Abstract
Effect of a GnRH-agonist (deslorelin) was studied on reproductive function and ovarian luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression in prepubertal female cats that were either implanted with 4.7-mg deslorelin (implanted: n = 6) or not (controls: n = 18) or ovariohysterectomized at prepubertal age (prepubertal OVH: n = 6). Body weights, fecal estradiol, and sexual behavior of implanted and control cats were monitored for 48 weeks followed by collection of ovaries and uteri. Ovaries and uteri were collected from control cats at follicular, luteal, and inactive stage (n = 6/group) and from prepubertal OVH cats at prepubertal age. Ovaries and uteri were analyzed for anatomical/histological characteristics. Ovaries were also analyzed for LHR and FSHR expression. Statistical analysis showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) body weight in control than implanted cats only during 22nd to 26th weeks of the study. Estrus was observed in control cats only. Deslorelin reduced (P ≤ 0.05) ovarian weight and number of antral follicles but did not affect endometrial thickness and gland diameter. However, myometrial thickness of implanted cats was significantly lower than control cats at follicular and luteal stage. Ovarian LHR mRNA expression was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in implanted cats than control cats at follicular stage. FSHR mRNA and LHR protein expression did not differ among the three groups. FSHR protein expression was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in prepubertal OVH cats and was not affected by deslorelin. In conclusion, deslorelin suppresses reproductive function in prepubertal female cats for at least 48 weeks possibly through a change in the ovarian mRNA expression of LHR.
Highlights
IntroductionSurgical contraception is one of the first choices as a tool for population control
Overpopulation of cats has become a serious problem in big cities across the world
Control cats had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) body weight compared with the implanted cats but only during the 22nd to 26th weeks of the study period
Summary
Surgical contraception is one of the first choices as a tool for population control It is an expensive and invasive method, which requires anesthesia and proper postsurgical care [1]. Previous studies have suggested that nonsurgical contraception could be an alternative method of population control especially in those animals which are at surgical and/or anesthesiological risks. In this regard, GnRH agonists have been used to suppress the pituitary gland and/or the release of gonadotropins. Nonsurgical contraception in the female cat is thought to be potentially a challenge, considering the unique pattern of estrous cycle in this species [2]. The use of GnRH-agonist for the control of cat population may still be too expensive, cat breeders might consider it as an option to control estrus in breeding queens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
