Estrus Phase Research Articles

Mucometra in a bitch as a consequence of a serious professional mistake

An apathetic 14-year-old Hungarian Puli bitch was presented with a seven day history of vaginal discharge and reported ovariohysterectomy (OHE) conducted six years ago. Clinical examination showed elevated body temperature (39.5?C), enlarged abdomen, and vulvar swelling. Despite a reported OHE in the anamnesis, ultrasound examination of the abdomen demonstrated the presence of both ovaries and a large anechogenic zone resembling the uterus. Vaginal cytologic examination and hormonal analysis indicated that the bitch was in the oestrus phase of the cycle. After laparotomy, both intact ovaries and an enlarged uterus with marked adhesions and filled with liquid content were visualised. The cervix was situated in the caudal part of the abdominal cavity and connected to the uterus by only an adhesion stump. After extirpation, uterus and ovarian tissue samples were sent for histological examination. Histological findings of uterus and ovarian tissue samples indicated a diagnosis of mucometra. Obviously, OHE was not conducted professionally, and the procedure performed only prevented conception, but ovaries and uterus continued to be active and caused a serious health disorder after six years. When only a part of the ovaries or uterus is left after OHE, health complications can appear up to ten years later. Our case testifies that even if both ovaries and the entire uterus are left after OHE without communication with cervix and vagina, a bitch can live without noticeable health disorders up to six years. This underlines the importance of lymphatic drainage and resorption processes in the uterus as well as evacuation of uterus content through the vagina.

Exploration of Luteinizing hormone in murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) urine: Extended surge window opens door for estrus prediction

Estrus detection in buffaloes has been a major concern for decades, and lack of reliable methods affects their effective reproductive management. Luteinizing hormone (LH) detection in urine is in practice for several mammals for timed insemination, whereas very few reports are available on buffalo urinary LH. The focus of this study is to detect the presence of LH in buffalo urine, quantitate variation in urinary LH during different estrous cycle phases and examine the duration of mid-cycle LH window. Nearly hundred buffaloes were examined, longitudinal urine samples (n=42) were collected from seventeen animals and classified into respective phases based on several estrus detection parameters. The urinary LH was detected using bovine LH ELISA kit validated for serum/plasma/tissue homogenate. Detection of buffalo LH in the neat urine convincingly proved the competence of the bovine LH kit. Variation in the LH range was observed between different phases of estrous cycle and significant fold variation (P<0.05) was noticed during estrus phase (1.01±0.23) with average baseline value of 46.73±3.36mIU/mL. Interestingly, an extended window (A1–A3) of mid-cycle LH surge was observed due to its lingering excretion in urine. The results, altogether, revealed that LH can be detected in buffalo urine with noticeable fold variation during estrus phase and the extended LH window intensifies the chance of ovulation prediction for timed insemination.

Integrins functioning in uterine endometrial stromal and epithelial cells in estrus.

Here, as a basic study in the construction of a non-cellular niche that supports artificial organization of three-dimensional endometrial tissue, we defined the types of integrin heterodimers that are expressed transcriptionally, translationally and functionally in endometrial stromal (ES) and endometrial epithelial (EE) cells isolated from the mouse uterus in estrus. Gene and protein expression of integrin subunits were analyzed at the transcriptional and translational level by real-time PCR and fluorescent immunoassay, respectively. Moreover, the functionality of integrin heterodimers was confirmed by attachment and antibody inhibition assays. Itga2, Itga5, Itga6, Itga9, Itgav, Itgb1, Itgb3 and Itgb5 in ES cells, and Itga2, Itga5, Itga6, Itga7, Itga9, Itgav, Itgb1, Itgb3, Itgb4, Itgb5 and Itga6 and in EE cells showed significantly higher transcriptional levels than the other integrin subunits. Furthermore, translational expression of the total integrin α and β subunit genes that showed increased transcription was determined in ES and EE cells. ES cells showed significantly increased adhesion to collagen I, fibronectin and vitronectin, and functional blocking of integrin α2, α5 or αV significantly inhibited adhesion to these molecules. Moreover, EE cells showed significantly increased adhesion to collagen I, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin, and functional blocking of integrin α2, α5, α6 or αV significantly inhibited adhesion to these molecules. Accordingly, we confirmed that integrin α2β1, α5β1, αVβ1, αVβ3 and/or αVβ5, and integrin α2β1, α5β1, α6β1 and/or α6β4, αVβ1, αVβ3 and/or αVβ5, actively function on the surface of ES and EE cells from mouse uterus in estrus phase, respectively.

Evaluation of salivary biomolecules as an effective indicator in accurate and precised identification of estrus in Murrah buffaloes for timed AI

The present study was designed to estimate changes in salivary pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and its various constituent biomolecules like total carbohydrates, total proteins, albumin, mucin 5 and total lipids, during different phases of estrous cycle. In present investigation, the levels of all biomolecules like total CHO, total proteins, albumin, mucin 5, total lipids and EC were observed to be significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher during estrus phase compared to all other phases. No significant difference was found in pH of saliva during different phases of estrous cycle. These changes may be helpful in explaining the relationship between characteristics of saliva and ovarian hormones viz. preovulatory estrogen surge. Thus, variation in salivary composition during different phases of estrous cycle may be helpful in accessing the specific phase of estrous cycle and carrying out the timed AI programme more precisely.

In vivo investigation of female reproductive functions and parameters in nonpregnant mice models and mass spectrometric analysis of the methanol leaf extract ofEmilia Coccinea(Sims) G Dons

In Southern Nigeria, the leaves of Emilia coccinea (Sims) G Dons are used traditionally for birth control. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the activities of the methanolic leaf extract of Emilia coccinea (EM) on parameters that affect reproduction as well as the acute toxic effects of the plant using nonpregnant female mice models. Leaves of EM were extracted by maceration with 99.8% methanol. Oral acute toxicity profiles were examined. The effects of EM on female reproductive cycle were determined after oral treatment with EM at 1000 and 100 mg/kg/day daily for 6 days using stilbesterol (1 mg/kg/day) and normal saline as controls. The activities of EM (1000 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day p.o) on reproductive hormones and organs were also studied using estradiol valerat (100 mg/kg/day p.o), progesterone (10 mg/kg/day s.c.), and normal saline as controls. The extract did not induce any observable toxic effect after 24 h. At 1000 mg/kg, the extract significantly shortened the estrus cycle (P < 0.05) while prolonging the estrus phase which were comparable to that observed with stilbesterol. The extract also increased uterine weight and altered the histology of uterine and ovarian tissues. The female reproductive hormones were additionally altered at 1000 mg/kg and the effects were comparable to that of estradiol valerat such as to indicate possible antifertility effects. LC‐HRFTMS analysis showed 9 putatively identified compounds with pyrrolizidine alkaloid occurring at the highest intensity among the identified compounds. In conclusion, the leaf extracts of EM has been shown in this study to exhibit antiovulatory and estrogenic activities which would support the traditional use of the plant in Nigeria.

Acoustic features of vocalization during different phases of estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was conducted to investigate the changes in acoustic features of vocal signals articulated by Murrah buffaloes during different phases of estrous cycle. Data (voice) were collected from 20 Murrah buffaloes, maintained at Livestock Research Centre, NDRI, Karnal, during 4 phases of estrous cycle. Following acoustic features (call duration, formants, intensity, pitch, noise/harmonic (N/H) ratio, harmonic/noise ratio, number of periods, pulses, jitter, shimmer and unvoiced frame) were extracted from vocal signals of Murrah buffaloes for analysis purpose. The acoustic features, viz. call duration, fourth formant (F4), shimmer and intensity were significantly higher during proestrus phase as compared to other phases of estrous cycle. Whereas, F1, F5, noise to harmonic ratio, per cent unvoiced frames and pitch were significantly higher during estrus phase. All these features have significant correlation with estradiol hormone during proestrus and estrus phase. The other features namely number of periods and pulses were significantly correlated with progesterone hormone during diestrus phase. Therefore, the acoustic features, viz. F1, F5, N/H ratio and unvoiced frame can be utilized for identification of estrus phase in Murrah buffaloes.

Role of the endocannabinoid system in the control of mouse myometrium contractility during the menstrual cycle

Cannabis and cannabinoids are known to affect female reproduction. However, the role of the endocannabinoid system in mouse uterine contractility in the dioestrus and oestrus phases has not been previously investigated. The present study aimed at filling this gap. Endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) levels were measured in mouse uterus at dioestrus and oestrus phases by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot were used to measured the expression of cannabinoid receptors and enzymes involved in the metabolism of endocannabinoids. Contractility was evaluated in vitro either on the spontaneous contractions or by stimulating the isolated uterus with exogenous spasmogens. The tissue concentrations of anandamide and 2-AG were reduced in the oestrus phase, compared to dioestrus. Uteri obtained in the dioestrus, but not oestrus, phase showed spontaneous phasic prostaglandin-mediated contractions that were reduced by ACEA (CB1 receptor agonist) and to a lower extent by JWH133 (CB2 receptor agonist). These inhibitory effects were counteracted by the corresponding selective antagonists. Neither ACEA nor JWH133 did affect the contractions induced by exogenous PGE2 in the uterus from the oestrus phase. The FAAH inhibitor JNJ1661010 and, to a lower extent, the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 also reduced spontaneous contractions. It is concluded that the endocannabinoid system undergoes to adaptive changes between the oestrus and dioestrus phases. CB1 and, to a lower extent, CB2 receptor activation results in selective inhibition of myometrial contractility, without un-specific relaxing effects on the smooth muscle. These results might be of interest for female marijuana smokers as well as for the design of novel tocolytic agents.

Hypothalamic expression of inflammatory mediators in an animal model of binge eating

Binge eating episodes are characterized by uncontrollable, distressing eating of a large amount of highly palatable food and represent a central feature of bingeing related eating disorders. Research suggests that inflammation plays a role in the onset and maintenance of eating-related maladaptive behavior. Markers of inflammation can be selectively altered in discrete brain regions where they can directly or indirectly regulate food intake. In the present study, we measured expression levels of different components of cytokine systems (IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and IFN-ɣ) and related molecules (iNOS and COX2) in the preoptic and anterior-tuberal parts of the hypothalamus of a validated animal model of binge eating. In this animal model, based on the exposure to both food restriction and frustration stress, binge-like eating behavior for highly palatable food is not shown when animals are exposed to the frustration stress during the estrus phase. We found a characteristic down-regulation of the IL-18/IL-18 receptor system (with increased expression of the inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18, IL-18BP, together with a decreased expression of the binding chain of the IL-18 receptor) and a three-fold increase in the expression of iNOS specifically in the anterior-tuberal region of the hypothalamus of animals that develop a binge-like eating behavior. Differently, when food restricted animals were stressed during the estrus phase, IL-18 expression increased, while iNOS expression was not significantly affected. Considering the role of this region of the hypothalamus in controlling feeding related behavior, this can be relevant in eating disorders and obesity. Our data suggest that by targeting centrally selected inflammatory markers, we may prevent that disordered eating turns into a full blown eating disorder.

ЦИТОМОРФОЛОГИЯ ВАГИНАЛЬНЫХ МАЗКОВ У СОБАК В РАЗНЫЕ ПЕРИОДЫ ПОЛОВОГО ЦИКЛА

The purpose of work is improving the efficiency of fertilization dog breed French Bulldog. The results of cytological examination of vaginal mucus in dogs at different periods of the sexual cycle. This will determine the optimal time for insemination. As a result of vaginal smear cytology of dogs among the signs of days favorable for breeding are the days when cytological smears appear more than 60% of the surface of pycnotic cells, a small amount of red blood cells and white blood cells, superficial cells are arranged in groups of 4-6 cells or clusters in the form of tiles. Proestrus phase corresponds to the presence of only of basal cells in a smear at the beginning. Then trend towards a decrease of intermediate and superficial cell growth. In the smears are found red blood cells and white blood cells. The duration of the stage of 6-8 days. Estrus phase is characterized by the appearance in the smear of more than 60% of the surface of pycnotic cells, a minor amount of red blood cells and white blood cells. The duration of the stage of 10-11 days. It was found that in dogs the most optimal days for mating are 3-4 day estrus. A smear diestrus phase accompanied by the presence of abrupt changes in the cellular structure. The picture a smear vaginal mucus in diestrus are signs are reducing the number of superficial cells, and increasing the number of intermediate cells; changes in the nature and appearance leukocyte, smear of mucus becomes turbid, dusky background. The duration of stage about 60 days. In anestrus cytological picture of the mucous membrane is stable. There are small cell in smears, revealed basal epithelial cells, can occur intermediate unit cells and leukocytes. The duration of the stage about 123 days.

Evaluation of salivary electrolytes during estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes with reference to estrus detection.

Aim:Timely estrus detection is one of the critical factors for increasing reproductive efficiency in buffaloes. In recent decades, saliva has become a more popular as a noninvasive source for determining physiological status of animals by various biochemical electrolytes. This study was designed to assess and correlate changes in different salivary minerals concentration (calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride) during different stages of the estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes.Materials and Methods:The saliva samples were collected during the different phases of the estrous cycle from 20 Murrah buffaloes in early morning hours and were assayed using respective minerals assay kits.Results:The concentrations of calcium (8.76±0.08-12.11±0.11 mg/dl), inorganic phosphorus (6.56±0.13-14.72±4.50 mg/dl), magnesium (2.27±0.14-5.79±0.15 mg/dl), sodium (139.47±0.31-159.62±1.22 mmol/L), potassium (12.40±0.22-26.85±1.22 mmol/L), and chloride (109.28±0.41-137.07±0.68 mmol/L) varied during the different phases of estrous cycle. The concentration of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride in saliva were significantly (p<0.01) higher during estrus phase compared to other phases of the estrous cycle. All these minerals were positively and significantly (p<0.0001) related to estrogen concentration while salivary concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride showed a significant (p<0.0001) negative correlation with progesterone level in blood plasma.Conclusion:These preliminary findings indicate that there are definite variations in salivary mineral and electrolyte concentrations during different phases of the estrous cycle. These results may be used as an aid for estrus detection/confirmation in buffaloes although validation of the results using a large number of animals is required.

Effect of methanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.) on vaginal cytology, serum hormonal levels and ovarian histomorphology of female (Sprague—Dawley) albino rats

Telfairia occidentalis is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetable and a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. It is used frequently as a hematinic in the treatment of postmenstrual blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of the oral administration of methanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis on vaginal cytology, serum hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels, and histomorphology of the ovaries of female albino rat. Fifteen female albino rats were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of five rats each. The first group (A) served as the untreated control and received distilled water while the second group (B) and third (C) received 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Evaluation of vaginal cytology did not show any effect of the extract on the estrous cycle. The group C rats that received the highest dose (800 mg/kg body weight) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) serum concentration of progesterone during the prestrus and estrus phases and a significant lower (p < 0.05) serum levels of oestrogen during the metestrus and diestrus. Histological examination of ovarian tissues of the different groups did not show obvious abnormalities.

Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in bovine oviducts is higher in the postovulatory phase than during the oestrus and luteal phase.

Whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the bovine oviduct is important for early embryogenesis has not been well substantiated. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that bovine oviduct expresses higher levels of MIF during the post-ovulation phase. Both ampullary and isthmic samples were collected from Japanese black heifers during oestrus (Day 0; n=5), postovulation (Day 3; n=6) and luteal phase (Days 9-12; n=5). MIF mRNA and protein were extracted from the ampullary and isthmic samples and their levels measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis respectively. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen ampullary and isthmic sections using antibodies against MIF. MIF mRNA and protein expression was higher in the postovulatory phase than during oestrus and the luteal phase (P<0.05). Fluorescent immunohistochemistry confirmed that in all phases of the oestrous cycle evaluated, the primary site of MIF expression in the ampulla and isthmus was the tunica mucosa. In conclusion, the bovine ampulla and isthmus have higher MIF expression during the postovulatory phase. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of MIF in bovine oviducts.

Sex-dependent activity of the spinal excitatory amino acid transporter: Role of estrous cycle

Females are more likely to experience visceral pain than males, yet mechanisms underlying this sex bias are not fully elucidated. Moreover, pain sensitivity can change throughout the menstrual cycle. Alterations in the glutamatergic system have been implicated in several pain-disorders; however, whether these are sex-dependent is unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate sex differences in the spinal cord glutamate uptake and how it varies across the estrous cycle. The activity of the glutamate transporters, excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) was assessed using an ex vivo aspartate radioactive uptake assay in the lumbosacral spinal cord in Sprague–Dawley male and female rats. The gene expression of EAATs, glutamate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B and the estrogen receptors ERα & ERβ in the spinal cord were also analyzed. EAAT activity was lower in females, particularly during the estrus phase, and this was the only cycle stage that was responsive to the pharmacological effects of the EAATs activator riluzole. Interestingly, EAAT1 mRNA expression was lower in high-estrogen and high-ERα states compared to diestrus in females. We conclude that the Spinal EAAT activity in females is different to that in males, and varies across the estrous cycle. Furthermore, the expression levels of estrogen receptors also showed a cycle-dependent pattern that may affect EAATs function and expression.

Diagnóstico do cio e do momento adequado para inseminação artificial em uma cadela fila brasileira – relato de caso

Artificial insemination is a technique employed in dogs mainly when natural mating is not possible due to anatomical, behavioral or health problems. This article describes an intravaginal insemination performed in a two-year-old Brazilian Mastiff bitch. Vaginal cytology was the diagnostic method of choice for determining the stage of the estrous cycle: more than 80% of the cells were cornified epithelial cells, a feature of the estrus phase. Semen from a male Brazilian Mastiff was collected manually and inseminated fresh immediately after collection and also 48 hours later. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound examination and radiography 56 days after first insemination. At least nine live fetuses were found; viability was proven by the presence of heartbeat.

5-HT1A receptors of the prelimbic cortex mediate the hormonal impact on learned fear expression in high-anxious female rats

Hormones highly influence female behaviors. However, research on this topic has not usually considered the variable hormonal status. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) is commonly engaged in fear learning. Connections from and to this region are known to be critical in regulating anxiety, in which serotonin (5-HT) plays a fundamental role, particularly through changes in 5-HT1A receptors functioning. Also, hormone fluctuations can greatly influence anxiety in humans and anxiety-related behavior in rodents, and this influence involves the functioning of 5-HT brain systems. The present investigation sought to determine whether fluctuations in ovarian hormones relative to the estrous cycle would influence the expression of learned fear in female rats previously selected as low- (LA) or high-anxious (HA). Furthermore, we investigate the role of the 5-HT system of the PrL, particularly the 5-HT1A receptors, as a possible modulator of estrous cycle influence on the expression of learned fear through intra-PrL microinjections of 5-HT itself or the full 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamine)tetralin). Behavioral changes were assessed using the fear-potentiated startle (FPS) procedure. The results showed that fear intensity is associated with hormonal decay, being more accentuated during the estrus phase. This increase in fear levels was found to be negatively correlated with the expression of potentiated startle. In rats prone to anxiety and tested during the proestrus and estrus phases, 5-HT mechanisms of the PrL seem to play a regulatory role in the expression of learned fear. These results were not replicated in the LA rats. Similar but less intense results were found regarding the early and late diestrus. Our data indicate that future studies on this subject need to take into account the dissociation between low- and high-responsive females to understand how hormones affect emotional behavior.

Alteration in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica (neem)

Abstract Objective The study was designed to investigate the alterations in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica . Methods Mice were randomly grouped into four groups (5/group) where 0, 5, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of the extract were orally administered for 20 d and microscopy of vaginal smear carried out daily to determine anti-ovulatory activity. Oestrus cycle, including metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases and histopathology of uterus were examined. To assess abortifacient activity, pregnant mice were also administered extracts for 7 d and laparotomised on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe implantation in the horns of the uterus. Results Duration of metestrus and diestrus phases varied significantly, while the frequency at which the oestrus phase occurred was lowest at 100 mg/kg, (2.8 ± 0.2) and (1.2 ± 0.4) d, with degeneration of epithelial cells of glands in the uterus. Failure of implantation (0% implantation) was recorded in mice exposed to 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusions Aqueous wood ash extract of A. indica altered the duration of metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases of the oestrus cycle and compromised implantation in female mice.

Effects of chronic DHEA treatment on central and peripheral reproductive parameters, the onset of vaginal opening and the estrous cycle in female rats

The neonatal and/or prepubertal androgen milieu affects sexual maturation and reproductive function in adulthood. However, the effects of chronic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment on reproductive functions have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the reproductive phenotypes and parameters of rats that had been subjected to chronic DHEA treatment were evaluated in this study. The chronic DHEA-treated (from postnatal day 23–12 weeks of age) rats exhibited earlier vaginal opening, indicating that DHEA treatment promotes sexual maturation. In addition, the estrus phase lasted longer in the DHEA-treated rats, suggesting that their estrous cycles had been disrupted. As the DHEA-treated rats’ serum luteinizing hormone levels and hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression levels were decreased and their uterine weight was increased, DHEA and/or estrogen might directly affect reproductive phenotypes. While DHEA treatment caused changes in body weight and body composition in chronic testosterone-treated models in previous studies, no such changes were seen in the present study.

Neuromedin B and Its Receptor: Gene Cloning, Tissue Distribution and Expression Levels of the Reproductive Axis in Pigs.

Neuromedin B is one member of a family of bombesin-like peptides, which performs a variety of physiological functions via their receptor (NMBR) in most mammals. However, the genes encoding NMB and NMBR and their functions especially reproduction of the pigs are currently not fully understood. To research the physiological functions of NMB, we cloned and analyzed the NMB and NMBR genes, and systematically investigated the expression levels of NMB and NMBR mRNA using relative real-time PCR and the distribution of NMBR by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Experimental results show that the sequences of the amino acid and gene of NMB and NMBR were highly conservative and homology in many species, Significantly, the relative RT-PCR results revealed that NMB was mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), whereas NMBR is highly expressed in peripheral tissues and organs, such as endocrine tissues, glands and reproductive organs. The IHC results show that NMBR positive cells were widely distributed in the body, such as respiratory and circulatory system, digestive system, urogenital system, in lymphatic organs and in the endocrine system. We also systematically investigated expression levels of NMB and NMBR in the reproductive axis using relative real-time PCR. In sow estrous cycle, the hypothalamic levels of both NMB and NMBR mRAN were similar, but the expression levels of the pituitary were negatively correlated. Expression levels in the ovarian system are lowest in metestrus phases and highest in proestrus and estrus phases. In boar post-natal development stages, the hypothalamic, pituitary and testicular levels of NMB and NMBR mRNAs showed developmental changes on postnatal day 30, 60, 90 and 120. Taken together, this study provided molecular and morphological data necessary for further research of physiological function of NMB/NMBR system in the pigs.

Antifertility Activity of Lac (Laccifer lacca Kerr.) in Female Wistar Rat Model

Luk (Laccifer lacca Kerr) is an animal origin drug with possible contraceptive properties. Objective: Antiovulatory activity was performed on mature female Wistar rats by cyclic administration of Luk (Lac). The animals were divided into 4 groups of six each, one control group and three test groups (A, B and C). Control group received 1 ml 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose. Test groups A and B were treated with Luk maghsool with water (LMW) in the dose of 470 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Test group C was treated with 800 mg/kg Luk maghsool with Izkhar Rewand (LMIR), and vaginal smear and histological and biochemical studies were performed for 15 days. The results displayed a remarkable increase in the duration of estrus cycle and diestrus phase. In test groups treated with LMIR, a decrease in estrus and proestrus phase was observed. An increase in uterine weight was observed in treated groups. Estrogenic nature of the test drug was assessed by noting the times taken for vagina to completely open after 7 days of treatment in immature rats. For this the animals were dividing into four groups i.e. Plain Control receiving CMC (0.5%), Test Group A and B receiving LMW (800 mg/kg) and LMIR (800 mg/kg) respectively where as standard group was given Ethinyl estradiol (0.02mg/kg). A significant Luk mediated estrogenic activity was exhibited by immature vaginal opening when compared to control, suggesting Lac as an antifertility agent due to its estrogenic nature. The findings of the present study may suggest Luk as effective antifertility agent devoid of side effects associated with other contraceptive pills. Keywords: Antifertility, antiovulatory activity, estrogenic effects, Luk, unani, Wistar rat.

Intra-uterine experimental infection by Ureaplasma diversum induces TNF-α mediated womb inflammation in mice.

Ureaplasma diversum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with uterine inflammation, impaired embryo implantation, infertility, abortions, premature birth of calves and neonatal pneumonia in cattle. It has been suggested that the intra-uterine infection by Ureaplasma diversum can cause vascular changes that hinder the success of pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of intrauterine site of A/J mice in estrus or proestrus phase inoculated with Ureaplasma diversum. The infection was monitored at 24, 48 and 72 hours by the PCR methodology to detect the Ureaplasma in the inoculation site and the profile of circulating blood cells. Morphological changes, intensity of inflammation and the production of cytokines were compared. The infected mice showed local inflammation through the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Ureaplasma diversum infections in the reproductive tract of studied mice seemed to be associated with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in uterine parenchyma. The levels of TNF-α of infected mice were dependent on the bacterial load of inoculated Ureaplasma. Uterine experimental infections by Ureaplasma diversum have not been mentioned yet and herein we presented the first report of an intrauterine infection model in mice.