Physical Properties Of Cervical Mucus Research Articles

The most Applicable Physical Properties of Cervical Mucus Correlated with High Pregnancy Rate in Egyptian Cows under Heat Stress Condition

The most Applicable Physical Properties of Cervical Mucus Correlated with High Pregnancy Rate in Egyptian Cows under Heat Stress Condition

Studies on Estrual Cervical Mucus of Repeat Breeding Cows with Special Reference to Ovulatory Disturbances and Genital Infection

A total of 100 crossbred Jersey cows comprising of 80 repeat breeder presented for treatment and 20 clinically healthy (control group) animals presented for artificial Insemination at their first service within 60–90 days following calving were selected. Estrual cervical mucus were examined for physical properties and white side test (WST). Effects of ovulatory disturbances and non specific bacterial genital infection on physical properties of cervical mucus were also determined. The volume, colour, consistency, stringiness, fern pattern and spinnbarkeit values of cervical mucus were not affected by ovulatory disturbances, while, colour, consistency and pH showed significant (p < 0.01) changes due to non-specific bacterial genital infection. The results of WST showed significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation (0.484) with bacterial culture. It is concluded that ovulatory disturbances have no impact on altering physical characteristics of estrual cervical mucus; however, colour, consistency and pH of cervical mucus are greatly influenced by nonspecific bacterial genital infection in repeat breeding cattle.

Physical properties of bovine cervical mucus during normal and induced (progesterone and/or PGF2α) estrus

Ninety two Friesian cows were used to determine physical properties of cervical mucus collected during normal estrus and estrus induced. Estrus was induced using either progesterone (P 4) releasing intravaginal devices (PRID) and/or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The animals were assigned to 4 groups (no treatment, a PRID for 12 days plus an injection of 1000 IU PMSG at the removal of the PRID, a double injection of 3 mL PGF2α 11 days apart, and a PRID for 7 days plus an injection of PGF2α 24 h before the removal of PRID). A number of cows with normal estrus exhibited three consecutive estrus cycles after calving. Cows that had not shown estrus for three months after calving had their reproductive system palpated twice at 10-day intervals, to determine their ovarian activity. Then PRID and/or PGF2α was administered to cows that were found to have a palpable corpus luteum in one of two palpations (cycling cows). The cows of the three induced estrous groups were artificially inseminated (AI) twice, while those with normal estrus received only a single AI. Cervical mucus samples were collected from all cows 5 to 30 min before the first AI. Additionally, samples of cervical mucus were collected from 20 cows at their first estrus after the induced estrus. The results are summarized as follows: 1) The physical properties of cervical mucus were similar in the first three normal consecutive estrus cycles after calving. 2) The physical properties of cervical mucus in normal estrus after calving were similar to those in the first estrus after an induced estrus. 3) The pH values for normal estrus were similar to those for induced estrus. 4) Viscosity of cervical mucus in the normal estrous group was significantly lower than that in the induced estrus. Furthermore, significant differences were noticed among the three induced estrous groups. 5) Spinnbarkeit, crystallization and receptivity of cervical mucus (penetration test) were significantly higher in the normal estrous group than in the induced estrous groups, while no difference was detected among induced estrus groups. 6) Pregnancy rates in physical properties of cervical mucus at the time of the second AI were similar to those for normal estrus but this suggestion needs further investigation. On the other hand, at the time of the first AI very few cows in the induced estrus groups produced cervical mucus similar to that of cows with normal estrus. The physical properties that differed the most were viscosity, spinnbarkeit, and the penetration test. Other authors found that cows do not exhibit estrus at the same determined time (11,26). On the basis of this finding physical properties of cervical mucus could be used as an indicator for the time of estrus manifestation, in order to increase pregnancy rates by applying AI at an optimal time. In summary, the results from the present study showed that the physical properties of cervical mucus in the first three consecutive normal estrous periods after calving are similar; that the first estrus after an induced estrus is a normal estrus; that viscosity, spinnbarkeit, crystallization and receptivity of cervical mucus (penetration test) are significantly different for normal than for induced-estrus groups at the time of first AI; and a small percentage of cows with induced estrus produce cervical mucus with parameters of viscosity, spinnbarkeit and receptivity similar to those found in normal estrus. These properties could be used as indicators for the quality of cervical mucus produced by the cows with induced estrus.

Prediction and Detection of Ovulation

This paper reviews and evaluates various methods for the prediction and detection of ovulation, with emphasis on the role this plays in management of infertility and in natural family planning. After spelling out the hormonal events which control the ovulatory process, techniques for ovulation detection and timing are discussed. These fall into 2 classifications: 1) direct assays of gonadotropins or steroid hormones in the serum or urine; and 2) evaluation of peripheral changes preceding, coinciding with, or succeeding ovulation. Since serial hormone assays are not practical in routine clinical practice, clinicians generally rely on peripheral or end-organ changes to determine alteration in circulating steroid hermone levels, but direct assays of gonadotropins and sex steroids would have to supplement these methods to determine the accuracy of commonly performed methods of ovulation detection. Tests based on hormone assays include daily assays of 1) serum or urinary lutienizing hormone (LH), 2) urinary estrogens (or estrogen metabolites) or serum estradiol, and 3) serum progesterone or urinary pregnanediol. Each assay is described in the text. Tests based on peripheral and systemic changes include ]) basal body temperature changes, 2) tests of physical properties of cervical mucus (appearance, spinnbarkheit, ferning, and burn test), 3) tests of the chemical content of cervical mucus (protein constituents and enzymes), 4) endometrial biopsy, 5) vaginal cytology, and 6) saliva sampling (measuring alkaline phosphatase levels which generally increase at time of ovulation). Tests based on hematologic changes, especially the decrease of blood basophil count at ovulation, are also discussed. Among the possible techniques of natural family planning discussed are the calendar method (Ogino-Knaus), the cervical mucus (ovulation) method, and the symptothermic method (basal temperature and calender combined) method.

Cervical mucus in estrous ewes after treatment with estrogen, progestogens and intrauterine devices.

The influence of estradiol, 6-alpha-methyl-17alpha-acetoxyprogesterone (MAP), and a unilaterally placed IUD on cervical mucus production was studied in estrous ewes. The animals received either 60 mg MAP from Days 9 to 21 of the extended estrous cycle, 25 mcg estradiol from Day 9 until estrus, or an IUD. MAP treatment significantly (p less than .05) increased cervical mucus production at estrus compared with the other treatments. However, the percentage of dry matter, chloride concentration, and spinnbarkeit did not markedly vary between groups. The protein content was markedly increased by estradiol. In a 2nd experiment, ewes received intravaginal sponges containing either 60 mg MAP, 30 mg 9-fluro-11beta-17-dihydroxyprogesterone-17-acetate (Cronolone), or 60 mg Cronolone from Day 9 to 21 of the extended estrous cycle. All 3 treatments significantly (p less than .01) increased cervical mucus production at estrus. There was little difference in the measured chemical and physical properties of cervical mucus between controls and treated animals. The increased production of cervical mucus in progesterone-treated animals may account for the reported reduction in the number of sperm in progesterone-treated ewes.

Physical properties of cervical mucus.

Over the last fifteen years a detailed series of studies (Odeblad, 1973) has been undertaken which have utilized a number of different biophysical methods which include nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) techniques, viscometry, light scattering, sperm migration and tracer techniques involving exchange with heavy water (D2O, H2 17O). These have established a well defined hypothesis for the specific structure of cervical mucus in different endocrinal states in which there is an ordered arrangement of the mucin macromolecules which comprise the high viscosity component of cervical mucus, (Figure 1). In the ovulatory mucus these are arranged into bundles (“micelles”) with the low-viscosity aqueous phase or cervical plasma being present between the molecular bundles. These micelles are interconnected to form the gel network. The linking of the macromolecules is hormone dependent, due to hormone-regulated differences of the biosynthetic processes which are as yet undefined. The ovulatory micelle system (mucus type E) permits sperm propagation while the gestagenic mucus (type G) does not permit sperm entry or transmission through the genital tract. The mucin macromolecules which are synthesized during oestrogenic stimuli tend to crosslink in such a manner that a low-entropy system of elongated, branched molecular aggregates occur which is surrounded by its high water of hydration. The biosynthesis which occurs under the additional control of progestogens results in another type of cross-linking, in which there is a system of high entropy with the formation of far smaller micelles or not at all.

Studies on Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives: Cervical Mucus and Plasma Hormone Changes in Relation to Circulating D-Norgestrel and 17α-Ethynyl Estradiol Concentrations

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive comprising 150 mug of D-norgestrel and 30 mug of 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol (Microgynon) on the plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17BETA-ESTRADIOL, AND PROGESTERONE AND ON THE PHYSICAl properties of cervical mucus. Samples of blood and cervical mucus were obtained from three women during a treated cycle and the immediately-following "withdrawal" cycle. Specific radioimmunoassay methods were used to determine LH, FSH, 17beta-estradiol, and progesterone levels in treated and withdrawal cycles, and D-norgestrel and 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol in samples obtained during treated cycles. The concentration of synthetic steroids was also measured in blood samples obtained before and 1 hour after ingestion of the contraceptive to determine the maximal daily variation. The results indicated that the contraceptive action of this combined low-dose oral contraceptive is mediated through suppression of ovulation and by rendering the cervical mucus impenetrable to sperm. Plasma FSH levels appeared to be one of the most sensitive indices of suppression. Determination of D-norgestrel and 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol showed that 3 to 4 days were required to reach maximal plasma levels and that daily fluctuations were considerable. Withdrawal of the pill resulted in an immediate return to ovulatory cycles in all three subjects studied.

Status and Prospects of Natural Family Planning

A 3-day conference on natural family planning held at Airlie House Warrenton Virginia under the joint auspices of the Human Life Foundation and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is reviewed. Subject matter included biological rhythms menstrual cycle immature and aged gametes prediction of ovulation detection and control of ovulation psychology of natural family planning and teaching of clients. Biological rhythms are detectable in all living organisms. Those that operate apart from the environment are known as circadian circatidal circamonthly and circannual cycles. The reproductive rhythm of mammals was especially considered. The mechanism underlying reproductive cyclicity appears to operate via catecholamines which stimulate nuclei in the hypothalamus to secrete certain peptides called releasing factors. The peptides pass through the veins to the pituitary. The hormones secreted by the pituitary then act on the ovaries and testes to control reproductive function. The gonads in turn secrete hormones that return to the hypothalamus to help regulate releasing factor production. These activities are constant but oscillations have been shown. Menstrual histories reveal that cycles are not really regular particularly in the periods before age 20 and after age 40. When an ovum is fertilized later than normal subsequent abnormalities in cell division may occur. In vitro studies suggest that fertilization of aging ova is associated with a larger fraction of abnormal births than with normal ova. Both aged and immature spermatozoa also appear to be a liability. The use of natural family planning may increase the probability of fertilization with aging gametes. A prediction of impending ovulation is needed. To be effective it must become positive by 72 hours before ovulation. Current methods indicate only present or part ovulation. Regulation of ovulation by steroid therapy or hormones has been tried particularly with clomiphene. Changes in the physical properties of cervical mucus to be noted by the patients have been advocated as a reliable method of predicting ovulation. Basal body temperature records are often used as the best method available. The mental status of couples has also been considered important. Natural family planning requires abstinence diminishes spontaneity focuses daily attention on functions women often prefer to ignore and is associated with anxiety. It was pointed out that the problems differ in different religious cultural and social groups. Techniques of teaching clients also vary in different countries and at several social levels. Programs appear to develop around effective teachers. Natural family planning was recommended as a feasible method of contraception for couples with sufficient motivation and a willingnes s to accept a measurable risk of pregnancy. Improved techniques are hoped for.

Physical properties of cervical mucus in relation to bovine fertility.

A review of the literature has confirmed the hypothesis that the changes which occur in the physical properties of the cervical mucus during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in the cow (as revealed by rheological and ultra-violet absorption studies) are closely related to hormonal levels, particularly the levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Although such a relationship is useful in the diagnosis of oestrus and of pregnancy, it can lead to false diagnoses where hormonal conditions are abnormal. In a recent experiment pregnancy would have been wrongly diagnosed in about 5% of the cows if no allowance had been made for their non-pregnant hormonal condition. It is suggested that studies of the physical and chemical properties of the cervical secretions in relation to hormonal levels may throw light on those cases of bovine subfertility which are known to be related to hormonal imbalance. A. P. G. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)