50% of maintenance requirements during days 20-27 of gestation, n = 10). During the 4^th week of the gestation period, LU does significantly lost weight compared to C and EU groups (P<0.05). At kindling, C does produced litters with higher proportions of stillborn kits (P<0.05) while the total litter size (alive and stillborn kits) was not different among groups (10.7, 12.8 and 12.7 kits in C, EU and LU groups, respectively). Kit birth weight tended to be lower in the LU group. During fattening, body weight and feed intake were not different among offsprings of the three experimental groups. Moreover, the maternal undernutrition did not have any impact on carcass composition of the offsprings in terms of carcass parts and internal organs weights as well as meat quality of L. lumborum muscle (pH24, colour, water holding capacity and shear values) at slaughter (70 days of age). Therefore, it can be concluded that the gestational undernutrition of the mother does not have detrimental effects on the productive and quality traits of the offsprings.     

Perinatal outcome analysis of twin pregnancies at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw in the years 2005-2006

A group of 59 twin pregnant women who gave birth at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw in the years 2005-2006. The patients have been divided into four groups: spontaneous twin pregnant women (n=16), twin pregnant women after in- vitro fertilization (IVF) (n=11), twin pregnant women after in-vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n=29) and twin pregnant women after ICSI and transfer of frozen embryos (n=3). In one case intrauterine death of one of twins in the 34th week of gestation has been noticed. The cause of the death was umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. The gestation was ended with cesarean section and Apgar score of the second twin was 8 in the fifth minute. In one case there was an urgent indication for a cesarean delivery of children with a very low birth weight (because of intrauterine infection, preterm labor in progress) and in three cases at least one of twins with a low birth weight. Among the group 19 women (32%) have given birth prematurely. The Apgar score in the first, third and fifth minute has been statistically significant and inversely proportional dependent only on the gestational age. There were no differences in birth weight among study groups regardless the way of conception. Only two spontaneous twin pregnant patients have had a vaginal labor. By the remaining 57 patients there has been an elective cesarean section in thirty five cases and there has been an urgent indication for cesarean section in twenty two cases.     

The development of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver and kidney of fetal and newborn foals.

The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), fructose diphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), aspartate and alanine transferases were measured in liver and kidney of fetal foals between 100-318 days of gestation (term approximately 335 days) and during the immediate postnatal period (0-48 h after birth). All 5 enzymes could be detected in the fetal liver and kidney at the youngest gestational age studied. Mean fetal activities were lower than those observed in their mothers and showed no change with gestational age for the majority of enzymes studied. However, renal PEPCK and renal and hepatic G6P did increase towards term. At birth, hepatic and renal activities of these two enzymes were higher than those found in late gestation or in the adult animals. There was no apparent change in the activities of any of the other enzymes at birth. In late gestation (80-90% gestation), the activities of G6P and PEPCK in the foal were low compared to those in other species at the same stage of gestation. Similarly, the perinatal increase in enzyme activity occurred closer to term in the foal than in most other species. These observations indicate that maturation of glucogenic capacity occurs relatively late in the fetal foal and suggests that this process may be dependent on the prepartum rise in fetal cortisol as occurs in other species.     

高龄瘢痕子宫再妊娠孕产妇剖宫产术终止妊娠直接病因及预后影响因素分析

摘要 目的：探讨高龄瘢痕子宫再妊娠孕产妇剖宫产术终止妊娠直接病因及预后影响因素分析。方法：回顾性分析2016年1月-2020年10月在我院收治的400例高龄瘢痕子宫再妊娠孕妇。按照是否终止妊娠将400例孕妇分为终止妊娠组（200例）和未终止妊娠组（200例）。并对200例终止妊娠孕妇进行2年随访,按照2年内再妊娠情况分为再妊娠成功组（150例）和再次终止妊娠组（50例）。采用Spearman检验进行相关性分析;采用logistics回归模型进行回归分析。结果：200例终止妊娠孕妇中瘢痕妊娠60（30.00 %）例,死胎13（6.50 %）例,胎儿畸形25（12.50 %）例,子痫前期81（40.50 %）例,胎膜早破11（5.50%）例,妊娠意外事件10（5.00 %）例。高龄瘢痕子宫孕妇终止妊娠后再妊娠与教育水平、是否有固定职业、家庭月收入无关（P＞0.05）;与年龄、孕次、产次、剖宫产手术史、终止妊娠病因有关（P<0.05）;200例终止妊娠孕妇预后再妊娠与年龄、孕次、产次、剖宫产手术史、终止妊娠病因密切相关（P<0.05）;多因素分析结果显示,年龄、孕次、产次、剖宫产手术史、终止妊娠病因是独立危险因素（P<0.05）。结论：高龄瘢痕子宫孕妇终止妊娠的主要病因为瘢痕妊娠,死胎,胎儿畸形例,子痫前期,胎膜早破,妊娠意外事件。年龄、孕次、产次、剖宫产手术史、终止妊娠病因是影响高龄瘢痕子宫孕妇预后再妊娠的独立危险因素。     

布比卡因与左旋布比卡因在剖宫产手术中麻醉效果比较*

摘要目的：探讨蛛网膜下腔注射左旋布比卡因和布比卡因对剖宫产手术中的麻醉效果。方法：选取2012 年3 月到2013 年3 月 期间在我院住院进行剖宫产手术产妇60 例作为研究对象。随机分为左旋布比卡因组与布比卡因组,观察两组患者的麻醉效果以 及术后不良反应的发生情况。结果：剖宫产手术中左旋布比卡因和布比卡因的蛛网膜下腔注射麻醉后的5 min 和7 min 后MAP 值与麻醉前比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。左旋布比卡因和布比卡因的蛛网膜下腔注射麻醉后的5 min、7 min、10 min 以及 15minHR值比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。左旋布比卡因和布比卡因的蛛网膜下腔注射麻醉后Bromage 评分0分时间和麻 醉后切口感觉疼痛时间相比差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。左旋布比卡因和布比卡因麻醉后的不良反应的发生率比较差异无统 计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：剖宫产手术麻醉中布比卡因的麻醉效果好于左旋布比卡因,临床上剖宫产等腹部手术应该选择布比卡 因进行临床麻醉。     

Metabolic and growth response of mink (Neovison vison) kits until 10 weeks of age when exposed to different dietary protein provision

Growth performance and metabolism were investigated in mink kits (n = 210) exposed to the same dietary treatment as their dams (n = 30), i.e. high (HP; 61% of metabolisable energy, ME), medium (MP; 48% of ME) or low (LP; 30% of ME) protein supply, from birth until 10 weeks of age. The kits were weighed weekly, and were measured by means of balance experiment and indirect calorimetry, in weeks eight and nine post-partum (p.p.). At weaning (seven weeks p.p.) and 10 weeks p.p. one kit per litter was killed and blood, liver and kidneys were collected. Plasma amino acid profiles, and hepatic abundance of mRNA for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose 1,6-biphosphatase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) by q-PCR, were determined. There were no differences in live weights among kits the first four weeks of life when kits solely consumed milk, but male LP kits were the heaviest. After transition to solid feed MP kits weighed most at nine weeks of age (p < 0.05). At eight weeks of age, the kits fed the LP diet retained less (p < 0.05) N than HP and MP kits. Heat production did not differ among kits, although protein oxidation was higher (p < 0.001) in HP kits than in LP kits. Kits fed the LP diet had lower (p < 0.05) plasma concentrations of lysine, methionine and leucine than MP kits. Dietary treatment was not reflected in the relative abundance of any of the studied mRNAs, but kits had significantly lower abundance of all studied mRNA than their dams, ranging from 83% less PEPCK abundance to 40% less for G-6-Pase. The kidney mass was smallest (p < 0.01) in kits fed the LP diet, and liver masses were largest (p < 0.001) in HP kits. The results indicate that the LP diet did not meet the protein requirements for mink kits in the transition period from milk to solid feed. The capacity to regulate the rate of gluconeogenesis was even more limited in young mink kits than in adult dams. However, young mink kits can regulate protein oxidation in response to dietary protein supply, probably by adapting the size of the liver and kidneys to the level of protein supply.     

Effects of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata extract and glucocorticoid on lung maturation in preterm rats.

We investigated the effects of maternal administration of Anoectochilus formosanus extract and dexamethasone on lung maturation in preterm rats. A. formosanus group mothers were tube-fed A. formosanus extract (300 mg/kg body wt./day) for 7 days from days 12-18 of gestation. Dexamethasone group mothers were injected intraperitoneally with dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg body wt.) in saline on day 18 of gestation. Control group mothers were similarly injected with saline alone. On day 19 of gestation, fetuses were delivered by cesarean section. A. formosanus treatment significantly increased the fetal lung/body weight ratio, as compared to dexamethasone treatment. Saturated phosphatidylcholine levels in fetal lung tissue and growth hormone levels in maternal serum were significantly increased in the A. formosanus- and dexamethasone-treated groups as compared to controls. The histological appearance of preterm rat lungs revealed extensive branching of intermediate airways, denser mesenchyme, and more epithelial tubules in the dexamethasone and A. formosanus groups as compared with the control group. These results suggest that antenatal A. formosanus treatment may play a role in accelerating fetal rat lung maturation.     

经会阴三维超声评价不同分娩方式初产妇肛门括约肌复合体和盆膈裂孔的临床应用价值

摘要 目的：探讨经会阴三维超声在不同分娩方式初产妇肛门括约肌复合体（ASC）和盆膈裂孔（PH）影响的评估价值。方法：选择2017年1月～2019年12月我院进行分娩的初产妇150例,按照分娩方式分成阴道分娩组71例,剖宫产组79例,比较两组基线资料。对所有受试者均实施经会阴三维超声检查,比较两组缩肛动作下肛门内括约肌（IAS）远端、中端及远端平面厚度,肛门外括约肌（EAS）远端平面及耻骨直肠肌（PRM）中端平面厚度,分娩前、产后6周、产后3个月PH左右径、PH前后径以及PH面积。结果：两组孕妇年龄、孕周及体质指数比较无差异（P＞0.05）,阴道分娩组IAS近端6点钟方向、12点钟方向平面厚度以及IAS中端、12点钟方向平面厚度均小于剖宫产组（P＜0.05）。阴道分娩组EAS远端12点钟方向平面厚度小于剖宫产组（P＜0.05）。阴道分娩组产后6周的PH左右径大于剖宫产组（P＜0.05）。阴道分娩组产后6周的PH前后径大于剖宫产组（P＜0.05）。阴道分娩组产后6周的pH面积大于剖宫产组（P＜0.05）。结论：经会阴三维超声可有效评估初产妇ASC和PH的影响情况,分娩会对初产妇ASC和PH产生影响,阴道分娩的初产妇产后存在明显的ASC厚度减小和PH增大现象。     

Prevention of retained placenta by injection of collagenase into umbilical arteries of calves delivered by cesarean section: a tolerance study

In the cow, cesarean section delivery is often followed by retention of fetal membranes. Hypothetically, the retention of fetal membranes could be prevented by intraplacental injections of the enzyme collagenase. However, the infusion of this potent proteolytic enzyme into a uterus traumatized by surgery can lead to uterine damage, including perforation. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate tolerance of intraplacental treatment of bacterial collagenase. A cesarean section was performed on 10 experimental cows undergoing induced delivery or diagnosed with dystocia. During the surgical procedure, 200,000 units of bacterial collagenase in 1 L of saline were infused via the umbilical arteries. A cesarean section was also performed on control cows (n = 25) affected by dystocia, but these received no collagenase. The collagenase-treated cows showed no clinical or laboratory signs of abnormality over a 3- to 4-wk observation period post treatment. When membrane retention time was set at 36 h post surgery, 20% of the experimental cows and 60% of the control cows had retained the fetal membranes. It was concluded that intraplacental administration of collagenase during cesarean section is safe. However, treatment effectiveness and economic benefits for commercial application need further study.     

南京某大型医院剖宫产及其影响因素的初步分析

目的:分析某医院剖宫产的现状,初步探讨其影响因素及控制策略。方法:整理分析了南京某大型医院2009年共1411名入院产妇的病历资料,按分娩方式分为自然分娩组(经阴道分娩)和剖宫产组,比较两组产妇的一般信息、身体状况、产时情况等,采用多因素Logistic回归分析了剖宫产的影响因素。结果:该医院2009年度剖宫产产妇为608人,占总产妇的43.09%。剖宫产产妇的年龄和体重明显高于自然分娩产妇(P0.01),既往身体状况相对较差。入院时多无产兆、宫口未开,且产妇宫高、腹围、胎心率明显较高(P0.05或P0.01)。B超检查也显示,羊水异常(过多或过少)、巨大儿、胎位不正(主要为臀位)以及脐带绕颈的比例也明显高于自然分娩产妇(P0.05或P0.01)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,产妇高龄(35岁)、入院产兆、胎位不正、产妇腹围过大、胎儿窘迫及新生儿超重等皆为剖宫产的独立影响因素。此外发现19.24%的剖宫产产妇无临床指征(即社会因素)。结论:该医院剖宫产的比例不低,要根据影响因素合理选择剖宫产,尤其要有效控制无指征的剖宫产选择,降低剖宫产率。     

The use of progestins in regimens for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cattle

Four experiments were conducted to investigate modifications to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-based fixed-time Al protocols in beef cattle. In Experiment 1, the effect of reducing the interval from GnRH treatment to prostaglandin (PGF) was examined. Lactating beef cows (n = 111) were given 100 mg gonadorelin (GnRH) on Day 0 (start of treatment) and either 500 microg cloprostenol (PGF) on Day 6 with Al and 100 microg GnRH 60 h later, or PGF on Day 7 with Al and GnRH 48 h later (6- or 7-day Co-Synch regimens). Pregnancy rates were 32/61 (53.3%) versus 26/50 (52.0%), respectively (P = 0.96). In Experiment 2. cattle (n = 196) were synchronized with a 7-day Co-Synch regimen and received either no further treatment or a CIDR-B device (Days 0-7). Pregnancy rates were 32/71 (45.1%) versus 33/77 (42.9%) in cows (P < 0.8), and 9/23 (39.1 %) versus 17/25 (68.0%) in heifers (P < 0.05). In Experiment 3, 49 beef heifers were randomly assigned to receive 12.5 mg pLH on Day 0, PGF on Day 7 and 12.5 mg of pLH on Day 9 with Al 12 h later (pLH Ovsynch), or similar treatment plus a CIDR-B device from Days 0 to 7 (pLH Ovsynch + CIDR-B), or 1 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and 100 mg progesterone on Day 0, a CIDR-B device from Days 0 to 7 (EB/ P4 + CIDR-B), PGF on Day 7 (at the time of CIDR-B removal) and 1 mg i.m. EB on Day 8 with AI on Day 9 (52 h after PGF). Pregnancy rate in the EB/P4 + CIDR-B group (75.0%) was higher (P < 0.04) than in the pLH Ovsynch group (37.5%): the pLH Ovsynch + CIDR-B group was intermediate (64.7%). In Experiment 4, 266 non-lactating cows were allocated to a 7-day Co-Synch protocol (Co-Synch), a 7-day Co-Synch plus 0.6 mg per head per day melengestrol acetate (MGA) from Days 0 to 6 inclusive (Co-Synch + MGA) or MGA (Days 0-6) plus 2 mg EB and 50 mg progesterone on Day 0. 500 microg PGF on Day 7, 1 mg EB on Day 8 and fixed-time Al 28 h later (EB/ P4 + MGA). Pregnancy rates (P < 0.25) were 44.8% (39/87: Co-Synch), 47.8% (43/90; Co-Synch + MGA), and 60.7% (54/89: EB/P4 + MGA). In conclusion, a 6- or 7-day interval from GnRH to PGF in a Co-Synch regimen resulted in similar pregnancy rates in cows. The addition of a progestin to a Co-Synch or Ovsynch regimen significantly improved pregnancy rates in heifers but not in cows. Progestin-based regimens that included EB consistently resulted in high pregnancy rates to fixed-time Al.     

剖宫产术中行子宫肌瘤剔除术可行性探讨

目的:观察剖宫产术中行子宫肌瘤剔除术的安全性及可行性。方法:将我院2010年1月-2012年1月入诊的90例子宫肌瘤的妊娠期孕妇,行剖宫产术同时行子宫肌瘤剔除术的患者,与同期83例单纯剖宫产手术患者对比研究,观察两种手术方式的临床疗效及其疾病预后分析。其主要比较的指标是平均手术时间、术中出血量、术后24h出血量、手术前后血红蛋白差值、平均住院时间、产褥病率及并发症等,记录并观察两组患者的上述指标,进行比较分析。结果:两组观察指标比较除剖宫产术中行子宫肌瘤剔除术平均手术时间(77.1±8.5)明显高于单纯剖宫产术(33.7±7.9),(t=34.70,P<0.05)外,其他各项测量术中出血量(t=0.09,P>0.05)、术后24h出血量(t=0.61,P>0.05)、手术前后血红蛋白差值(t=1.57,P>0.05)、住院时间(t=1.05,P>0.05)及产褥病率(x2=0.077,P>0.05),其他并发症发生率(x2=0.246,P>0.05)指标均无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:对于有手术适应症的妊娠期子宫肌瘤孕妇,可根据患者及其家属医院选择剖宫产术同时行子宫肌瘤剔除术,该手术安全可靠,能避免二次手术或子宫切除等,临床上值得推广应用。     

Place de la scintigraphie dans le diagnostic de l’embolie pulmonaire chez la femme enceinte – À propos de 17 cas

IntroductionPulmonary embolism in pregnant women is a deadly disease; its diagnosis is based on specific algorithms. The lung scan is one of the recommended diagnostic suspicion in further investigations.Material and methodsRetrospective study of a series of cases of pulmonary embolism in the period pre-partum and post-partum pregnant women collected during 3 years, from January 2010 to January 2013, at the reanimation department maternity Souissi in Rabat.ResultsSeventeen cases of pulmonary embolism pre- and post-partum. The age ranged between 21 and 37 years (mean age 30 years). Four EP post-partum were recorded with 13 cases of EP pre-partum whose mean gestational age was 30SA. Several risk factors were found: 7 cases obesity, 4 cases cesarean section, 3 cases of varicose veins, 2 cases of endometritis, 1 case of twin pregnancy, 1 case of gestational hypertension and 1 case of alitement. The first reason for consultation was respiratory distress (12 cases), followed by chest pain (9 cas) and palpitations (6 cas). Lung scintigraphy performed in 14 patients’ objective 9 cases of perfusion defect, 4 cases of normal scan and 1 case of massive PE. No deaths or recurrences have been reported.ConclusionPregnancy and the post-partum period are at high risk of thromboembolic events due to physiological changes. The diagnostic approach is now well codified with scores of clinical and paraclinical probability. The lung scintigraphy can be a method of choice. Hybrid imaging is a good alternative for diagnostic performance.     

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is rare and is peculiar to the latter half of pregnancy. Despite the high rates of death among affected mothers and their fetuses, early recognition of the disease and immediate delivery of the infant may improve the chances of survival. This paper describes a case of AFLP, characterized by a rapid decrease in the size of the liver, a greatly prolonged prothrombin time and minimal increases in the serum transaminase levels, in which an immediate cesarean section followed by vigorous supportive care led to survival of both mother and infant. It is clear that guidelines on treatment are necessary if the management of such cases is to be successful.     

The effect of partial weaning on the rebreeding performance of primiparous Hereford heifers

One or two 6–7 or 9–10 day old blastocysts were transferred to 39 pure-bred or cross-bred Charolais heifer recipients.The embryos were collected after slaughter of the donors. An insemination catheter (Cassou gun) was used to transfer the blastocysts through the cervix into the uterus. Placement was approximately 5cm beyond the body of the uterus.Pregnancy was determined by slaughter of the recipients on the 45th day of gestation. Nineteen of the 39 recipients were pregnant. The survival rate of embryos transferred was as follows: 6–7 day old embryos: 7 out of 23 (30.4%); 9–10 day old embryos: 18 out of 36 (50%). All embryos: 25 out of 59 (42.3%). The difference between the 6–7 day old embryos and the 9–10 day old embryos was not significant. Twelve of the 20 recipients receiving a bilateral transfer were pregnant, and 6 were carrying twins. This is a satisfactory technique for use in field conditions for the transfer of bovine blastocysts.     

Prenatal developmental toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane in the rat and rabbit

BACKGROUND: The potential embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPEthane; CASRN 84852–53–9) were evaluated in prenatal developmental studies using rats and rabbits and performed in accordance with international guidelines and Good Laboratory Practice standards. Preliminary dose‐range‐finding studies were conducted, which indicated doses up to 1,250 mg/kg‐day were well tolerated by both rats and rabbits. METHODS: For the developmental studies, animals were administered DBDPEthane via gavage at dosage levels of 0, 125, 400, or 1,250 mg/kg‐day from gestation day (GD) 6 through 15 for rats and GDs 6 through 18 for rabbits. All female rats and rabbits were sacrificed on GD 20 or GD 29, respectively, and subjected to cesarean section. Fetuses were individually weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. RESULTS: No treatment‐related mortality, abortions, or clinical signs of toxicity were observed during the study. Body weights, body weight gain, and food consumption were not affected by treatment. No significant internal abnormalities were observed in either species on necropsy. Cesarean section parameters were comparable between control and treated groups. No treatment‐induced malformations or developmental variations occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, no evidence of maternal toxicity, developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity was observed in rats or rabbits treated with DBDPEthane at dosage levels up to 1,250 mg/kg‐day. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:139–146, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.