Abstract
Simple SummaryPower Doppler is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows complete monitoring of the ovary changes in cycling mares. We use Power Doppler to investigate differences in follicular diameter and corpus luteum area as well as in follicular and corpus luteum blood flows between young and mature Spanish Purebred mares. Young mares had higher follicular and corpus luteum blood flows as well as higher blood progesterone levels. Moreover, we found that blood progesterone levels could be predicted in both groups from corpus luteum blood flow with moderate precision and accuracy. These results support the usefulness of Power Doppler to monitor ovarian hemodynamics and the suitability of corpus luteum blood flow to estimate blood progesterone levels in cycling mares.In equine reproduction, accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance. Power Doppler ultrasound technology is a non-invasive method that enables to assess the morpho-echogenic features and blood flow changes during the estral cycle in mares. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of age on ultrasonographic parameters (follicular diameter, follicular blood flow—FBF, corpus luteum (CL) area and corpus luteum blood flow—CLBF) and blood plasma progesterone concentrations in cycling Spanish Purebred mares (15 less than 8 years old and 15 equal o higher than 8 years old). The ultrasound images obtained were analyzed with the Image Colour Summarizer software, which allows the quantification of the pixels of each image. Young mares had significantly higher FBF, CLBF and plasma progesterone levels. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that blood progesterone levels could be predicted in both groups from CLBF with moderate precision and accuracy. In conclusion, Power Doppler was useful to assess ovarian hemodynamics. Our results support that age is a factor that significantly influences FBF and CLBF as well as blood progesterone concentration in mares. More studies would be needed to develop high precision and accuracy predictive models of blood progesterone concentration from CLBF measured by Power Doppler.
Highlights
Accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance for the following reasons: (i) to ensure that ovulation occurred within the estimated time period after pre-ovulation; (ii) to establish the number of ovulations in relation to the number of pre-existing follicles, to be able to carry out the appropriate management in cases of twins, and (iii) to ensure the rupture and collapse of the follicle, followed by the release of the oocyte, allowing to detect possible cases of anovulatory follicles [1]
Power Doppler ultrasound has the advantage of being a non-invasive method that enables to assess the morpho-echogenic features and physiological events during the estral cycle such as the vascularization and blood flow of ovaries [2]
Measurement of follicle and corpus luteum (CL) blood flow (CLBF) can be achieved by this technique during the right-hander and after the administration of hormonal treatments [3], which allows a deeper understanding of the reproductive pathophysiology of a mare
Summary
Accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance for the following reasons: (i) to ensure that ovulation occurred within the estimated time period after pre-ovulation; (ii) to establish the number of ovulations in relation to the number of pre-existing follicles, to be able to carry out the appropriate management in cases of twins, and (iii) to ensure the rupture and collapse of the follicle, followed by the release of the oocyte, allowing to detect possible cases of anovulatory follicles [1]. Measurement of follicle and CL blood flow (CLBF) can be achieved by this technique during the right-hander and after the administration of hormonal treatments [3], which allows a deeper understanding of the reproductive pathophysiology of a mare. To make an in-depth study of the ovary, a useful tool to evaluate CL activity is to determine the blood concentration of progesterone [4]. Any relationship between blood progesterone concentration and CLBF could be a predictive model to estimate the functionality of CL [5] avoiding stressful situations for animals [6] and providing a good prognosis and improving mare care and their practice management [7]. Power Doppler could contribute to the enhancement of equine reproductive management, achieving better use of genetic material and increasing financial return [8]
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