Laparoscopic Application of PGE2 to the Uterine Tube Surface Enhances Fertility in Selected Subfertile Mares

Abstract

Topical application of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel to the surface of the uterine tubes via a laparoscopic procedure improved embryo recovery rates or pregnancy rates in 28 subfertile mares suspected of uterine tubal pathology. Gelatinous masses may occlude the lumen of the uterine tube and prevent sperm from reaching the site of fertilization or prevent embryos from reaching the uterus. PGE2 is secreted by the early equine embryo, promoting passage of the embryo into the uterus; topical administration of PGE2 onto the surface of the uterine tube has been shown to stimulate early transport of the embryo into the uterus. Embryos were produced or a pregnancy was obtained from 24 of the 28 barren mares treated with direct laparoscopic application of 0.2 mg of PGE2 to their uterine tubes. Mares had been barren for an average duration of 1.9 ± 0.6 years and an average of 6.9 ± 3.8 estrous cycles prior to treatment, without donating an embryo or becoming pregnant. Seventeen of 20 mares bred as embryo donors produced one or more embryos with an average of 2.1 ± 1.9 embryos collected per mare (0.45 embryos per cycle) after PGE2 treatment. Seven of 8 mares bred to carry their own pregnancy became pregnant within the first two cycles following PGE2 treatment. These 8 mares were bred an average of 5.6 ± 1.8 cycles without a pregnancy prior to treatment. The laparoscopic PGE2 procedure was performed during various stages of the estrous cycle; the stage varied among treated mares.