Pregnant Sheep Research Articles

Skeletal myoblast proliferation and differentiation are reduced in growth restricted fetal sheep

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes due in part to deficits in fetal skeletal muscle growth that are not fully compensated after birth. During prenatal development, muscle progenitor cells proliferate, differentiate, and fuse with existing fibers to support myofiber hypertrophy. The total number of myofibers is set in utero, and reductions in myofiber number, size, and myonuclear accretion suggest that myogenesis is impaired in FGR. Previous studies identify similar rates of proliferation and differentiation in FGR and control (CON) myoblasts exposed to enriched growth media in vitro, despite deficits in myoblast proliferation/differentiation in whole muscle of FGR fetuses. Whether muscle progenitor cells of FGR fetuses exhibit impaired myogenic capacity in vivo remains unknown. Using a novel flow cytometry approach to quantify stages of myogenesis in vivo, we aimed to identify the cellular origins of dysregulated skeletal muscle development in FGR due to placental insuffciency. Pregnant sheep were exposed to elevated temperatures (n=15) from early to mid-gestation to induce placental insuffciency and subsequent FGR, defined as birth weight 2 SD below the mean for gestational age. At 90% gestation, fetuses were weighed, and muscle progenitor cells were isolated from biceps femoris of FGR (n=8) and CON (n=5) fetuses for flow cytometry. Muscle cells were identified by anti-CD56, anti-Pax7, and live/dead dye. DAPI was used to quantify resting (G0/1) versus replicating (S/G2) myoblasts. Myogenic regulatory factors, anti-MyoD and anti-myogenin (MyoG), distinguished non-committed (MyoD-/MyoG-) and activated (MyoD+/MyoG-) myoblasts from those beginning (MyoD+/MyoG+) and completing (MyoD-/MyoG+) differentiation. Statistical significance was determined by Student’s t-tests with α=0.05. Percentages are relative to total myoblasts (live, singlets expressing Pax7/CD56). Total myoblasts per live singlets were not different between FGR and CON muscle. FGR fetuses had more muscle progenitors in G0/1 (97% vs 95%, p<0.0001) and fewer replicating myoblasts in S/G2 compared to CON (3% vs 5%, p<0.0001). Myofactor analysis found decreased activated myoblasts (MyoD+/MyoG-) in FGR versus CON (2.5% vs 5%, p<0.005), though the fraction of non-committed progenitors (MyoD-/MyoG-) was similar between groups (14% vs 15%). Despite reduced myogenic induction in FGR, there were no differences between FGR and CON myoblasts expressing MyoG in early (MyoD+, 38% vs 47%) or terminal differentiation (MyoD-, 47% vs 34%). Correlation analyses of all fetuses (n=15) revealed positive relationships between fetal weight and MyoD+/MyoG- (r=0.57) as well as MyoD+/MyoG+ myoblasts (r=0.56), while MyoD-/MyoG+ cells correlated negatively with fetal weight (r=-0.60). FGR fetuses have decreased myoblast proliferation in vivo. Myogenic lineage commitment is reduced in FGR progenitor cells, and positive correlations between fetal weight and myogenic induction suggest that deficits in muscle size and body mass may result from impaired initiation of myogenesis in utero. The elevated percentage of terminally differentiated myocytes in low birthweight fetuses may be a consequence of impaired fusion, which likely contributes to reductions in myonuclei within FGR myofibers. Since the capacity for growth is conserved in FGR skeletal muscle, indicated by retention of myoblast number and proliferation/differentiation capacity in vitro, therapies that stimulate myogenic induction and/or myoblast fusion during fetal development may be necessary/suffcient to restore muscle growth in FGR. NIH R01HD079404; Evonuk Graduate Fellowship; UO VPRI funds. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Inactivated Flagellin-Containing Vaccine Efficacy against Ovine Enzootic Abortion.

Chlamydia abortus is the etiological agent of abortion and fetal loss in sheep, goats and bovine cattle in many countries. Even though commercially available vaccines can reduce the incidence in sheep, the development of new, safe, and effective vaccines remains high on the agenda. In this study, an evaluation was made of the efficacy of a vaccine candidate, an inactivated antigen based on the extract of outer membrane proteins of a C. abortus strain known as Chlamydia VNITIBP-21, in combination with recombinant flagellin as an adjuvant. Pregnant sheep (n = 43) were divided into three groups: an experimental vaccinated group, a control infected group and a control non-infected group. The sheep were vaccinated twice, with an interval of 3 weeks, then infected with the homologous virulent strain of Chlamydia abortus on pregnancy day 75. The vaccine candidate reduced C. abortus shedding in vaginal swabs considerably, in comparison with the control group. In addition, ewes in the experimental group experienced no abortions, while those in the control group experienced instances of abortion, as well as births of weak and nonviable lambs. The findings show that the vaccine candidate proved itself to be promising in combatting the agent of ovine abortion and fetal loss.

Phenotype of early-onset fetal growth restriction in sheep.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication, caused by placental insufficiency, with serious adverse consequences for development in utero and postnatal wellbeing. There are no antenatal treatments to improve growth or organ development in FGR, and animal models are essential to mimic the physiological adaptations in FGR and to assess potential interventions. This study aimed to identify the temporal nature of reduced developmental trajectory in fetuses with FGR, and to examine the effects of common factors that may mediate differential growth such as glucocorticoid treatment. We hypothesised that the trajectory of growth would be adversely impacted by FGR. FGR was induced via surgical placental insufficiency in fetal sheep (89 days gestation/0.6 gestation; n=135) and compared to age-matched controls over the last third of gestation and into neonatal life (n=153). Body weight of FGR fetuses/lambs was significantly reduced compared to controls (p<0.0001) from 127 days of gestation (term is 148 days), with increased brain:body weight ratio (p<0.0001) indicative of brain sparing. All biometric measures of body size were reduced in the FGR group with the exception of biparietal (head) diameter. The trajectory of body growth in the last trimester of sheep pregnancy was significantly reduced in the FGR group compared to controls, and stillbirth rate increased with longer gestation. This work provides a well characterised FGR animal model that mimics the known physiological adaptations in human pregnancy and can be used to determine the efficacy of potential interventions.

9 Randel Lecture: In Vivo investigation of pregnancy Physiology

Abstract Pregnancy in any mammal requires the integration of three distinct compartments; the maternal, placental and fetal compartments. Compromised function of any of the three compartments can result in suboptimal pregnancy outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality at delivery, reduced livestock production efficiency and adult-onset of metabolically-related disease in humans. To accurately understand the progression of both normal and compromised pregnancies, therefore, requires the simultaneous assessment of all three compartments, which for most species is not technically feasible. Consequently, over the past 60 yr the pregnant sheep has been used extensively for in vivo investigation of pregnancy physiology. The ability to place indwelling catheters, within both maternal and fetal vessels, allows the simultaneous steady-state assessment of uterine and umbilical blood flows, hormone secretion, and nutrient uptake and utilization of nutrients by each of the three compartments, under non-stressed and non-anesthetized conditions. This has provided unrivalled insight into the physiology of pregnancy, and the realization that the placenta is a highly metabolic tissue, utilizing the majority of oxygen and glucose taken up by the uterus. However, the deficit in studying pregnant sheep is the lack of genetic models, readily available in rodents, that could help define specific gene function during pregnancy. Consequently, we developed in vivo lentiviral-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) methods to specifically alter the abundance of specific gene transcripts/proteins within the placenta, beginning at 9 d of gestation (dGA). Our lentiviral-mediated approach limits the RNAi to the trophectoderm derivatives of the placenta. Initially we used this approach to determine the importance of PRR15 and LIN28 during the establishment of pregnancies, but turned our efforts towards combining in vivo RNAi with steady-state physiological assessments during late gestation to examine the function of genes involved in placental nutrient transport (SLC2A3) and placenta derived hormones (CSH). By creating a placental deficiency in SLC2A3, not only was the fetus smaller and hypoglycemic at mid-gestation, but by interfering with placental glucose uptake, maternal hormone concentrations were also impacted, yet near-term, a distinctly different phenotype was present. For the placental hormone CSH (a.k.a. placental lactogen), CSH RNAi not only impacts placental and fetal growth, but also reductions in uterine blood flow, nutrient fluxes to the fetus, and produces an altered hormonal environment. Combining these methodological approaches provides new and often unexpected insights into the physiological integration of the maternal, placental and fetal compartments. Supported by NIH-NICHD grants HD093701 and HD094952.

Effects of Cumulative Duration of Repeated Anesthesia Exposure on Fetal Brain Development in the Ovine Model

(J Clin Anesth. 2023;85:111050) This study examines the impact of repeated and prolonged exposure to sevoflurane anesthesia on fetal neurodevelopment in pregnant sheep. The rationale behind this research lies in the concern over the possible negative effects of long or repeated exposure to anesthesia during pregnancy on fetal brain development, particularly based on findings in animal studies. The experiment involves exposing pregnant sheep to different anesthesia regimens and conducting neurobehavioral assessments of their offspring. It aims to determine whether repeated exposure results in neurodevelopmental impairments. The study follows ethical guidelines designed to align with principles promoting humane animal research.

Reproductive development of male lambs born to undernourished mothers supplemented or not with concentrate during gestation

Southern Patagonia offers harsh environmental and nutritional conditions for sheep pregnancy, which may compromise the fetal and postnatal development of lambs. The aim of the study was to compare the sexual behavior and attractiveness, and semen production and quality during the first year of life of ram lambs born to undernourished mothers grazing on natural pastures, supplemented or not with a concentrate. The study was performed under extensive Patagonian conditions, and a supplement was provided from day 44 of gestation until lambing. Twelve ram lambs born to supplemented ewes (group Sup) and 12 born to control underfed ewes (group Con) were used. Both groups of male lambs remained in a common paddock before and after weaning at 4 months-old. Sexual behavior and attractiveness, and semen production and quality of ram lambs were evaluated when they were 6 and 12 months-old. Sup lambs were heavier than Con at birth, and tended to maintain this difference when they were 4 mo-old; afterward, this difference disappeared. At 6 months-old, Con ram lambs displayed greater sexual activity when individually exposed to an estrous ewe, as well as a trend to a greater sperm concentration. Differences between groups in sexual behavior decreased at 12 months-old, and no differences were detected in seminal traits. In conclusion, supplementation of undernourished pregnant ewes with concentrate from mid-pregnancy until lambing slightly impacted the progeny reproductive performance when they were 6 months-old, an effect that was attenuated at 12 months-old. The effects of the nutritional status of pregnant ewes on the reproductive development of the offspring likely were compensated by a greater growth rate during early life before puberty.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) anthelmintic treatment on milk production in dairy sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

Anthelmintic drug resistance has proliferated across Europe in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). Sheep welfare and health are adversely impacted by these phenomena, which also have an impact on productivity. Finding alternatives for controlling GINs in sheep is thus of utmost importance. In this study, the anthelmintic effectiveness (AE) of a Calabrian ethnoveterinary aqueous macerate based on Punica granatum (whole fruits) was assessed in Comisana pregnant sheep. Furthermore, an examination, both qualitative and quantitative, was conducted on milk. Forty-five sheep were selected for the investigation. The sheep were divided by age, weight, physiological state (pluripara at 20 days before parturition), and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) into three homogeneous groups of 15 animals each: PG received a single oral dosage of P. granatum macerate at a rate of 50 mL per sheep; AG, treated with albendazole, was administered orally at 3.75 mg/kg/bw; and CG received no treatment. Timelines were as follows: D0, treatments, group assignment, fecal sampling, and AE assessment; D7, D14, D21, fecal sampling, and AE evaluation. The FLOTAC technique was used to evaluate the individual GIN fecal egg count (FEC) using a sodium chloride flotation solution (specific gravity = 1.20) and 100 × (1-[T2/C2]) as the formula for evaluating FEC reduction. Following the lambs' weaning, milk was collected on the following days (DL) in order to quantify production: DL35, DL42, DL49, DL56, DL63, DL70, DL77, and DL84. The amount of milk produced by every animal was measured and reported in milliliters (ml) for quantitative evaluations. Using MilkoScan TM fT + foss electric, Denmark, the quality of the milk (casein, lactose, protein concentration, and fat, expressed as a percentage) was assessed. The macerate demonstrated a considerable AE (51.8%). Moreover, its use has resulted in higher milk production rates quantitatively (15.5%) and qualitatively (5.12% protein, 4.12% casein, 4.21% lactose, and 8.18% fat). The study showed that green veterinary pharmacology could be the easiest future approach to counteracting anthelmintic resistance in sheep husbandry.

Ultrasonographical diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep at an organized farm

Ultrasonographical diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep at an organized farm

Serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein profiles during early gestation in Karya and Konya Merino sheep.

Reported as being expressed by mono- and binucleate placental cells, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are released into the blood circulation from the ruminant placenta. Circulating gestational PAGs levels may differ between sheep breeds. This study was aimed at the close monitoring of the serum PAGs profiles of Karya and Konya Merino sheep during early pregnancy. Fifteen Karya and 15 Konya Merino ewes were synchronized by a 12-day treatment with progesterone-impregnated intravaginal sponges. After the sponges were withdrawn, the ewes were administered 400IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin. The ewes were allowed to mate naturally, and all animals were sampled for blood as of the day of mating (day 0) at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pregnancy diagnoses were made by transabdominal ultrasonography at week 5. At weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, blood samples were collected only from the pregnant ewes. The blood samples were centrifuged at 3000×g, and extracted sera were stored at -20°C until being used for laboratory analyses. Serum PAGs levels were determined with the aid of a commercial PAG-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test originally developed for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. Differences in the between the PAGs levels throughout pregnancy and the group effect (Karya and Konya Merino) were determined with a two-way mixed analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were made using a Bonferroni adjustment. PAGs levels showed a linear increase with the advance of pregnancy in both Karya and Konya Merino sheep. No difference was detected between the breeds for serum PAGs levels. The serum PAGs levels of the pregnant and non-pregnant ewes differed as of the fourth week. The serum PAGs levels of the Karya and Konya Merino ewes were similar during the first 11 weeks of gestation, and pregnancy diagnosis could be made based on serum PAGs levels as of the 4th week in both breeds.

The morphofunctional state of pregnant sheep in the last stages of gestation is normal and with symptoms of eclampsia

Sheep in the last stages of pregnancy showed signs of eclampsia, such as proteinuria, hypertension, swelling of the abdominal wall, and coma. Based on the diagnoses, two groups of 20 sheep with eclampsia were created: typical and atypical signs, in each, and one group of clinically healthy animals. From each group, 5 animals were slaughtered. In sheep suffering from eclampsia, a decrease in the total mass of the placenta and its cotyledons, as well as an increase in the length of the umbilical cord, was also found. Standard histological and histochemical studies were performed on the obtained placental samples. As a result, it was found that the average thickness of the integumentary epithelium of the caruncles in ewes with a typical form of eclampsia was 14.3 ± 1.7 μm, and in sheep with an atypical form - 15.5 ± 1.9 μm, compared with 27.9 ± 1 .9 µm in the physiological course of gestation. This leads to a general decrease in the thickness of the layers of connective tissue separating the crypt and villi of the cotyledons. In addition, the cytoplasm of cells exhibits dystrophic modifications along with a decrease in the ability to store glycogen. Dystrophic changes are present in the cytoplasm of cells, which contributes to a decrease in glycogen storage.

Analisis Komponen Darah dari Berbagai Fase Reproduksi Induk Domba (Ovis aries) Sapudi

Indonesia has several types of local sheep, including Sapudi sheep. In increasing sheep production and population, it is necessary to pay attention to the reproductive system. The metabolism and physiology of pregnant sheep will experience changes which cause blood components to also change. The research sample was 20 Sapudi ewes from UPT. Livestock Breeding and Forage in Jember. Mother sheep were divided into 5 groups according to their reproductive phase, namely non-pregnant mothers, early pregnancy, mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy, and lactating mothers. The research variables are blood components which include erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit. The research method is quantitative descriptive which is analyzed using one-way variance, and if it is significantly different, the Duncan test is continued. The results of this study showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in hemoglobin, while there were no significant differences in erythrocytes, leukocytes and hematocrit (p&gt;0.05). The average hemoglobin value in the five reproductive phases is between 7.65-10.50 g/dL, erythrocytes 5.78-6.95 106/mm3, leukocytes 8.05-13.71 106/µL, and hematocrit 24.35 -29.70%.

Doppler Ultrasonography Assessment of Uterine Artery Blood Flow Throughout Late Pregnancy in Awassi Ewes

Monitoring uterine blood flow during pregnancy provides information about fetal development. The aim of this study was to determine changes in uterine artery blood flow in the second half of pregnancy in Awassi sheep. The study included a total of 20 sheep with a single pregnancy, separated into 4 groups according to the period of the pregnancy, as 90-105-120-135 days. By monitoring the uterine artery blood flow with Doppler ultrasound, measurements were taken of the pulsatilite index (PI), resistance index (RI), end diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D), and time-averaged peak (TAP). The data obtained were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA (variance analysis). Throughout the pregnancy periods, a time-related significant difference was seen between the groups in respect of the PSV, EDV, TAP, PI, RI, and S/D values (p

The angiography of uterine arteries in non-pregnant, pregnant, and twin-pregnant sheep

The shape, size, and connection of uterine vessels change during pregnancy. The mechanism of luteolysis and vascular anastomosis between fetuses in twin pregnancies differs among species. Angiography is used to evaluate the anatomical structure of vessels. In this study, angiography was performed on the uterine vessels, in open, single and twin bearing ewes. Sheep uteri were collected from the slaughterhouse and the gestational age of fetus was determined using ultrasound. Five gestational periods (30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70–79 days of pregnancy) were considered. Barium sulfate with a concentration of 30% in warm water was used as the contrast agent. The injection volume and angiocath gauge were proportional to the size of the pregnant uterus. The uterine arteries and their branches were accurately observed on radiographs. Additionally, small branches of arteries and even small vessels of caruncles were clearly defined. Unilateral anastomosis was observed between the uterine artery and ovary. Anastomosis occurred between the middle uterine arteries from day 30 of pregnancy. There was no anastomosis between the twins' fetal sacs at days 40–60 of pregnancy. These results demonstrate that angiography is a useful method for imaging the development of uterine arteries during pregnancy in sheep.

The Reproductive Performance of Local Sheep Following Induced Superovulation With Cattle Hypophisa Extracts

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pituitary extract on estrous characteristics and the percentage of pregnancy in sheep. This study used a sample of 18 individuals. This study used 3 treatments 6 replications. The treatment used was the control treatment by giving 1 ml of PGF2α. Treatment 1 is by administering 1 ml of PGF2α, 1;0.5;0.25 ml of pituitary extract and 1 ml of PGF2α. Treatment 2 is by administering 1 ml of PGF2α, 2;1;0.5 ml of pituitary extract and 1 ml of PGF2α. The results showed that there was a very significant difference in the use of pituitary extract, this could affect the onset of estrus 0.00 (P&lt;0.01), and there was also a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the intensity of estrus.

The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac®) modulates serotonin signaling to alter maternal peripartum calcium homeostasis

Antidepressant use is two-fold greater in women compared to men; however, most studies have been performed in male subjects. We aimed to understand the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, most used antidepressants) on calcium homeostasis and steroid metabolism during the peripartum period. Pregnant sheep (n = 10/group) were treated with vehicle or fluoxetine (most common SSRI) during the last month of gestation. Fluoxetine treatment decreased circulating calcium prior to parturition (8.7 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs 8.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL; P = 0.07). In the control group, total calcium decreased after parturition corresponding to the onset of lactogenesis followed by increase in calcium by day 2 postpartum. Interestingly, this normal transient decrease in circulating calcium was absent in fluoxetine-treated ewes. The steroids cortisol and progesterone were not altered by fluoxetine treatment whereas estradiol was decreased after the onset of treatment (12.4 ± 1.3 vs 9.1 ± 1.2 pg/mL, P = 0.05) and prior to parturition (38.1 ± 8.1 vs 22.3 ± 4.2 pg/mL, P = 0.03). Our hypothesis was supported that fluoxetine treatment alters circulating concentrations of calcium in the peripartum period; however, we surprisingly observed a decrease in estradiol concentrations contrary to reports in in vitro studies.

Feed additives used during pregnancy in sheep

Abstract Sheep farming constitutes an important part of animal husbandry in underdeveloped and developing countries. In these countries, products obtained from sheep (lamb, meat, milk, wool) constitute the main source of income for breeders with low economic status. Scientific research on ruminant animals mostly focuses on cattle, but studies on sheep are limited. However, with the increasing importance of sheep breeding in recent years, the number of studies in this field has also increased. Lamb and milk yield, which is the main source of income for sheep breeding enterprises, is affected by feeding during pregnancy. Some feed additives used during pregnancy in sheep can support the health of the mother and the offspring, as well as the milk yield in the next lactation. This review is aimed to give extensive information about some substances that are used as feed additives during pregnancy in sheep and to contribute to the literature.

Preliminary investigation reveals novel pathological consequences of bluetongue virus-1 infection in the endocrine glands of pregnant Indian sheep

Bluetongue virus (BTV), a major peril to the sheep industry, infects a wide range of the cells in the infected animals including mononuclear, dendritic and epithelial cells. However, little is known about its tropism for the secretory epithelial cells of endocrine glands and the pathogenesis it induces. The aim of the study was to assess the BTV load, antigen distribution in the tissue of the pituitary, thyroid as well as adrenal glands and associated histopathological consequences. BTV antigens were localized using immunohistochemistry in the thyroid’s epithelial cells, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis cells and the anterior pituitary epithelial cells. The real-time PCR portrayed the high viral load in adrenals at 7th days postinoculation (DPI) and in thyroid and pituitary glands at 15th DPI. Serum examination revealed variation in the T-3 and T-4 of infected animals in comparison to the control group. Caspase-3 immunolocalization revealed BTV-1 induces apoptosis in the affected cells of endocrine gland of infected animals. Further, this study signifies the tropism of BTV in the novel sites (endocrine glands) of the host that might be one of the reasons for the poor performance of infected animals.

Blood Metabolites and Faecal Microbial Communities in Nonpregnant and Early Gestation Ewes in Highly Cold Areas.

Ewes undergo complex metabolic changes during pregnancy. Understanding the specific process of these changes is a necessary prerequisite in ewes for regulating and intervening in order to maintain pregnancies. However, there have been relatively few studies on the specific changes that occur in nutritional metabolism in pregnant ewes during early gestation, especially for some landrace ewes in highly cold areas. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) elucidate the changes in metabolites and microbial communities in pregnant ewes during early gestation using metabolomics and 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) amplicon sequencing approaches, and to (2) discover novel early pregnancy-induced biomarkers in the blood and faeces. Rams were placed together with ewes on D0 and removed on D45. During early gestation, blood and faecal samples were collected from ewes in a highly cold area for analysing the metabolites and microbial communities; these were retrospectively classified as the early gestation pregnant (EP) ewe group or the nonpregnant (NP) ewe group based on the lambing status recorded during the expected delivery period. The differences in the plasma biochemical parameters, plasma metabolites, and faecal microbial communities of pregnant and nonpregnant ewes were characterised. The GC, IL-6, O-acetyl-l-serine, L-glutamine, and 6-acetamido-2-oxohexanoic acid were screened out as potential biomarkers for evaluating the occurrence of early pregnancy. These novel early pregnancy-induced metabolites discovered in ewes might allow for the development of technologies to detect early pregnancies in sheep in highly cold areas.

Morphometric and immuno-biochemical markers of placenta in patients with uterine eclampsia

Purpose: to study the segmentation of organometric and immuno-biochemical digital indicators in ewes with ESO at the end of gestation.Materials and methods. The experiment involved three flocks of Tsygai, Volgograd and Stavropol breeds, each with 700 suyag sheep. Placental tissue samples were taken from clinically healthy and sick pregnant ewes, which were placed in 10% neutral formalin. Using a Cytadel 2000 histoprocessor (Shendon), the obtained samples were clarified in chloroform and enclosed in a Histomix paraffin medium (Biovitrum). Histosections were prepared on a rotary microtome (MICROM HM340E). Using the AxioScope.A1 (ZEISS) microscope, histopreparations were photographed and processed using the ZENpro 2012 (ZEISS) program. According to Schmidt and Thannhauser, the RNA content was determined using a two-wave spectrophotometer in UV. The activity of the G-6-Phase was studied by Swanson. In vacuum tubes Vacuette ™ (Austria), blood samples were taken in the morning before feeding, from the jugular vein. Results. In sheep with eclampsia, a decrease in the total mass of the placenta, its cotiledons, as well as an increase in the length of the umbilical cord, in which stroma sclerosis is noted in the vascular wall, was observed. Small calcification foci were found in the tissues of the afterbirth, and small terminal villi are located around the stem villi near the vascular membrane, tightly adjacent to them. The proportion of syncytiotrophoblast of crypts of carbuncles and villi of the chorion of cotyledons of mature syncytium decreases in comparison with physiologically occurring severity. The content of RNA in its subcellular fractions is mainly concentrated in the microsomal fraction, 18% - in mitochondria and 7% - in the nuclear fraction. Albumins in pregnant ewes with eclampsia were reduced by 1.35 times. BASC and phagocytic activity of leukocytes in queens with eclampsia of pregnant sheep is reduced 15 days before lambing, which poses a threat to the reproductive health of the mother and the viability of newborn lambs.

Undernutrition-induced substance metabolism and energy production disorders affected the structure and function of the pituitary gland in a pregnant sheep model.

Undernutrition spontaneously occurs in ewes during late gestation and the pituitary is an important hinge in the neurohumoral regulatory system. However, little is known about the effect of undernutrition on pituitary metabolism. Here, 10 multiparous ewes were restricted to a 30% feeding level during late gestation to establish an undernutrition model while another 10 ewes were fed normally as controls. All the ewes were sacrificed, and pituitary samples were collected to perform transcriptome, metabolome, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis and investigate the metabolic changes. PCA and PLS-DA of total genes showed that undernutrition changed the total transcriptome profile of the pituitary gland, and 581 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two groups. Clusters of orthologous groups for eukaryotic complete genomes demonstrated that substance transport and metabolism, including lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids, energy production and conversion, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, and the cytoskeleton were enriched by DEGs. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis displayed that the phagosome, intestinal immune network, and oxidative phosphorylation were enriched by DEGs. Further analysis found that undernutrition enhanced the lipid degradation and amino acid transport, repressing lipid synthesis and transport and amino acid degradation of the pituitary gland. Moreover, the general metabolic profiles and metabolic pathways were affected by undernutrition, repressing the 60S, 40S, 28S, and 39S subunits of the ribosomal structure for translation and myosin and actin synthesis for cytoskeleton. Undernutrition was found also to be implicated in the suppression of oxidative phosphorylation for energy production and conversion into a downregulation of genes related to T cell function and the immune response and an upregulation of genes involved in inflammatory reactions enriching phagosomes. This study comprehensively analyses the effect of undernutrition on the pituitary gland in a pregnant sheep model, which provides a foundation for further research into the mechanisms of undernutrition-caused hormone secretion and metabolic disorders.