Ultrasound Examination Of Ovaries Research Articles

Ultrasound Characteristics of the Cavitary Corpus Luteum after Oestrus Synchronization in Heifers in Relation to the Results of Embryo Transfer.

Simple SummaryIn cattle there are physiologically two morphological forms of the corpus luteum: compact and with cavity. During ultrasound examination a fluid filled cavity is clearly visible. Routine ultrasound examination is performed—as a part of preselection—in embryo-recipient heifers/cows. Some vets eliminate recipients with cavitary corpus luteum from embryo transfer, considering them to be less suitable for an embryo to develop. In our research, we showed that the level of progesterone in the blood of recipients on Embryo Transfer day was higher in the case of cavitary corpus luteum than in the case of compact ones. Similarly, the pregnancy rate of recipients with a cavitary corpus luteum was higher. The presence of cavity inside the corpus luteum should not be a reason for the elimination of recipients from embryo transfer. Moreover, cavitary corpus luteum may be a valuable indicator of the recipient’s reproductive potential.The aim of the study was to conduct an ultrasound analysis of quantitative parameters of the corpus luteum (CL) in recipient heifers on days 6–8 after oestrus, and to compare reproduction potential of both types of CL in those females. Analyses were performed on 300 heifers, synchronized with two injections of cloprostenol. Clinical and ultrasound examinations of ovaries were performed and measurements of the CL were recorded. The blood samples were taken to determine progesterone level. Pregnancy examination was conducted after 6–8 weeks from the ET. Cavitary CL was found in 32.7% heifers In 48.0% of the cavitary CL, its luteal tissue area was reduced by 14.3% compared to the compact CL, while 16.3% of the CL had luteal tissue reduced by more than 33.8%. Progesterone level in blood serum was higher in heifers with the cavitary CL (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rate was higher for females with a cavitary CL (52%) than those with compact ones (33%, p < 0.05). The ultrasound assessment of luteal tissue should be included in the evaluation of the functional status of the CL in ET-recipient heifers. The cavitary CL presence may indicate a higher potential of the recipient in maintaining the pregnancy.

Resumption of Cyclic Ovarian Activity by Herbal Preparation AyuFertin in Bulgarian Murrah Buffaloes at Early Postpartum.

Simple SummaryShortening the inter-calving interval is the most important problem in buffalo breeding, especially on organic farms, where the use of hormones is prohibited. The demand for herbal preparations that stimulate the activity of ovaries, as well as the choice of an appropriate time for their application, remains essential today. This study provides the results of the positive effect of the herbal product, which identified a wide range of bioactive substances—carotenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids, including esters of trienoic fatty acids, on the resumption of the cyclic ovarian activity in early postpartum buffaloes. Overcoming postpartum anestrus in buffaloes is highly cost-effective due to cost savings for keeping dry, unproductive animals.This study evaluates the phytochemical composition and ability of herbal preparation AyuFertin, supplemented shortly after calving, to resume the cyclic ovarian activity in postpartum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes. In total, 13 healthy Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes at the age of 4–10 years, calved in March–April 2019 were involved in the experiment. Seven experimental buffaloes were treated individually per os with AyuFertin according to producer instruction. All animals were subjected to regular ultrasound examination of ovaries. GC-MS analysis of fatty acids composition and HPLC-DAD analysis of carotenoid and tocopherol content in AyuFertin were conducted. The determination of estrus occurrence and natural mating were done by a fertile bull. The development of the large follicles (12.5–14.3 mm) in 85.7% of treated animals was observed on day 24 postpartum compared to 0% in controls. Clinical signs of estrus were recorded in 71.4% of the animals, followed by an 80% pregnancy rate versus 16% in controls within 70 days after calving. In conclusion, the supplementation of the bioactive herbal product AyuFertin from day 21 postpartum can stimulate the follicular growth in the buffalo’s ovary, which leads to the development of follicles with ovulatory capacity, followed by successful ovulation. The above-mentioned treatment resulted in a better pregnancy rate in the treated multiparous compared to the control buffaloes bred by natural service.

PREVALENCE OF MARES’ GRANULOSA THECA CELL TUMOR (GTCT) IN INDONESIA

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of mares’ GTCT in Indonesia. Ultrasound examination of ovaries were performed on mares in Java and Madura Island of Indonesia. Thirteen mares had been affected by GTCT from 2913 number of examinations. The prevalence rate of GTCT during year 2006 and 2007 were 4.71% and 5.56%, respectively followed by a decrease in prevalence rate of GTCT during 2008-2014. The reproductive cycle in a mare with GTCT had returned to normal 6 months after ovariectomy.

The polycystic ovary syndrome: a position statement from the Polish Society of Endocrinology, the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, and the Polish Society of Gynaecological Endocrinology.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis and therapy still arouse a lot of controversy. Each year brings new information, so, having collected the experience of three scientific societies, we present contemporary recommendations concerning PCOS diagnostics and treat-ment. In adult female diagnosis, we still use the Rotterdam criteria, which is two out of three of the follwing characteristics: a) ovulation abnormality, b) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and c) polycystic ovaries. In the case of teenagers, diagnostic criteria are as follows: menstruation disturbances two years after menarche and clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. The presence of polycysti-cally abnormal ovaries is not necessary. The consensus paper presents the threats resulting from imperfect diagnostic methods applied in PCOS (hyperandrogenism diagnostics, ultrasound examination of ovaries). Suggested therapy includes personalised schemes according to the dominant PCOS phenotype, i.e. metabolic, hyperandrogenic, or reproductive ones.

Progesterone level does not distinguish the different course of canine ovulation determined by ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to compare progesterone concentrations in bitches during ovulation with a different course of follicular collapse as determined by ultrasonography. The study was conducted on 36 animals of different breeds, from 2 to 7 years old, and from 2 to 44 kg of body weight. Ultrasound examinations of ovaries were conducted in the peri-ovulatory period until ovulation was detected. Based on USG scans the animals were divided into two groups: group A with fast follicular collapse within 1 day, and group B with gradual follicular collapse within 2-3 days. Progesterone measurements were performed in both groups on the day when the beginning of ovulation was diagnosed by USG. Follicular collapse in group A was observed in 27.8% of animals (n = 10) and in group B in 72.2% (n = 26). There were no statistical differences (p < 0.05) in progesterone concentrations between groups A and B (6.68 +/- 0.92 ng/ml and 6.81 +/- 0.57 ng/ml respectively). From 31 bred bitches (natural mating or insemination) pregnancy was confirmed in 29 females (93.5%). These results provide information about the sufficient stability of progesterone concentration during ovulation regardless of the follicular collapse speed. Ultrasonography during the peri-ovulatory period combined with progesterone measurements allows progress in ovulation management.

Examen &lt;em&gt;ante&lt;/em&gt; et &lt;em&gt;post mortem&lt;/em&gt; du tractus génital de vaches laitières du Sud Vietnam

De fevrier a aout 2012, 507 vaches de reforme, de race croisee Holstein x Lai Sind et d’age moyen de 8,5 ans, ont ete examinees ante mortem (determination de l’age par l’examen de la denture, evaluation du score corporel, examen vaginal au moyen d’un speculum) et post mortem (examen echographique des ovaires, examen du contenu uterin). Pres de la moitie (44,4 p. 100) ont eu un score corporel inferieur a 2,5. Les frequences du pneumovagin et de l’urovagin ont ete respectivement de 33,1 et 14,7 p. 100 ; l’age et le score corporel ont exerce un effet significatif sur la frequence de ces pathologies. Les frequences des ecoulements vaginaux et des contenus uterins anormaux ont ete respectivement de 12,1 et 5,4 p. 100. Sur les 507 vaches examinees, 226 vaches (44,6 p. 100) etaient en anoestrus. La frequence des anoestrus associes a une gestation a ete de 4,9 p. 100, et la frequence des anoestrus pathologiques fonctionnels (types 0, I et II), associes a un kyste, a un pyometre a ete respectivement de 37,3, 2, 0,4. Les anoestrus pathologiques de type 0 et I ont ete plus frequemment observes chez les vaches maigres et chez celles agees de moins de six ans.

Luteolytic effects of cloprostenol sodium in lactating dairy cows treated with G6G/Ovsynch

The probability of a pregnancy decreases substantially in lactating dairy cows treated with Ovsynch if luteolysis is delayed or incomplete. Two PGF2α products are currently approved in the United States for luteolysis in lactating dairy cattle, dinoprost tromethamine and cloprostenol sodium. Cloprostenol has a longer half-life compared with dinoprost, is more resistant to endogenous metabolism, and is maintained in circulation longer. We hypothesized that cloprostenol could reduce the time to complete luteolysis compared with dinoprost because of differences in half-life. Lactating dairy cows received the same presynchronization strategy (G6G; 25mg of PGF2α – 2 d – 100μg of GnRH – 6 d – 100μg of GnRH – 7 d – final PGF2α treatment). At the time of the final PGF2α, cows (n=35) were randomly assigned to receive either 500μg of cloprostenol or 25mg of dinoprost. Blood samples were collected daily before and serially after PGF2α treatment to analyze circulating concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2). Ultrasound examinations of ovaries were performed to measure sizes of follicles and corpora lutea (CL) and determine time of ovulation. Considering only cows with complete luteolysis, mean circulating P4 was lower for cows given cloprostenol than for those given dinoprost between 0 and 12h postinjection, but not at 24, 36, or 48h. A rapid decrease in P4 was observed 1h after PGF2α (6.54±0.27 to 3.77±0.22ng/mL) followed by a complete rebound 1h later (3.77±0.22 to 5.07±0.31ng/mL) followed by a steady decline in both treatment groups. Serum concentrations of E2 were greater at 48h posttreatment in cloprostenol-treated cows (2.74±0.15pg/mL) than in dinoprost-treated cows (2.37±0.19pg/mL). Cows that did not have complete luteolysis did not ovulate (0/7) during the 6-d period following treatment. Time to complete luteolysis and ovulation was 29.1±1.1 versus 29.4±1.7 and 101 versus 103h posttreatment in cloprostenol compared with dinoprost. A negative relationship was observed between P4 at 12h posttreatment and concentrations of E2 48h posttreatment (b=−0.6905; R2=0.23). In summary, cows treated with cloprostenol had lower concentrations of P4 for the first 12h following treatment and subsequently greater concentrations of E2 compared with dinoprost, although no differences were observed in these 2 PGF2α analogs for time to complete luteolysis or time to ovulation.

C-reactive protein as the indicator of severity in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Background. To establish correlations between laboratory findings and clinical symptoms of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).Design. A retrospective study.Setting. Department of obstetrics and gynecology, public clinical hospital.Patients. Nineteen women admitted to the public hospital with a diagnosis of OHSS. The procedure of controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) was performed in the private assisted reproductive technology centre.Methods. Blood samples were collected, ultrasound examination of ovaries, abdominal circumference measurement were performed, intravenous crystalloids, plasma expanders such colloids and albumin were given. Correlations between mean laboratory results (haematocrit, c-reactive protein (CRP), white blood count, serum protein, serum albumin), ovarian size in ultrasound examination, abdominal circumference, and amount of albumin and hydroxyethyl starch transfused to the patient were assessed.Results. Significant correlation was observed between CRP concentration and abdominal circumference measured when the patient was admitted to the department, between CRP concentration and ovarian size measured during ultrasound examination at admission and between CRP concentration and body weight.Conclusions. CRP can be a potential candidate to an indicator of OHSS severity.

33 REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF CLONED DOGS DERIVED FROM SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Several cloned dogs have been successfully produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, there is no investigation of its reproductive characteristics including changes of hormone and ovarian follicles in cloned dogs. Thus, this study was to examine the onset of puberty, follicular dynamics, and reproductive hormone profiles in cloned beagle dogs. Two female cloned beagles, derived from fetal fibroblasts, were compared to 2 individual age- and weight-matched female beagles produced by natural breeding. All dogs were examined twice weekly from 6 months for the presence of swelling of the vulva and serosanguineous vaginal discharge, which were used as markers of the onset of proestrus. From the first day of proestrus, jugular venous blood samples were collected twice a day for hormonal analysis. Also, from the day when progesterone concentration was &gt;1 ng mL–1 until 5 days after ovulation, blood sampling was carried out 3 times a day. Ultrasound examination of ovaries and uterus was performed daily from the onset of proestrous until 5th day post-ovulation. Cloned female dogs (332.5 ± 1.5 days) reached puberty later than controls (300 ± 8 days). The mean number of ovarian follicles was 4.5 ± 0.5 v. 6.5 ± 0.5 for clones and controls, respectively. The largest size of ovarian follicles in clones and controls detected by ultrasound were 0.6 ± 0.03 v. 0.69 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. It took 8 days from the initiation of vulvar bleeding to the LH peak in all beagles. Moreover, there were no differences in the profile of hormonal changes (LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone) in cloned and control beagles. These results demonstrate that cloned dogs have normal development of reproduction. This study was financially supported by the Korean MEST, through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

Multifollicular ovaries in female adolescents with cystic fibrosis

To assess hormonal status and morphology of ovaries in cystic fibrosis (CF) adolescents. Prospective study. University teaching hospital. Female adolescents: 18 with CF and 18 normal. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography and venipuncture. Hormone profile and ultrasound examination of ovaries and uterus. Levels of LH, LH/FSH, androstenedione, and PRL were significantly higher in the CF adolescents. Levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were significantly lower and had negative correlation with percentage of body fat. Percentage of body fat and body mass index were significantly lower in CF and had significant correlation. Levels of E2, FSH, T, and DHEAS were comparable in the two groups. Ultrasound revealed cysts in eight (44%) of the CF subjects; six of these had LH/FSH >3, and three had been operated for ovarian torsion. Nine out of all of the CF subjects (50%) had DM. No obesity, hirsutism, or acne was observed. The Shwachman score was 87.44 +/- 4.83 and correlated significantly with the percentage of body fat. Multifollicular ovaries were frequent in CF adolescents. Hormone changes characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome were detected. The low T levels, despite low SHBG, and the absence of hirsutism or acne may be a result of a lower percentage of body fat, disturbances at the pilosebaceous-adipocyte endocrine unit, or mechanical or other causes.

Assessing in vivo fertilizing capacity of liquid-preserved boar semen according to the 'Hanover gilt model'.

The goal of this study was to determine the ability of the Hanover gilt model to assess in vivo fertilizing capacity of preserved sperm and to consider whether any modifications to this model were needed. This model evaluates the fertilizing capacity of semen based on the fertilization rate, the rate of normal embryos and the accessory sperm count of 3-5-day embryos. Its distinguishing characteristics are the use of one-time insemination of sperm in reduced numbers, of spontaneously ovulating gilts and of ovulation detection through ultrasound examination of ovaries. Reduced sperm numbers allow for an accurate evaluation of the fertilizing potential of different semen treatments, thereby avoiding the compensatory effect of doses calibrated to maximize fertility. The model's usefulness was assessed in a trial run designed to compare the fertilizing capacity of liquid boar semen diluted into two different extenders. The diluent, the boar and the backflow, had no significant effect on any of the parameters studied. Gilts inseminated less than 24 h before ovulation had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) fertilization rate and accessory sperm cell count (p < 0.05) than those inseminated more than 24 h before ovulation. Very good/good embryos from homogeneous litters (only very good/good embryos were present) had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) accessory sperm count than those from heterogeneous litters (at least one embryo was of a different quality and/or oocytes were present). Both very good/good and degenerated/retarded embryos from heterogeneous litters had low accessory sperm numbers. This suggests that accessory sperm count is significantly related to the quality of the litter, but not to the quality of the embryo within gilts. It can be concluded that the Hanover gilt model is sensitive enough to show fertility differences (in this study, those associated with in vivo ageing of semen), while using relatively few gilts and little time.

Efectos del ácido valproico sobre el desarrollo sexual

Valproate use in young girls has been associated with the adverse endocrinological effects of weight gain and hyperandrogenism. Furthermore, polycystic ovaries and hyperinsulinism have been described in adult women. In men and young boys, however, the possible adverse endocrinological effects of valproate have scarcely been analyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of valproate treatment on pubertal development, especially the possible hyperandrogenic effects, in girls and boys with epilepsy. Twenty-three girls and 15 boys (aged 8-16 years old) who were undergoing valproate treatment for epilepsy were compared with 15 control girls and 10 control boys of the same age range. Anthropometric indexes, sexual maturation, and hirsutism scores were evaluated. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, and insulin were measured. Ultrasound examination of ovaries and estimation of bone age through X-ray of the left hand were also performed. Valproate did not affect pubertal development in the study group. No hirsutism or polycystic ovaries were found. Increases in weight, relative weight, and body mass index were observed in the group undergoing valproate treatment, but no statistically significant differences compared with the control group were found. Plasma testosterone was higher in valproate-treated girls (0.71 0.51 ng/ml) than in control girls (0.35 0.15) (p 0.001). This finding was independent of valproate dose and treatment duration. Hyperandrogenism was not found in valproate-treated boys. Valproate may induce hyperandrogenism in epileptic girls but not in boys. This is an early adverse effect and is independent of the dose used. No changes in normal pubertal development or physical repercussions were found in epileptic patients.

Estrogen concentrations in milk at estrus and ovulation in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of using milk estradiol-17β (E 2) sampled during regular milking periods as a predictor of estrus in dairy cows. Twenty-three primiparous Holstein cows received radiotelemetric transmitters on day 16 of the estrous cycle (day 0=estrus) for continuous monitoring of behavioral estrus. Milk and blood samples were collected every 12 h at each milking, from day 18 of the estrous cycle until the fourth milking after the onset of estrus, for radioimmunoassay of E 2. Onset of estrus was indicated by the first standing event identified by radiotelemetry. Ultrasound examination of ovaries was conducted daily in a subset of cows ( n=17) from day 18 until ovulation was confirmed. Statistical analysis involved utilization of Pearson correlation to observe any association of mean plasma and milk E 2 concentrations. Intervals from highest measured plasma and highest measured milk E 2 until the first expression of standing behavior and intervals from highest measured plasma and highest measured milk E 2 until ovulation were compared using Student’s t-test. Repeated measures were utilized to evaluate the effect of day and time on milk E 2 concentration. Chi-square procedures were utilized to detect differences in actual time of onset of estrus compared to the expectation of random time of onset of estrus throughout the 24 h day. Mean duration from highest measured milk E 2 until onset of standing behavior was 21±3.7 h and until ovulation was 46.7±5.3 h. Mean duration from onset of standing behavior until ovulation was 26.4±4.2 h. Mean milk E 2 concentrations increased ( P<0.01) from the fourth milking period before estrus to the milking period immediately before the first expression of standing behavior, followed by a reduction ( P<0.01) in mean concentrations at the milking immediately after the onset of estrus.

Reproductive characteristics of cloned heifers derived from adult somatic cells.

This study examined the onset of puberty, follicular dynamics, reproductive hormone profiles, and ability to maintain pregnancy in cloned heifers produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Four adult somatic cell-cloned heifers, derived from a 13-yr-old Holstein cow, were compared to 4 individual age- and weight-matched heifers produced by artificial insemination (AI). From 7 to 9 mo of age, jugular venous blood samples were collected twice weekly, and from 10 to 11 or 12 mo of age, blood sampling was carried out every other day. After the heifers reached puberty (defined as the first of 3 consecutive blood samples with peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations of >1 ng/ml), ultrasound examination of ovaries and jugular plasma sample collection were carried out daily for 1 estrous cycle. Cloned heifers reached puberty later than controls (mean +/- SEM, 314.7 +/- 9.6 vs. 272 +/- 4.4 days and 336.7 +/- 13 vs. 302.8 +/- 4.5 kg for clones and controls, respectively; P < 0.05). However, cloned and control heifers were not different in estrous cycle length, ovulatory follicle diameter, number of follicular waves, or profiles of hormonal changes (LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone). Three of the 4 clones and all 4 control heifers became pregnant after AI. These results demonstrate that clones from an aged adult have normal reproductive development.

Time of Ovulation Relative to Mounting Activity in Dairy Cattle

Time of ovulation was determined for Holstein cows (n = 51) for estruses occurring spontaneously (n = 33) or those induced by PGF2α (n = 86). Ultrasound examination of ovaries was conducted 42 to 49 d postpartum, followed by administration of 25mg of PGF2α if a corpus luteum was observed. In the absence of a corpus luteum, ovaries were reexamined weekly, and PGF2α was administered upon observation of the presence of a corpus luteum. Onset of estrus was determined by HeatWatch®, an electronic pressure-sensing system that recorded each mount associated with estrus. To determine ovulation in relation to first detected mount, ultrasound examinations were conducted at 12, 20, and 24h after the initial mount and then every 2h until 40h. Cows were assigned randomly to receive one of two treatments: 1) the cow received 25mg of PGF2α 8 to 13 d later or 2) the cow was allowed to cycle spontaneously and then was switched to alternate treatment at a third cycle. The mean estrus period, determined from mounting activity recorded by Heatwatch®, consisted of 10.1 mounts over 9.5h (6.0 mounts were ≥2s) for a total 24.1s of mounting activity. Estrus characteristics were extremely variable and were not different for estruses induced by PGF2α or for those occurring spontaneously. Mean ovulation time relative to first mount was 27.6±5.4h and was not different between spontaneous and induced estruses. Knowing the time of ovulation in reference to the first mount of estrus and being able to identify the first mount consistently and accurately with the HeatWatch® system allows for accurate timing of AI.

Alterations in intrafollicular levels of different molecular mass forms of inhibin during development of follicular- and luteal-phase dominant follicles in heifers.

The experiment reported here characterized changes in serum concentrations of FSH, follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of immunoreactive alpha inhibins and dimeric inhibins, and different molecular forms of inhibin during development of dominant follicles in both luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle in heifers. Follicular status was determined daily by ultrasound examination of ovaries, and blood samples were taken at 4-6-h intervals. Heifers (5-6 per treatment) were ovariectomized on Days 0 (follicular phase, pre-LH surge), 1-Ov (post-LH surge, preovulation), 1 + Ov (postovulation), 3 (selection phase), 6 (dominance phase), and 12 (atretic phase) of the estrous cycle. Follicles were classified on the basis of FF estradiol (E) to progesterone (P) ratio and by ultrasound morphology. Concentrations of E, P, immunoreactive alpha inhibin, LH, and FSH were determined by RIA, and concentrations of dimeric inhibins were determined by a two-site dimeric-specific immunoradiometric assay (IRMA); the different molecular mass forms of inhibin were determined by immunoblot analysis. Serum FSH was transiently elevated during Days 0.5-1.5 and 8-10.5, in association with emergence of each new wave of follicular growth. The follicular-phase dominant follicle of heifers before the preovulatory LH/FSH surge had less immunoreactive alpha inhibin and 29-kDa inhibin but more 110-kDa inhibin compared with concentrations after the surge (p < 0.05). During growth of the dominant follicle between Days 3 and 6, there were no changes in either proportions or amounts of any inhibin forms (p > 0.05). However, while concentrations of dimeric inhibins decreased between Days 1 and 6, the concentration of immunoreactive alpha inhibin increased (p < 0.05). Atresia of the luteal-phase dominant follicle during Days 6-12 was associated with a decrease in amounts and proportions of the 110- and > 160-kDa forms, an increase in amounts and proportions of the 34-kDa form, and an increase in dimeric inhibin concentration (p < 0.05). Alterations in FF E concentrations were positively correlated with changes in amounts of the 77- and 110-kDa precursor forms of inhibin, but negatively correlated with 34-kDa inhibin. The results of this experiment demonstrate that 1) seven different molecular mass forms of inhibin were present in bovine FF during all stages of development of follicular- and luteal-phase dominant follicles examined, 2) amounts and proportions of most inhibin forms are altered differently in follicular- and luteal-phase dominant follicles, 3) FF inhibins and E are regulated by different factors, and 4) RIA, IRMA, and immunoblot measurements of inhibin in bovine FF produced divergent results.

Noninvasive monitoring of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) by ultrasonography.

This is the first paper to describe ovarian changes associated with follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum (CL) formation as monitored by ultrasonography in a multiovular primate, the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). Examinations were carried out transabdominally on unsedated females using a 10 MHz probe. Cycles were monitored by plasma progesterone and controlled by administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF). The reliability of ultrasound was validated by comparing findings with direct observation of the ovaries at laparotomy. In eight females, 25 follicles were counted, of which 92% were depicted correctly by ultrasound. Of 14 CLs in five females, number and position were confirmed at laparotomy for 78%. Ultrasound examinations of ovaries throughout the follicular and luteal phase were performed in eight cycles and related to plasma profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone. One of these cycles was anovulatory. In the remaining seven cycles, 19 follicles were considered ovulatory follicles since they were seen on consecutive days and found again as CLs. Growth of individual follicles was monitored by measurements of follicle diameter from day 7 onward. Disappearance of follicles or changes in echogenicity were noted between days 9 and 11, preventing further measurements. Mean follicle size increased from 2.1 mm (range 1.6 mm-2.7 mm) on day 7 to 3.2 mm (range 2.7 mm-4.0 mm) on the day last seen. With one exception, the day follicles were last seen by ultrasound was consistent with the day of the preovulatory LH surge (day 9-11). The postovulatory rise in progesterone occurred 1-2 days later (day 11-13). These findings suggest that the day of ovulation as observed by ultrasound was characterized by either disappearance of follicles or increased follicular echogenicity. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a reliable, noninvasive method for examinations of the ovarian cycle in the marmoset monkey. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.