Phase Of Ovarian Cycle Research Articles

Impact of the ovarian cycle and pregnancy on plasma chemistry values in ewes.

Normative data for plasma chemistry values in pregnant and non-pregnant reproductive age ewes are scant. Availability of data would aid monitoring of ewe health for both research and veterinary medicine. We determined specific plasma chemistry 95% confidence reference intervals (RIs) in non-pregnant and pregnant ewes. Mixed Western-breed ewes were grouped based on phase of ovarian cycle: luteal ( n = 15), follicular ( n = 17), or late-gestation pregnant ( n = 102). Plasma samples were collected for analysis on a commercial biochemical analyzer. For RIs, chemistry panels for the 3 groups of ewes included nutrients and metabolites (glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and bilirubin), enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]), and micronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, and chloride). Sample chemistry values for glucose and total protein in pregnant ewes were lower than in follicular ewes; cholesterol was lower in pregnant and luteal ewes than in follicular ewes. In addition, total bilirubin in pregnant ewes differed from that in luteal ewes, and that in follicular ewes also differed from luteal ewes. ALP in pregnant ewes was higher than other groups; phosphorus in pregnant ewes was lower than in luteal ewes. Iron was higher in pregnant ewes than in luteal ewes, with iron in luteal ewes lower than in follicular ewes. These data provide clinical RIs comparing pregnant and non-pregnant ewes for use in monitoring ewe health in both human research and veterinary medicine.

Women's preferences for men's beards show no relation to their ovarian cycle phase and sex hormone levels

According to the ovulatory shift hypothesis, women's mate preferences for male morphology indicative of competitive ability, social dominance, and/or underlying health are strongest at the peri-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. However, recent meta-analyses are divided on the robustness of such effects and the validity of the often-used indirect estimates of fertility and ovulation has been called into question in methodological studies. In the current study, we test whether women's preferences for men's beardedness, a cue of male sexual maturity, androgenic development and social dominance, are stronger at the peri-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle compared to during the early follicular or the luteal phase. We also tested whether levels of estradiol, progesterone, and the estradiol to progesterone ratio at each phase were associated with facial hair preferences. Fifty-two heterosexual women completed a two-alternative forced choice preference test for clean-shaven and bearded male faces during the follicular, peri-ovulatory (validated by the surge in luteinizing hormone or the drop in estradiol levels) and luteal phases. Participants also provided for one entire menstrual cycle daily saliva samples for subsequent assaying of estradiol and progesterone. Results showed an overall preference for bearded over clean-shaven faces at each phase of the menstrual cycle. However, preferences for facial hair were not significantly different over the phases of menstrual cycle and were not significantly associated with levels of reproductive hormones. We conclude that women's preferences for men's beardedness may not be related to changes in their likelihood of conception.

Physical Fitness, Hemodynamic and Affective Responses to Psychosocial Stress in Women

PURPOSE: Studies suggest that adaptations resulting from regular physical exercise training might positively impact physiological adaptations to psychological stressors. A reduced physiologic sensitivity to psychosocial stressors may be one mechanism by which physical fitness may serve to buffer the deleterious effects of chronic stress. However, to date, there has been limited study of the relationship between physical fitness and physiological and affective stress responding in women which considers the profound influence of the ovarian cycle on physiological and affective responses to stress. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and physiological and affective responses to stress in women, while considering ovarian cycle phase effects on the stress response. METHODS: Following a two-tiered screening process, 10 healthy women (18-45y) who were medication-free and had regular menstrual cycles were enrolled. Participants completed an enrollment visit, (including perceived stress assessment and assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness via maximal oxygen consumption during exercise); and a psychosocial stressor protocol for the collection of hemodynamic [blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and heart rate (HR)], affective, and hormonal stress responses. Psychosocial stress testing sessions occurred during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to control for hormone fluctuations which can influence the physiological response to stress. RESULTS: Preliminary results from this ongoing study show a trend for higher levels of physical fitness to be associated with lower SBP (r= -.58, p = 0.08) and DBP (r= -.56, p = 0.09) reactivity to stress. Interestingly, higher physical fitness was significantly associated with a more negative affective response to the psychosocial stressor tasks (speech: r = .70, p = .02, math: r = .71, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: If confirmed in our larger sample, results suggest a possible dissociation of the physiological and psychological stress responses associated with physical fitness in women during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Blood pressure and hemodynamics: Mayer waves in different phases of ovarian and menstrual cycle in women.

The goal of the research is to investigate the special effect of ovarian-menstrual cycle phases on the level of women's blood pressure and characteristics of Mayer waves. 77 women aged 18-19 were tested under condition close to the state of basal metabolism in follicular phase (I), ovulation (II) and luteal phase (III) of ovarian-menstrual cycle. In phases II and III, the increase of mean and diastolic blood pressure level, in comparison with phase I in the prone position at rest and with psycho-emotional loading, were observed. The distinctions between variation parameters of R-R interval duration, stroke volume and its synchronization in phases II and III, in comparison with phase I, were observed in the prone position at rest, during tilt-test and with psycho-emotional loading. The substantial level of relationship between the power of Mayer waves and mean and diastolic blood pressure, mainly in phase I under conditions of all types, is observed. The maximum peak amplitude of stroke volume spectrogram is associated with pressure levels in the range of 0.04-0.15 Hz (rho from -0.33 to -0.64). The obtained results indicate the possible participation of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity characteristics in keeping blood pressure level in women.

Ovarian cycling and reproductive state shape the vaginal microbiota in wild baboons

BackgroundThe vaginal microbiome is an important site of bacterial-mammalian symbiosis. This symbiosis is currently best characterized for humans, where lactobacilli dominate the microbial community and may help defend women against infectious disease. However, lactobacilli do not dominate the vaginal microbiota of any other mammal studied to date, raising key questions about the forces that shape the vaginal microbiome in non-human mammals.ResultsWe used Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to investigate variation in the taxonomic composition of the vaginal microbiota in 48 baboons (Papio cynocephalus), members of a well-studied wild population in Kenya. Similar to prior studies, we found that the baboon vaginal microbiota was not dominated by lactobacilli. Despite this difference, and similar to humans, reproductive state was the dominant predictor of baboon vaginal microbiota, with pregnancy, postpartum amenorrhea, and ovarian cycling explaining 18% of the variance in community composition. Furthermore, among cycling females, a striking 39% of variance in community composition was explained by ovarian cycle phase, with an especially distinctive microbial community around ovulation. Periovulatory females exhibited the highest relative abundance of lactic acid-producing bacteria compared to any other phase, with a mean relative abundance of 44%. To a lesser extent, sexual behavior, especially a history of shared sexual partners, also predicted vaginal microbial similarity between baboons.ConclusionsDespite striking differences in their dominant microbes, both human and baboon vaginal microbiota exhibit profound changes in composition in response to reproductive state, ovarian cycle phase, and sexual behavior. We found major shifts in composition during ovulation, which may have implications for disease risk and conception success. These findings highlight the need for future studies to account for fine-scale differences in reproductive state, particularly differences between the various phases of the ovarian cycle. Overall, our work contributes to an emerging understanding of the forces that explain intra- and inter-individual variation in the mammalian vaginal microbiome, with particular emphasis on its role in host health and disease risk.

Variation in circulating antimüllerian hormone precursor during the periovulatory and acute postovulatory phases of the human ovarian cycle

To determine whether the relative quantity of circulating AMH precursor (proAMH) declines relative to levels of the active form (AMHN,C) in the periovulatory phase of the ovarian cycle. Longitudinal study. Local community. Sixteen women aged between 18 to 30years with regular menstrual cycles between 25 to 35days long. None. Serum concentrations of proAMH and total AMH (proAMH and AMHN,C combined) measured by immunoassay, with relative levels of proAMH expressed as the AMH prohormone index (API = [ProAMH]/[Total AMH] × 100). The mean API in the 11 eligible women fell from 20.7 during the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge period to 18.7 during the acute postsurge period. No statistically significant differences in the API were observed among samples taken at single time points in the early follicular, midfollicular, midluteal, and late luteal phases. This study suggests that activation of AMH by proteolytic enzymes is largely stable throughout the ovarian cycle. However, there is a subtle but robust decrease in the level of proAMH relative to AMHN,C in the acute postovulatory period. This may indicate that periovulatory increases in prohormone convertases cause increases in proAMH cleavage rates. Alternatively, rapid changes in the hierarchy of follicle developmental stages during ovulation may result in changes in the relative ratios of proAMH and AMHN,C.

Are Women Sensitive to the Acute Anxiolytic Effect of Diazepam?

Objective: Several studies have shown the influence of ovarian hormones on the GABAergic system. As women are naturally exposed to monthly fluctuation of these hormones, it is possible that their response to benzodiazepines also change over the ovarian cycle. Bearing this in mind, this study aimed to evaluate the possible influence of the ovarian cycle of healthy women on the acute effect of diazepam. Methods: Forty subjectively healthy women were selected and randomly allocated to two different groups, according to their ovarian cycle phase, follicular (6 to 10 days from the first day of the cycle) or luteal (5 to 10 days after detection of urinary LH peak). Both groups completed the Video-Monitored Stroop Color-Word Test (VMSCWT), an experimental model of anxiety, under the influence of diazepam (10 mg) or placebo. Psychological parameters (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Self-evaluation of Tension Level, Visual Analogue Mood Scale) and physiological parameters (heart rate and gastrocnemius electromyogram activity) were evaluated throughout the test. All the data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test for post hoc comparisons, both at the 5% significance level. Results: The results showed that, in the follicular phase, women did not respond to the anxiolytic action of diazepam, although a sedative effect was observed; while in the luteal phase, there was no response to either sedative or anxiolytic actions. As a control for the experimental conditions, a group of 18 men was also administered to the VMSCWT. The results confirmed that both the anxiogenic test and the administered drug were working as expected, since diazepam managed to prevent the anxiety induced by the test. Conclusion: Therefore, the present findings indicate that the ovarian cycle can alter the effects of the acute administration of diazepam, which can vary from no effect to sedation, without going through anxiolysis.

Non-reproductive Effects of Anovulation: Bone Metabolism in the Luteal Phase of Premenopausal Women Differs between Ovulatory and Anovulatory Cycles.

Introduction: Several authors have linked subclinical ovulatory disturbances in normal length menstrual cycles to premenopausal fracture risk and bone changes. This study systematically examined the influence of ovulation and anovulation on the bone metabolism of premenopausal women. Participants and Methods: In 176 cycles in healthy premenopausal women, FSH, 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) as well as bone alkalic phosphatase (BAP), pyridinoline (PYD) and C-terminal crosslinks (CTX) were measured during the follicular and during the luteal phase. The probability and timing of ovulation was self-assessed by a monitoring device. In addition, bone density of the lumbar spine was measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at baseline and at the end of the study. Analysis was restricted to blood samples taken more than three days before the following menstruation. Results: 118 cycles out of the 176 collected cycles were complete with blood samples taken within the correct time interval. Of these, 56.8 % were ovulatory by two criteria (ovulation symbol shown on the monitor display and LP progesterone > 6 ng/ml), 33.1 % were possibly ovulatory by one criterion (ovulation symbol shown on the monitor display or LP progesterone > 6 ng/ml), and 10.2 % were anovulatory by both criteria). Ovulation in the previous cycle and in the same cycle did not significantly influence the mean absolute concentrations of the bone markers. However, bone formation (BAP) was higher in the luteal phase of ovulatory cycles than in anovulatory cycles (n. s.) and the relative changes within one cycle were significantly different for bone resorption (CTX) during ovulatory vs. anovulatory cycles (p < 0.01). In 68 pairs of cycles following each other directly, both ovulation in the previous cycle and ovulation in the present cycle influenced CTX, but not the differences of other bone markers. Conclusion: Ovulatory cycles reduce bone resorption in their luteal phase and that of the following cycle. The interaction between ovulation and bone metabolism is complex. Since anovulation may occur in low estrogen states such as pre-anorexic dietary restraint, as well as with high estrogenic circumstances e.g. from functional perimenopausal ovarian cysts, the association with bone changes has been variable in the literature. Accumulating physiological and clinical evidence however point towards a role for ovulation in enhancing bone formation and limiting bone resorption.

Characterization of tubal occlusion after transcervical polidocanol foam (PF) infusion in baboons

ObjectiveOur long-term goal is to develop a nonsurgical method of fallopian tubal occlusion for the purpose of permanent contraception. We have previously demonstrated that transcervical administration of 5% polidocanol foam (PF) can create tubal occlusion in macaques but that multiple treatments are required. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of various regimens of PF with and without depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (to control ovarian cycle phase) in the baboon. Study designAdult cycling female baboons were evaluated for tubal patency by hysterosalpingography and then received a transcervical infusion of PF with (+) or without (−) an intramuscular injection of DMPA (3.5 mg/kg). Two concentrations of PF were compared: 1% [(+) DMPA, n=5; (−) DMPA, n=3] and 5% [(+) DMPA, n=4; (−) DMPA, n=3]. Controls received (+) DMPA (n=2) or (−) DMPA, (n=3) only. The reproductive tracts were removed 1–3 months after treatment for examination. ResultsNo fallopian tubal occlusion was observed in negative controls (±DMPA). Histologic complete tubal occlusion was observed in 3/8 of females treated with 1% PF and in 6/7 treated with 5% PF. Histologic evaluation suggested that 1% PF is associated with prolonged chronic inflammation (more than 2–3 months), while 5% treatment eliminates the epithelial lining, at least focally, and resolves into complete occlusion within 1–2 months. This pattern of complete occlusion was seen in all 4 females that received 5% PF (+DMPA) and in 2/3 that received 5% PF (−DMPA). ConclusionIn a baboon model of transcervical permanent contraception, a single treatment with 5% PF resulted in complete tubal occlusion more reliably (85%) than 1% PF (38%). Cotreatment with DMPA may improve treatment results with 5% PF but requires additional study. ImplicationsA finding that a single transcervical treatment with 5% PF can occlude the fallopian tubes of baboon supports further study of this approach as a novel strategy for permanent contraception for women.

Ultimobranchial gland respond in a different way in male and female fresh water teleost Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) during reproductive cycle

The present study was carried out to analyze the differences in the activity of ultimobranchial gland (UBG) between male and female fresh water teleost Mastacembelus armatus during reproductive cycle. Considerable variations in the nuclear diameter of UBG cells and plasma calcitonin (CT) levels during different reproductive phases of testicular and ovarian cycle suggested that the activity of the UBG depends upon the sexual maturity of fishes. A positive correlation was observed between plasma CT and sex steroid levels and the gonadosomatic index in both sexes which further confirmed the involvement of UBG in the processes related to gonadal development in fishes irrespective of the sex. Sudden increase in the level of plasma CT and nuclear diameter of UBG cells after administration of 17 α-methyltestosterone in males and 17 β-estradiol in females during resting phase of the reproductive cycle clearly showed that UBG becomes hyperactive with increases in the level of sex steroids. Plasma calcium level was also found to be positively correlated with gonadal maturation in females. However no such change in plasma calcium level in relation to testicular cycle was observed. Thus it can be concluded that UBG becomes hyperactive during gonadal maturation but its role differs between male and female fishes. In females it may involved in both gonadal maturation and plasma calcium regulation while in males its involvement in calcium regulation was not justified. Variations in the level of CT during various phases of testicular cycle evidenced its involvement in gonadal maturation only.

Reproductive Behavior of Female University Students in Relation to Endocrine Regulators Concentration in Blood Plasma during Ovarian Cycle Phases

The aim of our work based on answers of Slovak women - university students that are representing an important target group, was to analyse their reproductive behaviour and opinions, because the behaviour and opinions concerning reproduction could differ significantly depending also on education. Our goal was to analyze associations among reproductive behaviour of university student girls, their opinions and concentrations of endocrine regulators (insulin-like growth factors IGF-1, estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) in the blood serum and record their changes during the ovarian cycle. The group under study encompassed 301 female university students aged 19 ± 1.371 years. Analysis of reproductive behaviour characteristics were based on a questionnaire method. Concentrations of the IGF-1, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone in blood plasma according to ovarian cycle phase had been set by biochemical methods and then linked with reproductive behaviour. Average value of sexual debut for girls was 17.21 ± 1.31 years. Most of them get over their first sexual intercourse in the age of 19 and almost half of them had one sexual partner. Differences in hormone concentrations were proved according to ovarian cycle phase for estradiol and progesterone, but no differences were found for testosterone; physiological role of IGF-1 during ovarian cycle did not alternate. IGF-1 influenced regulation of female students´ opinion of optimum age for sexual life beginning, their attitude to gender identity and marriage planning. Satisfaction with sexual identity was associated with higher blood estradiol level (but not with testosterone and progesterone levels). The outputs given in this work can help identifying insufficiently known relations between less known endocrine regulators (IGF-1) and reproductive behaviour of young women. Practical results are assumed e.g. in possible screening tests, diagnostics and subsequent troubleshooting concerning the reproduction behaviour of young women.

Endometrial Cytology at Luteal and Follicular Phases of the Ovarian Cycle in Cows

Abstract The aim of the study was to examine cytological changes in the uterus in cows during the follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle, as well as to compare two different methods (brush and flushing) used for cytological material collection and to evaluate their usefulness for monitoring of the endometrium. Ovarian cycle phases were confirmed by ultrasound and by the level of sex hormones (17-β-estradiol and progesterone). The following types of cells were identified in the cytological smears: type I - surface cells; type II - intermediate cells; type III - basal cells; polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs); L - lymphocytes. The number of type I and III cells was statistically significantly higher in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, both in smears prepared using a brush (P&lt;0.001) and by uterine flush (P=0.003). The number of type II cells was statistically significantly higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase in both methods (P&lt;0.001). The results of the study show that phases of the ovarian cycle in cows can be identified based on changes in the quality and percentage of different types of endometrial cells in a cytological examination.

Effects Of Menstrual Cycle On Sweating During Exercise Performed In Hot And Dry Environment

The aim of this study was to compare the local and global sweat rates between the follicular and luteal phases of ovulatory cycles during a progressive exercise until exhaustion, held in a warm and dry environment. Eight women found to be healthy after undergoing a physical examination and with regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles participated in this study. The exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer according to the American College of Sports Medicine protocol. The test began with a power of 50watts in increments of 25watts every 2 minutes until exhaustion, while maintaining a speed of 50rpm. The local sweating rate was measured using filter paper and the global sweating rate was estimated using body weight. Ovulation was detected both by serial transvaginal ultrasonography and serum progesterone measurement. Rectal temperature was higher in the luteal phase (37.54 i?½ 0.03i?½C) when compared with the follicular phase (37.28 i?½ 0.05i?½C, p 0.05). In conclusion, under the environmental conditions tested in this study, the local and global sweat rates elicited by progressive exercise to exhaustion were not influenced by the phases of the menstrual cycle.

Biochemical and Fatty Acids Composition of Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Follicular Fluid

Aim of this study was to characterize the biochemical and fatty acids composition of follicular fluid collected from follicles of different sizes and in different phases of ovarian cycle in water buffalo farmed in Italy. Ovaries were collected at slaughterhouse during the breeding season; follicular fluid was aspirated dividing samples in small and large follicles (&lt; 6 mm and &gt; 6 mm respectively) and in luteal and follicular phase. Biochemical analysis and gas-chromatography were performed. Biochemical and fatty acids composition were greatly influenced by both follicular dimension and phase of ovarian cycle. Biochemical composition and its variations were in agreement with previously study conducted in buffalo and other species. This is the first report of the fatty acids composition of buffalo follicular fluid. Twenty-two fatty acids were identified in follicular fluid; nine were saturated fatty acids, six monounsatured fatty acids and seven polyunsatured fatty acids. The most dominant fatty acids were linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidonic acid. All the identified fatty acids concentrations vary at least because of follicle dimension or phase, with the exception of γ-linoleic acid and arachidonic acid which concentrations remain stable in all classes.

Characterization of physico-chemical properties of cervical mucus in relation to parity and conception rate in Murrah buffaloes

Cervicalmucusisaviscoelasticsecretionofconstantly secreting mucus producing cells of the endo-cervix [1] and acts as a mechanical barrier to prevent intruding organisms. It is a complex biomaterial having a vital protective function in the cervix during pregnancy. Bovine cervical mucus exists into two phases, aqueous and gel [2]. The aqueous phase contains mostly water (92-95%)with some ions andmetabolites [3]; whereas the glycoproteins (mucins) are themajor component of the gel phase [4]. Colour, appearance, pH and electrical conductivity along with other rheological properties like Spinnbarkeit value, flow elasticity, viscosity, thixotrophy, and arborisationpattern are themost important properties in relation to fertility. These properties vary with endocrinological status of reproductive cycle and directly associated with the estrogen: progesterone ratio and fertility status of dairy animals [5]. Basically two types of cervicalmucus are observed , estrogenic and gestagenic [6] which can be further divided into various subtypes. The rheological properties of cervical mucus becomesmore plentiful, watery and less viscous, during follicular phase, which facilitates the transport of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. However, it becomesopaque, thick, viscousandscantyduring luteal phase not favourable to sperm migration [2]. Cervical secretion becomes more copious and watery during the estrogen dominating phase of ovarian cycle while the viscosity of mucus increases under high progesterone concentration. Therefore may be used in determining the stage of estrus for fixing an optimum time of insemination in farm animals. The occurrence of crystallization is common to all types of mucus. But degree of crystallization/ arborisation pattern in cervical mucus is under the control of two ovarian hormones ., estrogen and progesterone. The phenomenon of crystallization in cervical mucus progresses under the influence of estrogen where as progesterone diminishes the formation of arborisation pattern [3]. Thus it viz.

Montanoa frutescens and Montanoa grandiflora extracts reduce anxiety-like behavior during the metestrus-diestrus phase of the ovarian cycle in Wistar rats.

In previous studies, the anxiolytic-like effects of Montanoa tomentosa and Montanoa frutescens were reported in male rats, but the potential anxiolytic-like effects of Montanoa plants during the different phases of the ovarian cycle in rats remain to be explored. The anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous crude extracts of M. frutescens (25 and 50 mg/kg) and M. grandiflora (25 and 50 mg/kg) in the elevated plus maze were investigated in Wistar rats during the estrous cycle and compared with 2 mg/kg diazepam as a reference anxiolytic drug. To investigate any motor effect (i.e., hyperactivity, no changes, or hypoactivity) associated with the treatments, the rats were evaluated in the open field test. The M. frutescens (25 and 50 mg/kg) and M. grandiflora (50 mg/kg) extracts exerted anxiolytic-like effects during the metestrus-diestrus phase, similar to diazepam, without disrupting spontaneous motor activity. No significant effects of the extracts were detected in either behavioral test during the proestrus-estrus phase, whereas diazepam produced motor hypoactivity in the open field test. These results indicate that the M. frutescens and M. grandiflora extracts possess anxiolytic-like effects that depend on the ovarian cycle phase, supporting the Mexican ancient medicinal use of these plants to ameliorate anxiety disorders.

Ovarian Hormones During Different Phases of Ovarian Cycle In Healthy Young Women

Background: Women having regular ovarian cycle often experience premenstrual syndrome which may be associated with alterations of autonomic nerve function due to fluctuation of ovarian hormones during different phases of ovarian cycle. Objective: To observe the parasympathetic nerve function status and their relationships with ovarian hormones during different phases of ovarian cycle in healthy young women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Physiology at BSMMU, Dhaka in 2007 on 30 eumenorrhogic healthy females aged 20 to 30 years. Serum estrogen and progesterone were measured by MEIA method and parasympathetic nerve functions were assessed by valsalva, deep breathing test and orthostatic test during follicular and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. Data were analyzed by paired student ‘t’ test, and Pearson’s Correlation coefficient test where applicable. Results: Mean resting HR,SBP,DBP and all measures of parasympathetic nerve function were similar in all phases of ovarian cycle. With serum estrogen level, deep breathing showed significant (p&lt;0.05) positive correlation in follicular and luteal phase and valsalva showed significant positive correlation during luteal phase. Conclusion: The results this study suggest that estrogen has got positive influence on parasympathetic nerve function which support cardioprotective role of estrogen in premenopausal females. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v7i2.14456 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2012, December; 7(2): 83-88

Circadian rhythms of gonadal and extra-gonadal hormonal and glycemic profiles during the breeding phase of the ovarian cycle of Indian estuarine grey mullets, Mugil cephalus L.

Circadian rhythms of ovarian activity during the breeding phase of the circannual ovarian cycle were poorly known in estuarine teleosts. This topic was resolved in an Indian estuarine teleost, the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus. Several hormones and blood glucose profiles were investigated at four different time intervals (06.00, 12.00, 18.00 and 24.00 h) of a 24-h period. Sex hormones [estradiol-17β, testosterone and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP)] were quantitated by RIA, FSH, LH, prolactin, T3, T4 and TSH and insulin by ELISA and cortisol, catecholamines and indoleamines by fluorometric analysis. Estradiol-17β, testosterone and DHP profiles were higher in the photophase (06.00–18.00 h) than the scotophase (18.00–06.00 h), with a peak at 12.00 h, whereas, FSH, LH and prolactin concentrations were higher in the scotophase than the photophase with a peak at 24.00 h. But cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and insulin levels were higher in the photophase than the scotophase, with peaks at 06.00 h for T3 and T4, at 12.00 h for adrenal hormones and at 06.00–18.00 h for insulin. Blood glucose profile was lower in the photophase than the scotophase with a peak at 12.00 h unlike insulin. Pineal hormonal levels (NAS and melatonin) were higher in the scotophase than the photophase with a peak at 24.00 h. Serotonin level was at peak at 12.00 h. Environmental factor, such as photoperiod is likely to be responsible for the induction of circadian rhythms of hormones and consequently on blood glucose rhythms via hypothalamic SCN, pineal and retino-hypophysial tract in the mullet. A probable involvement of clock genes in the induction of circadian rhythms of hormones and blood glucose profiles is indicated in the mullet ovarian function.

Growth and obesity and its association with plasma level of steroid hormones and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in Slovak female students

The aim of the present study was to examine the possible role of steroid hormones and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) in the control of human growth and obesity. We measured plasma level of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and IGF-I in 301 young women at different stages of their ovarian cycle, and compared them to the standard morphometric indexes of their growth and obesity - body height, body weight, abdomen circumstance and waist to hip ratio (WHR). The ovarian cycle-dependent changes in plasma progesterone and estradiol, but not in testosterone and IGF-I level were found. Young women with higher body height had significantly higher plasma level of estradiol, testosterone and IGF-I, but not of progesterone, compared to subjects with lower body height in both follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle. Subjects with a higher body weight had significantly higher plasma estradiol and progesterone, but not testosterone and IGF-I than subjects with lower body weight in both follicular and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. Women with a higher abdomen circumference had significantly lower plasma estradiol, but not the other hormones than the subjects with lower abdomen circumference. Women with higher WHR index had significantly higher plasma level of estradiol, but not other hormones than subjects with lower WHR index in both follicular and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. The present observations suggests: (1) that luteal phase of the women ovarian cycle is characterised by a dramatically increase in both progesterone and estradiol, but not in testosterone and IGF-I release, (2) that in human females growth can be up-regulated by testosterone, estradiol and IGF-I, but not by progesterone, (3) that body mass can be up-regulated by progesterone and estradiol, but not by testosterone or IGF-I, and (4) that women obesity (high WHR, but not abdomen circumference) can be promoted by estradiol, but not by other steroid hormones or IGF-I (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 45).

56 COMPARISON OF THE MORPHOLOGY OF VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE CATTLE OVIDUCT IN FOUR PHASES OF THE OVARIAN CYCLE

The oviduct provides the environment necessary for the gamete transport, completion of spermatozoa capacitation, oocyte fertilization and the early development of embryos. In cattle, all of these processes take place between Day 0 to 4 of the ovarian cycle (Day 0 is the day of ovulation). In previous studies, temporal changes in the bovine oviduct morphology were evaluated by dividing the ovarian cycle into luteal and follicular phases. In order to understand the relation between the bovine oviduct morphology and processes occurring there, the ovarian cycle has been further divided into four phases: I (Day 0–4), II (Day 5–10), III (Day 11–17) and IV (Day 18–20), with the day of ovulation considered Day 0 (1980 J. Dairy Sci. 63, 155–160). The aim of the study was to evaluate the oviduct morphology of the infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus in 4 phases of the ovarian cycle. Research material comprised cattle oviducts (classified into 1 of the 4 phases of the cycle based on ovarian morphology), dissected into infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus and subsequently sectioned and processed for histological preparations (hematoxylin and eosin, H&amp;E, staining). Diameters of transverse cross-sections of oviduct and its lumen and thickness of tunicas: mucosa, muscularis and serosa were evaluated in relation to the region of oviduct and the phase of ovarian cycle. Values are given in μm. Statistical analysis was carried out by 1-way analysis of variance and comparisons of mean values were made with the Tukey honestly significant difference test (Statgraphics Plus 5); P &lt; 0.05 was considered to reflect the presence of statistical significance. The comparison of the diameters of transverse cross-sections (A) of oviduct and its lumen (B) shows significant statistical differences between ampulla and isthmus within the phases: A-I (4507.26 vs 2524.47), II (4510.53 vs 2540.67), III (4503.28 vs 2534.07), IV (4500.73 vs 2533.90); B-I (4191.10 vs 1950.88), II (4173.63 vs 1986.33), III (4198.53 vs 1966.88) and IV (4192.50 vs 1959.33). There are no differences among 4 phases of the ovarian cycle. The thickness of tunicas muscularis and serosa of infundibulum (I: 26.81 vs 196.85; II: 27.03 vs 201.80; III: 26.22 vs 199.45; IV: 23.97 vs 198.01), ampulla (I: 91.51 vs 214.50; II: 90.72 vs 212.55; III: 88.61 vs 213.30; IV: 89.65 vs 206.28) and isthmus (I: 202.29 vs 216.52; II: 199.24 vs 207.74; III: 200.90 vs 212.38; IV: 200.38 vs 210.86) show only statistically significant differences within the phases, whereas the tunica mucosa shows only statistically significant differences between phases and the term of the height of epithelium at the base of mucosal folds (I: 26.49; II: 25.20; III: 24.14; IV: 29.96) and their apical parts (I: 28.09; II: 26.01; III: 25.45; IV: 30.96). In conclusion, differences in oviduct morphology are mainly region specific, whereas the epithelium morphologically infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus show variation in the 4 phases of the ovarian cycle. Supported by Grant MNiSW N311236137.