Effect of Estradiol-17β on Vaginal Thermal Conductance in Cattle

Abstract

With a new self-retaining heat flow probe, thermal conductance of the vagina of four Jersey heifers and one Angus-Holstein crossbres heifer was measured for 1 to 2h before and 4 to 5h after an intravenous injection of 3mg estradiol-17β. In three control experiments, only the injectate vehicle of absolute ethyl alcohol was given, Estradiol-17β increased vaginal thermal conductance whereas no change occurred in control experiments. The estradiol-induced rise in vaginal thermal conductance appeared to result from an increase in rate of vaginal blood flow.