INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BLOOD COAGULATION FACTORS AND PLASMA HORMONE LEVELS IN THE PERIPARTURIENT SOW

Abstract

A significant increase (P < 0.01) in plasma fibrinogen values and a concurrent decrease in hematocrit values were observed at parturition in seven sows. Plasma fibrinogen values remained elevated and those of the hematocrit remained depressed through the 7-day postpartum period. Although the mean value was not statistically significant, a transient decrease in circulating platelet numbers was observed for each pregnant sow shortly before parturition. Values for 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) rose markedly at parturition. Injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) into four ovariectomized sows and two castrated boars resulted in a statistically significant increase in plasma fibrinogen levels (P < 0.01) and a transient decrease in platelet counts (P < 0.01). In four ovariectomized sows, administration of progesterone (1 mg/kg body weight) also produced a small elevation in fibrinogen values. The fibrinogen response in sows was not directly related to the amount of progesterone since no further increase occurred when the dose of hormone was doubled. Fibrinogen values in four castrated boars were unaffected by injection of either dose of progesterone. No changes were observed in the circulating activity of other coagulation proteins at the time of parturition and these were not altered by administration of estrogen, progesterone or PGF2 alpha. Key words: Pigs, parturition, coagulation factors, hormones