Ovarian Structures Research Articles

Impact of Some Ions Administration on Sex Ratio and Ovarian Structures in Rabbits.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The sex pre-selection for offspring before conception is desirable demand especially for the breeding program of farm animals. This study aimed to evaluate the preconception treatment of monovalent and divalent ions on the primary sex ratio, ovarian structures and serum minerals levels in New Zealand white rabbit does. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Nine New Zealand white rabbits doe<i> </i>(5.4±0.61 months of age and 2.4±0.35 kg of body weight) were used. Rabbits in the 1<sup>st</sup> group were given drinking water only (control). While the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> groups were given 1% of (calcium and magnesium) and (sodium and potassium) in daily drinking water, respectively for 15 days before mating. The embryos of each group were individually collected after three days of mating for primary sex detection using SRY (Sex Determining Region Y) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. Mineral analyses for all studied animals were weekly detected in serum before and after mating. <b>Results:</b> The primary sex ratio for embryos of rabbits does receive (Na+K) produced more males (69.7%) while (Ca+Mg) administrated rabbits does produce more females (72.2%). The mineral treatment leads to a significant increase in the number of corpus luteum, total embryos, follicles bleeding and a significant decline in the count of large follicles. Also, there was no significant change in serum Na and Ca levels in the treated groups compared to the control. <b>Conclusion:</b> The preconception administration of Ca+Mg could produce more females while Na+K could produce more males without adverse side effects on serum minerals concentration.

Reproductive Toxicity of 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) on Javanese Medaka (Oryziasjavanicus, Bleeker 1854).

Simple SummaryCompound 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) is a degradation product of some herbicide and intermediate industrial chemicals of many products. Unregulated use of 3,4-DCA affects the reproduction of non-target organisms. In this study, the potential reproductive toxicity of 3,4-DCA on Javanese medaka, a native sentinel organism distributed around aquatic ecosystems of Southern Asia, was evaluated. Low fecundity was observed in female exposed fish to 250 µg/L of 3,4-DCA. Gonad tissue alternation and interference of gametes development were observed both in male and female exposed fish. The response pattern indicated that a low concentration of 3,4-DCA exerted endocrine disruption in Javanese medaka. This finding would provide additional data on the toxicity effect of 3,4-DCA, and it will strengthen the potential of native species in monitoring local and regional aquatic environments.Compound 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) is a metabolite of several urea herbicides and intermediate chemical of several industrial products. Moreover, 3,4-DCA has been frequently detected in aquatic ecosystems around the world. This aniline is more toxic than the parent chemicals, and it affects non-target organisms. This study evaluated a 21-day reproductive response of an emerging aquatic vertebrate model, Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus), exposed to 3,4-DCA. Fecundity and gonads histopathology were observed. The spawning rate and fertilisation reduced significantly in the highest exposed-group (250 µg/L). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was significantly low in females exposed to 250 µg/L. No substantial structural alteration of male gonads. However, oocyte development and ovarian cell structure were disrupted in 250 µg/L exposed females. The gonadal developmental was not affected in the males; however, a significant reduction in the developmental of female gonads was observed at 250 µg/L. These results show that 3,4-DCA interfere with the reproduction of Javanese medaka through fecundity and alteration of gonadal tissues.

Expression Profiles of the Progesterone Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, Growth Differentiation Factor 9, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Transcripts in the Canine Oviducts during the Oestrous Cycle.

Simple SummaryThe oestrous cycle in canines is specifically more extended than that in other mammals. This implies that the oocytes do not reach maturity within the ovarian follicle but undergo final maturation in the oviducts. Besides oocyte maturation, the oviduct provides the necessary milieu for fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development. Consequently, the oviductal environment presumably changes in the postovulatory period and throughout the entire reproductive cycle to provide a suitable condition for supporting different functions. In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of different genes associated with oocyte-embryo development, such as progesterone receptor, cyclooxygenase-2, growth differentiation factor 9, and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in the canine oviductal cells at different phases of the oestrous cycle. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis in bitch oviductal cells, this study revealed the ovarian cycle’s influence on the oviductal essential transcripts in the bitch. It also assessed the influence of the ovulated cumulus-oocytes complexes on the expression of GDF-9 and BMP-15 genes. Thus, the oestrous-cycle-dependent gene expression pattern of PR, COX-2, GDF-9, BMP-15 in the canine oviduct was found to execute the oviductal cell interactions necessary for the development and function of the canine reproductive tract.The gene expression in the canine oviduct, where oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development occur, is still elusive. This study determined the oviductal expression of (PR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) during the canine oestrous cycle. Samples were collected from bitches at anoestrus (9), proestrus (7), oestrus (8), and dioestrus (11), after routine ovariohysterectomy and the ovarian surface structures and plasma progesterone concentration evaluated the physiological status of each donor. The oviductal cells were isolated and pooled. Total RNA was isolated, and gene expression was assessed by qPCR followed by analysis using the t-test and ANOVA. The PR mRNA increased (P < 0.05) from the anoestrus to dioestrus with the plasma progesterone concentration (r = 0.8). COX-2 mRNA expression was low in the anoestrus and proestrus, and negligible in the oestrus, while it was around 10-fold higher (P < 0.05) in the dioestrus. The GDF-9 mRNA was expressed during all phases of the oestrous cycle and was most abundant (P < 0.05) during oestrus phase. The BMP-15 mRNA decreased (P < 0.05) in the anoestrus and proestrus phases. Thus, the transcripts were differentially expressed in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting the importance of oestrous cycle regulation for successful reproduction in dogs.

Comparative Study For The Treatment Of Inactive Ovary In Local Iraqi Breed Cow By Using Massage Method Of The Ovaries And Gnrh

This study was conducted on 40 cows suffering from inactive ovaries brought to the Teaching Veterinary clinic of College of Veterinary, University of Mosul. The inactive ovary was diagnosed in 40 cows depending on the case's date and general examination by rectal palpation to determine the ovarian size and the existence of certain ovarian structures and check the uterine horns and body. The animals were divided following the identification of the affected animals with inactive ovaries, into two groups, each group composed of 20 cows. The animals in the first group were treated with GnRH hormone at a dose of 0.5 mg. In contrast, animals in the second group were treated by the ovaries' manual massage method via rectal palpation. The study findings clarified that the estrous response ratio amounts to 50% in the first group and 60% in the second group. Statistically, there were no differences in response ratio between the two groups in relation to the response.

A Review on Biomaterials for Ovarian Tissue Engineering

Considerable challenges in engineering the female reproductive tissue are the follicle's unique architecture, the need to recapitulate the extracellular matrix, and tissue vascularization. Over the years, various strategies have been developed for preserving fertility in women diagnosed with cancer, such as embryo, oocyte, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. While autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is a viable choice to restore fertility in prepubertal girls and women who need to begin chemo- or radiotherapy soon after the cancer diagnosis, it is not suitable for all patients due to the risk of having malignant cells present in the ovarian fragments in some types of cancer. Advances in tissue engineering such as 3D printing and ovary-on-a-chip technologies have the potential to be a translational strategy for precisely recapitulating normal tissue in terms of physical structure, vascularization, and molecular and cellular spatial distribution. This review first introduces the ovarian tissue structure, describes suitable properties of biomaterials for ovarian tissue engineering, and highlights recent advances in tissue engineering for developing an artificial ovary.

Protective Effect of Human Menopausal Gonadotropins on Rat Ovarian Structure Following Use of Nandrolone Decanoate: From a Histological Standpoint

Protective Effect of Human Menopausal Gonadotropins on Rat Ovarian Structure Following Use of Nandrolone Decanoate: From a Histological Standpoint

49 The dynamic changes in uterine morphology and function during the proestrus-diestrus transition in beef cattle

In cattle, early development of the non-attaching embryo depends exclusively on the biochemical properties of the intrauterine milieu. As the embryo transitions from the oviduct to the tip of the uterine horn around 4 days after oestrus, little is known about uterine functions that modulate the milieu composition and potentially determine pregnancy success. The objective was to characterise changes in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) accumulation and absorption, endometrial vascularity, and endometrial thickness in response to progesterone fluctuations during the peri-ovulatory period in beef heifers. Fourteen Bos indicus heifers that presented a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) responsive CL received 500µg of PGF2α analogue i.m. (PGF) and were examined daily by rectal B-mode and pulse-wave colour-Doppler ultrasonography until the fifth day after oestrus (oestrus=Day 0). Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured daily. Uterine luminal fluid score was given based on the accumulation of fluid throughout the entire organ (0, no fluid, to 4). Measurement of the main ovarian structures, endometrial thickness, uterine luminal fluid score, and luminal fluid area of the cranial portion of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle and subsequent CL were executed by B-mode ultrasonography and endometrial vascularity by colour Doppler. The fixed effect of day was analysed by ANOVA. There was an effect of day on endometrial vascularity, endometrial thickness, and uterine luminal fluid score (P≤0.01) as well as uterine luminal fluid area (P≤0.05). Endometrial vascularity and endometrial thickness increased after PGF injection to peak on Day −1, whereas uterine fluid score peaked on Day 0. Interestingly, cranial uterine luminal fluid area peaked twice, on Day −1 and Day 5. Vascularity, thickness, and fluid accumulation decreased gradually from Day 0 to Day 5. There was a negative correlation (r=−0.55) between the sum of daily P4 concentrations during proestrus (i.e. from PGF to oestrus) and the greatest ULF score measured (P=0.05). Length of proestrus was correlated negatively (r=−0.69) with the increase in uterine body thickness during proestrus (P=0.03). The sum of daily luminal fluid scores, from PGF injection to Day 5, was double for heifers grouped within the upper third for that variable compared with those grouped within the lower third. In conclusion, peri-ovulatory transformations in uterine morphology and function are dramatic and vary in duration and in intensity among animals. Temporal changes in intraluminal fluid accumulation and absorption at the site of embryo arrival may change its biochemical composition. Potential implications for embryo receptivity and reproductive outcomes deserve further investigation.

Development of per vaginal route of serial observations of ovarian activities in buffalo using a simple fiberscope

Sir normally cycling Philippine carabaos were selected from a herd after showing normal estrous cycle for two consecutive times. Observations of the ovarian structures wee performed with the use of a simple fiberscope (model FS 100). The fiberscope was guided to the pelvic cavity close to the position of the ovary by inserting it through a cannula. To facilitate observation of ovarian structures another individual palpated the ovary gently as it was brought close to the fibers tip. The use of a simple fiberscope showed that it was feasible and practical to trace the development and regression of individual follicles with this device. Follicular fluid was transparent and clear in appearance. Corpora lutea on the ovary was less spherical in appearance and was surrounded by a boarder of luteinized tissue. Only well defined forms with a relatively smooth online were considered follicles. Follicles as small as 2 to 3mm were clearly viewed. The use of anesthesia to temporarily paralyze the sacro-coccygeal area did not change the estrous cycle length of the experimental animals. The animals still maintained their normal estrous cycle length (averaging 21.5 +1.5 days and showed signs of estrus, which included mucus discharge, mounting other animals and being mounted and bellowing.

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived DDX4 and KRT-8 positive cells participate in ovarian follicle-like structure formation

SummaryUnderstanding the mechanisms of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) specification, development and differentiation to gametes are useful for elucidating the causes of infertility and potential treatment. This study aims to examine whether hPSCs can be induced to DDX4 extracellularly expressing primordial germ cell-like cells (DDX4ec PGCLCs) and further into ovarian follicle stage in a combined in vitro and in vivo model. The transcriptional signatures show that these DDX4ec PGCLCs are characteristic of PGCs and express ovarian folliculogenesis markers. We also verify that keratin (KRT)-8 is highly expressed in the DDX4ec PGCLCs and plays a crucial role in germ cell migration. By co-culturing DDX4ec PGCLCs with human granulosa cells (GCs), these cells are further induced into ovarian follicle-like structures in a xenograft mice model. This approach can in the future design practical strategies for treating germ cell-associated issues of infertility.

Diagnostic peculiarities of benign ovarian tumors during pregnancy

Objective of the study: improvement of diagnostic methods for pregnant women with tumor-like formations and ovarian tumors.Materials and methods. 60 pregnant women were examined and divided into 3 groups: group I – 28 pregnant women with ovarian tumors who underwent surgical treatment during pregnancy; group II – 21 women with ovarian tumors who underwent surgical treatment at various times after spontaneous delivery; group III (control) – 11 women with a normal course of pregnancy without ovarian tumors.Doppler ultrasound was performed on a mandatory basis at the screening time, and as well as needed. MRI was performed in 8 diagnostically difficult cases. In the II trimester of pregnancy at 12–24 weeks in 49 women with ovarian tumors tumor markers were determined: CA-125, HE-4, β2-microglobulin, transthyretin, transferrin and apolipoprotein A-I, and combined ROMA and RMI indices.Results. The analysis showed the characteristic echographic signs of most ovarian tumors in pregnant women. The overall accuracy of ultrasound in determining the ovarian tumor structure at the outpatient level was extremely low and amounted to 21.8%, in a specialized medical institution it was 79.2%. In the diagnosis of mature teratomas were found MRI sensitivity and specificity of 100%, less diagnostic value (sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 96.9%) was typical for endometrioid ovarian cysts. MRI efficiency in detecting malignant potential (borderline and malignant tumors) was quite high (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 97.4%).The presence of any ovarian tumor, except for mature teratomas, was accompanied by a significant increase in CA-125 level. The strongest correlation was found for RMI index and CA-125 and HE-4 tumor markers.Conclusions. Doppler ultrasound and MRI are complementary highly informative methods for diagnosing ovarian tumors in pregnant women. Tumor markers used for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors outside pregnancy (CA-125, HE-4, apolipoprotein A-I, transferrin, transthyretin, β2-microglobulin) do not have a high enough diagnostic value in ovarian tumors in pregnant women, therefore their tests should be supportive.

The effect of agar substrate on growth and development of cryopreserved-thawed human ovarian cortical follicles in organ culture

ObjectiveTo preserve human ovarian tissue structure and improve follicular growth and survival during in-situ culture, various biomaterials are used. In this study we aimed to compare agar as a cultivation substrate with matrigel-coated insert in order to achieve an optimum system for in-situ human follicle culture. Study designFrozen-thawed human ovarian cortical tissues were cultured on either matrigel-coated inserts or agar-soaked substrates. The proportion of morphologically viable and degenerated follicles at different developmental stages, secreted hormonal levels, and apoptotic and proliferation gene expressions were compared between the cultured groups after 7-days of culture. ResultsThe follicular growth was not significantly different between the two cultured groups, although showing higher percentage of growing follicles in agar cultured group. The secreted hormonal levels didn’t have any difference between two cultured groups. Although the apoptotic gene expressions didn’t show any difference between the cultured groups, the apoptotic index was lower in agar cultured group. In addition, Ki67 gene expression, a proliferative marker, showed a significantly higher expression in agar cultured group. ConclusionBased on the results, agar is as suitable as matrigel-coated inserts for the survival and growth of follicles during culture. Therefore, agar can be an inexpensive alternative substrate for culturing frozen-thawed human ovarian cortical strips.

Reproductive characteristics of the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus (Decapoda, Brachyura: Portunidae) from the Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal, Egypt

The reproductive characteristics of crabs play an important role in their fisheries management. The blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus is one of the most commercially important crustaceans distributed along the Egyptian Coast; it has a great demand for their esteemed food. The spawning season of P. pelagicus was estimated based on three parameters: the monthly variation in both the maturity stages and in the gonado-somatic index (GSI) beside the histological examination of the ovarian structure. P. pelagicus was capable of continuous spawning throughout the year, where the mature stage was found to be distributed along the whole year indicating that crabs may be spawn at different times. P. pelagicus spawning mainly takes place twice, January-February (winter period) and June- August (summer period). As the monthly variation in GSI exhibit two distinct peaks in winter and summer. The mean size at which P. pelagicus became potentially reproductive (Lm50) was estimated to be 9.32 cm CW for males and 8.45 cm CW for females. To achieve the sustainable utilization, it is recommended to increase the minimum fishing size of this crab to at least 11.0 cm CW to protect the stock biomass and allow young individuals to reach the suitable marketable size.

HISTOLOGY AND HISTOMORPHOMETRY OF GAYO MARE OVARIES

This study aims to determine the histology, the number and diameter of follicles, and the corpus albican of the Gayo mare ovary. The micro technical process was applied to 3 pairs of ovarian samples for further hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Observation of ovarian structure was carried out microscopically and the data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that the Gayo mare ovary consists of the medulla on the outside and the cortex on the inside. Medulla consists of small follicles, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Meanwhile, the cortex consists of de Graff's follicle, corpus luteum, corpus albican, and ovulatory fossa. Follicles are composed of oocytes, granulosa cells, internal and external theca cells, oophorous cumulus, follicular antrum, and follicular fluid. Atretic follicles contain lutein cells that have been damaged. The corpus luteum is composed of granulosa lutein tissue, internal theca and external. The corpus albican is composed of scar tissue and lutein cells. The measurement results showed that the primordial follicle diameter was 26.60±2.37 µm, primary follicle 54.33±6.70 µm, secondary follicle 119.32±25.55 µm, tertiary follicle 250.86±49.46 µm, atretic follicle 49.03±45.47 µm, the corpus albican 511.10±132.41 µm. Thus, it can be concluded that the Gayo mare ovary has a histological structure that is not different from the ovary of other mares. Follicular growth occurs in the medulla of the ovary, and de Graff's follicles are present in the cortex of the ovaries.

Cryopreservation of sheep ovarian tissue: Effect of different cryoprotectants and equilibration regimen on ovarian follicles structure

Cryopreservation of sheep ovarian tissue: Effect of different cryoprotectants and equilibration regimen on ovarian follicles structure

Seasonal changes in reproductive anatomy and gonadal hormone concentrations of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)

Several standard descriptions of the avian male and female reproductive tract have been reported, including effects of age, stage of reproductive maturity and gonadal hormone concentrations. Limited information on penguin reproductive biology and a lack of information on the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) necessitated a detailed description of salient structural features of this species and provided an opportunity to evaluate seasonal changes in gonadal steroid hormone concentrations. Tissues from 36 males (adults and juveniles) and 29 females (adults and juveniles) were used for macro-anatomical descriptions and histology of the testes and ovaries. In addition, concentrations of gonadal steroid hormones for eight captive African penguins (four females and four males) were quantified during two breeding and one non-breeding season. The testes were asymmetrical, with the right testis having smaller dimensions compared to the left testis. Marked spermatogenic cellular associations and spermatid developmental stages were present in adult testes only during the breeding season. There was variation in the dimensions of the single ovary during follicular development related to the age and breeding status of the females. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol concentrations fluctuated during the breeding and non-breeding periods, with males and females having similar steroid concentrations. The results from this study confirm that the breeding status in African penguins can be deduced based on testicular and ovarian histological structures. The results from the present study focused on African penguin reproductive biology should be considered in management strategies for the conservation of the species.

The levels of follicular fluid cell-free mitochondrial DNA could serve as a biomarker for pregnancy success in patients with small ovarian endometriosis cysts: A case-control study.

Ovarian endometriosis cyst (OEC) is caused by the growth of ectopic endometrium into the ovarian cortex, leading to disrupted ovarian cortical structures and infertility. Large OECs are usually surgically removed, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) is required for future pregnancy. The oocyte reserve and development of patients with small non-surgical OECs are unknown. In this study, we compared mitochondrial abnormality, ATPase and IF1 mRNA expression levels, and OXPHO complex proteins between OEC vs control mural granulosa cells (mGCs).OEC mGCs show fewer mitochondria per cell, a higher proportion of aberrant morphology, lower ATPase mRNA levels, higher IF1 mRNA levels, and impaired expression of 3 of the 5 critical proteins involved in the OXPHOS complex, compared with control mGCs. Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) levels are higher in the follicular fluid of patients with OEC and were inversely associated with the expression of mtDNA in mGCs and cumulus granulosa cells (cGCs).Taken together, this study indicates that small non-surgical OECs lead to poor quality of oocytes and subsequent embryos during ART compared with control, which was accompanied by mGC mitochondrial dysfunction. mGC and cGC mtDNA and FF cfmtDNA might serve as efficient biomarkers for the non-invasive prediction of pregnancy outcomes in patients with OEC undergoing ART.

Pediatric granular cell tumor of vulva: A rare benign tumor

We present a rare case of a school-aged girl with granular cell tumor of the vulva. The patient presented with a right labial swelling of unknown duration. Initial diagnostic workup with ultrasound suggested a gonadal structure in the right labia, which was read as ovarian herniation through the Canal of Nuck into the right labia majora. Given concerns for a concurrent Mullerian dysgenesis syndrome predisposing the patient to ovarian herniation, the patient was scheduled for a diagnostic laparoscopy and hernia repair with possible excision of vulvar mass. Laparoscopy revealed normal reproductive anatomy with two visualized normal appearing pelvic ovaries. Subsequent excision of the mass was determined to be granular cell tumor by pathology. There are fewer than 20 reported cases of pediatric vulvar granular cell tumors in the literature and no reports of granular cell tumors presenting as ovarian structure on imaging. This case highlights the importance of including this rare tumor in the differential diagnosis for vulvar mass which may be misread as ovary on ultrasound. • Granular cell tumors of the vulva are extremely rare, especially in children. • Ultrasound imaging of the tumor may present as ovarian structures. • Clinicians should include granular cell tumors within the differential for a vulvar mass. • In children wide local excision is curative and follow up is necessary for minimum of two years due to high recurrence rates.

Effects of immunization against inhibin α-subunit on ovarian structures, pregnancy rate, embryonic and fetal losses, and prolificacy rate in goats where estrus was induced during the non-breeding season

The objectives of the study were to determine the dose-dependent effects of active immunization against inhibin α-subunit (AIINHA) on ovarian dynamics, concentrations of progesterone (P4), pregnancy rate (PR), embryonic and fetal losses (EFL), and prolificacy during the non-breeding season when there was imposing of a progestin-based treatment regimen to induce estrus in Beetal goats. Goats (n = 30) were randomly assigned into following groups: 1) saline (G-CON-0 mg; n = 10), 2) small dose (G-AIINHA-0.5 mg; n = 10), and 3) large dose (G-AIINHA-1 mg; n = 10). The primary administration of inhibin immunogen was administered at Day -48, followed by another administration at Day -20, and subsequently there was induction of estrus using a progestin based treatment regimen that included a single administration of progestin-containing sponge and PGF2α at Day -8. The sponge was removed, and GnRH was administered at Day -3 followed by breeding (Day 0) at standing estrus. Results indicated mean diameter of the follicles, size of pre-ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea, and post-breeding P4 concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the goat does of the G-AIINHA-0.5 than G-CON-0 group. The PR, and EFL, however, did not differ (P> 0.05) among groups, whereas prolificacy rate was greater (P = 0.04) in goat does of the G-AIINHA-0.5 than G-CON-0 groups. The data from this study indicate G-AIINHA-0.5 is the recommended dose of inhibin immunogen to enhance the reproductive performance during non-breeding season in Beetal goats when estrus is induced using a progestin-based treatment regimen.

The effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to electromagnetic field on rat ovarian tissue.

Exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) can have adverse effects on many organs and tissues, including the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EMF exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods on ovarian development in rat offspring. In this study, rat pups born from eight pregnant rats were used. EMF exposure was initiated on the first day of pregnancy and continued until the 42nd postnatal day. The blood and ovarian tissue samples of female offspring in sham and EMF groups were collected when they reached the age of 42 days. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in the EMF group than in the sham group. Estradiol levels were significantly lower in the EMF group than in the sham group. Tissue-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and expression were significantly greater in the EMF group than in the sham group. In the EMF group, congestion, bleeding areas, and degeneration of follicle structures were observed in ovarian tissue. The findings suggest that exposure to 50-Hz, 3-mT EMF used in this study during prenatal and postnatal periods may lead to impaired ovarian structure and function in female offspring. EMF may affect ovarian physiology by increasing iNOS levels and may lead to fertility disorders.

Follicular and luteal morphofunctionality of dairy cows supplemented with calcium salts of fatty acids in AIFT programs

We aimed to define the effect of strategic supplementation with calcium salts of fatty acids on the morphofunctionality of ovarian structures in crossbred dairy cows submitted to a hormonal protocol for artificial insemination at a fixed time (AIFT) A total of 20 lactating crossbred females (Bos taurus x Bos taurus indicus) were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (CON), which received concentrate with no added fat in the diet, and the treatment group (TRAT), which received concentrate with salts of fatty acid calcium (Megalac-E, Church and Dwight Co. Inc., Trenton, NJ, marketed in Brazil by Elanco-Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA). The diets were provided for 30 days. The animals started consuming the supplement 20 days before the beginning of the follicular wave and ovulation synchronization protocol (Day-20). Follicular development was monitored by mode B ultrasound and power-doppler assessments every 12 h between day D8 and the time of ovulation. By measuring the follicular diameter (DFOL), the area of the follicular wall (AFOL) and the vascularization area of the follicle wall (VFOL) were able to be determined. On days 7 and 16 after ovulation, US mode B and doppler were performed in order to analyze the corpus luteum diameter (DCL), area of the corpus luteum (ACL), and the vascularization area of the corpus luteum (VCL). In addition, blood samples were collected to measure the serum concentration of P4 using chemiluminescence methodology. There was no effect of supplementation on milk production results (p = 0.15), body weight (p = 0.57), ECC (p = 0.78), albumin (p = 0.83), and the lipid profile (CT [p = 0.36], HDL [p = 0.11], LDL [p = 0.55], VLDL [p = 0.15] and TRIG [p = 0.15]). The supplementation of SCAG, 30 days before IATF, under the conditions of this experiment had no significant influence on follicular and luteal morphofunctionality. However, suspension of supplementation caused a deficit in the luteal blood flow.