Abstract

Equine pregnancy is unique from the point of fetal gonadal enlargement and regression [Tanaka Y et el ; Biol Reprod 2003;68:328-335; Arai KY,et al; Dom Anim End 2006;31:19-34.] Although the role of gonadal steroidogenesis is partially understood, the activator of this process is still unknown. Activin has been shown to be produced by trophoblast cells of the placenta and we aimed to monitor activin serum status with respect to a possible role during equine pregnancy. We hypothesized activin to be the stimulant and maintainer of fetal gonadal enlargement. Fetal testis, ovary and respective utero-placenta at different stages of pregnancy were immunohistochemically analyzed for activins, their receptors, and intracellular Smad mediators. Weekly plasma samples collected from five pregnant Thoroughbred mares throughout gestation and until foal heat, and post-partum placental and endometrial homogenates were used for activin Ameasurement by sandwich ELISA. Activin receptors type IIA/B and IA/B were localized to interstitial and germ cells of the fetal testis and ovary alongwith the utero-placenta. Intracellular mediators of activin signaling, Smad proteins 2, 3, and 4 were also immunolocalized to all of these organs. Activin A

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