Uterine Artery Hemodynamics Research Articles

Seminal plasma uterine priming alters uterine transcriptomics and negatively impacts embryo growth and uterine artery resistance but not offspring liver transcriptomics in beef cattle.

Seminal plasma uterine priming is important for pregnancy and offspring phenotype in mice and swine; however, impacts on the uterus of the dam and her offspring in cattle are unknown. We sought to determine the effects of seminal plasma uterine priming at estrus on uterine transcriptomics, early gestation (d 35, 40, and 45) embryo morphometrics, mid- to late-gestation (d 140 to 220) uterine artery hemodynamics, birth morphometrics, and liver transcriptomics in offspring at 30 d of age. Multiparous Angus-based commercial beef cows were randomly assigned to receive treatment at estrus: 0.5mL pooled seminal plasma in the uterine body (n = 31, seminal plasma primed) or no treatment (n = 31, control). Seven d later a subset of cows (n = 4/treatment) underwent uterine biopsies, and the remaining cows underwent embryo transfer. Embryo crown-rump length and uterine artery hemodynamics were measured during gestation using ultrasonography. Morphometrics of the calf were collected within 24h of parturition. Liver biopsies were collected at 30 d of age. Data were analyzed by ANOVA in a completely randomized design for the effect of treatment. Myosin heavy chain I (JSP.1) was downregulated [Benjamin-Hochberg adj P (BH) <= 0.05] and ABO alpha 1-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and alpha 1-3-galactosyltransferase (ABO) was upregulated (BH adj P <= 0.05) in the uterus of seminal plasma primed cows 7 d after treatment. Embryo crown-rump length was less (P < 0.05) in seminal plasma primed cows. Mid- to late-gestation (d 140 to 220) uterine artery resistance was increased (P < 0.05) in seminal plasma primed cows. Seminal plasma priming did not alter birth weights or curve-crown-rump length, but heart girth was increased (P < 0.05) in offspring from seminal plasma primed cows. There were no differentially expressed genes (BH adj P <= 0.05) in offspring liver at 30 d of age; however, myosin light chain, phosphorylatable, fast skeletal muscle (MYLPF) was absent in all liver samples from calves from seminal plasma primed cows. In contrast, vomeronasal 1 receptor bosTauV1R414 (BOSTAUV1R414) was present in 6 of the 7 liver samples from calves from seminal plasma primed cows. Seminal plasma uterine priming alters uterine transcriptomics, negatively impacts early gestation embryo growth and mid- to late-gestation uterine artery resistance suggesting downstream vascular anomalies. However, these in utero conditions did not impact offspring from birth to 30 d of age.

Doppler Evaluation of Uterine Blood Flow in Patients with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

This study aimed to analyze uterine artery and spiral artery hemodynamics in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) with varying pregnancy outcomes. 174 pregnant women with URPL and 144 pregnant women without adverse pregnancy histories were enrolled in this retrospective study. Based on pregnancy outcomes, these patients were divided into two groups: normal pregnancy outcomes (URPL-N, n=138) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (URPL-A, n=36). Control group participants were categorized into normal pregnancy outcomes (CON-N, n=129) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (CON-A, n=15). We compared uterine artery and spiral artery hemodynamics during different stages of gestation and the predictive value of these parameters for pregnancy outcomes. URPL-N group had fewer pregnancy losses and lower BMI compared to URPL-A group (P< 0.05). Spiral artery hemodynamics in URPL-N and CON-N groups were lower than those in URPL-A and CON-A groups during the mid-luteal phase, 11-13weeks, 15-17weeks, and 19-21weeks of gestation, respectively. Uterine artery hemodynamics ((Pulsatility index (mPI), resistive index (mRI), and systolic-to-diastolic ratio (mS/D)) in the mid-luteal period were lower in URPL-N group than URPL-A group. Similarly, in CON-N group were lower than CON-A group. The URPL-A and CON-A groups had higher uterine artery and spiral artery hemodynamics when compared to the URPL-N and CON-N groups. Spiral artery hemodynamics exhibited larger areas under the ROC curve compared to uterine artery parameters. Abnormal hemodynamics in these arteries may contribute to URPL and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Spiral artery hemodynamics are more reliable predictors of pregnancy outcomes than uterine artery parameters.

232 Influence of melatonin supplementation on uterine and coccygeal artery hemodynamics of pregnant multiparous crossbred beef cows grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue

Abstract The objective was to determine the influence of melatonin supplementation on uterine and coccygeal artery hemodynamics of pregnant beef cattle grazing toxic, endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue during mid-late gestation. Multiparous crossbred cows were artificially inseminated with sex-sorted semen (Y chromosome-bearing sperm) from a single Red Angus sire and maintained on pastures free from E+ fescue prior to the start of the treatment period. Pregnant cows (n = 50) were assigned to one of three treatment groups with two replications per treatment: non-toxic, novel endophyte-infected (NE+) fescue without melatonin supplementation (NE+/NM; n = 16), E+ fescue with melatonin supplementation (E+/M; n = 16), and E+ fescue without melatonin supplementation (E+/NM; n = 18). Treatments were administered over a 70-d period between May and July (d 147 ± 1 to 217 ± 1 of gestation). A commercially available feed was mixed with or without melatonin [100 µg/kg body weight (BW)] and hand-fed daily. Cows were weighed at d 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 relative to the start of the treatment period. Measures of uterine and coccygeal artery hemodynamics included artery diameter, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), blood flow (BF), and blood flow as a proportion of BW (BF/BW) and were determined by color Doppler ultrasonography at the conclusion of the 70-d treatment period. Plasma prolactin was determined at the end of the 70-d treatment by radioimmunoassay. After the treatment period, cattle were maintained together as a single group on pastures that were free from E+ fescue. Body weights were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, time, and the interaction as fixed effects and replicate as random. Prolactin and arterial hemodynamics were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect and replicate as random. There was an effect of time and a treatment by time interaction on cow BW (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Prolactin was decreased (P = 0.02) in E+/NM (71.8 ± 14.0 ng/mL) and E+/M (86.9 ± 14.9 ng/mL) relative to NE+/NM (128.9 ± 14.9 ng/mL) cows. Coccygeal artery PI was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.02) in E+/M (0.86 ± 0.1) relative to NE+/NM (1.06 ± 0.1) cows. Coccygeal artery RI was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in E+/M (0.53 ± 0.02) relative to NE+/NM (0.62 ± 0.02) cows. There were no other effects of treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Preliminary results suggest limited effects of melatonin on uterine and coccygeal artery hemodynamics in pregnant multiparous crossbred beef cows grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Effects of late gestational nutrient restriction on uterine artery blood flow, placental size, and cotyledonary mRNA expression in primiparous beef females.

Fall-calving primiparous beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually-fed either 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to parturition. Doppler ultrasonography of both uterine arteries was conducted pre-treatment and every 21 d from days 181 to 265 of gestation. Expelled placentas were collected, and ipsilateral cotyledonary tissue was sampled to assess relative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression. Placentas were separated into ipsilateral and contralateral sides, dissected (cotyledonary vs. intercotyledonary), and dried. Data were analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Uterine blood flow included day and nutritional plane × day as repeated measures. We previously reported that post-calving, NR dams weighed 64 kg less and were 2.0 BCS lower than CON, but calf birth weight was not affected. Maternal heart rate was less (P < 0.001) for NR dams than CON after nutritional planes began. Nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) uterine artery hemodynamics, but all variables were affected (P ≤ 0.04) by day. Contralateral cotyledonary and placental weight were less (P ≤ 0.04) and contralateral intercotyledonary weight and number of cotyledons tended to be less (P ≤ 0.10) for NR dams than CON, but ipsilateral and whole placental weights were not affected (P ≥ 0.13). Ipsilateral placental weight as a percentage of total placental weight was greater (P = 0.03) for NR dams than CON. Whole placental cotyledonary: intercotyledonary weight was less (P = 0.01) for NR dams than CON. Placental efficiency was not affected (P = 0.89) by nutritional plane. Cotyledonary relative mRNA expression of GLUT3 and SNAT2 was greater (P ≤ 0.05) and relative expression of GLUT1, GLUT4, and NOS3 tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.07) for NR dams than CON. Nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) relative mRNA expression of GLUT5, 4F2hc, CAT1, LAT1, LAT2, VEGFA, FLT1, KDR, GUCY1B3, and PAG2. Despite less contralateral placental growth, beef heifers experiencing late gestational nutrient restriction maintained uterine artery blood flow and total placental mass and had 4 nutrient transporters and 1 angiogenic factor upregulated in cotyledons, all of which likely contributed to conserving fetal growth.

Determination of the effects of oxytocin and carazolol on uterine involution by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in Kıvırcık ewes

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oxytocin and carazolol on uterine involution in postpartum Kıvırcık ewes. Thirty primiparous suckling Kıvırcık ewes were divided into 3 groups: carazolol, oxytocin, and control. The ewes underwent transcutaneous B-mode USG in the 1st week after birth, and the examinations continued via transrectal USG until the 28th day of postpartum (pp). The pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI), and systolic/diastolic (S/D) velocity ratio were recorded for uterine artery by Doppler USG. On postpartum 21st day, gravid horn diameter reduction was best achieved in the carazolol group. The PI values were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.001) on days 14 and 21 pp. The mean RI values of uterine artery were statistically higher (P˂0.01) in the oxytocin group. The highest RI value was detected on the 14th day of pp. The carazolol group had statistically higher (P˂0.05) mean S/D values when compared to other groups. In conclusion, the most effective drug used to accelerate involution was found to be carazolol. The drugs used in this study appeared to have a contraction effect on the uterine arteries.

Clinical value of serum SIRT1 combined with uterine hemodynamics in predicting disease severity and fetal growth restriction in preeclampsia.

To investigate the effect and correlation of serum SIRT1 combined with uterine hemodynamic parameters on disease severity and fetal uterine growth restriction in the progression of preeclampsia, and to evaluate its clinical value as potential markers. A total of 100 patients with preeclampsia who were hospitalized in Qufu Normal University Hospital from June 2017 to June 2021 were selected as the research objects. According to the severity, they were divided into Mild group (62 cases) and Severe group (38 cases), and according to whether the fetal growth restriction was combined or not, they were divided into the Combined fetal growth restriction group (56 cases) and the Uncomplicated fetal growth restriction group (44 cases). Serum SIRT1 levels and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters were detected, and spearman analysis was used to evaluate the association of serum SIRT1 levels and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters (peak-to-trough ratio of arterial blood velocity, pulsatility index, resistance index) with disease severity (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and random urinary protein levels) and fetal growth restriction (femoral length, biparietal diameter, head circumference and neonatal weight); unsupervised PCA analysis, supervised PLS-DA analysis, Cluster heat map analysis, ROC curve and AUC analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum SIRT1 levels combined with uterine artery hemodynamic parameters in the severity of disease and fetal growth restriction in patients with preeclampsia. Serum SIRT1 levels was decreased in patients with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.0001), arterial blood flow velocity peak-to-trough ratio, pulsatility index and resistance index were increased (p < 0.001; p < 0.0001), and serum SIRT1 levels and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters were closely related to disease severity (p < 0.001; p < 0.0001). In addition, the levels of serum SIRT1 in patients with preeclampsia combined with fetal growth restriction was decreased (p < 0.0001), the peak-to-trough ratio of arterial blood flow velocity, pulsatility index and resistance index were increased (p < 0.0001), and serum SIRT1 levels and uterine artery hemodynamics were closely related to fetal growth restriction (p < 0.0001). Unsupervised PCA analysis and supervised PLS-DA analysis showed that patients with different severity of disease and patients with or without fetal growth restriction were similar within groups, and there were significant differences between groups; cluster heat map analysis showed that mild and severe groups were stratified clustering, the combined fetal growth restriction group and the uncombined group were hierarchically clustered; ROC curve and AUC analysis showed that serum SIRT1 levels combined with uterine artery hemodynamic parameters had a significant effect on the severity of preeclampsia and whether combined with fetal growth restriction high diagnostic value. Serum SIRT1 combined with uterine hemodynamic parameters in preeclampsia is closely related to disease severity and fetal growth restriction, and is expected to become potential biomarkers for early clinical intervention in patients.

Deep-sequencing nitroso-proteomes by a modified SNOSID proteomics platform revealed novel roles of protein nitrosylation in uterine artery hemodynamics regulation

Deep-sequencing nitroso-proteomes by a modified SNOSID proteomics platform revealed novel roles of protein nitrosylation in uterine artery hemodynamics regulation

72 Seminal Plasma Uterine Priming Reduces Offspring Growth and Alters Uterine Artery Indices of Vascular Resistance in Embryo-Recipient Beef Cows

Abstract Uterine priming with seminal plasma has been shown to alter endometrial gene expression as well as uterine cytokines and chemokines. However, the effects of seminal plasma uterine priming on uterine blood flow, fetal and postnatal offspring growth performance have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of pooled seminal plasma uterine priming at estrus on embryo crown-rump length, uterine blood flow, and birth weights. Commercial cows (n = 65) were synchronized, evaluated for standing estrus (day 0), and randomly assigned to treatment groups: seminal plasma or control. Seminal plasma treated cows (n = 27) received 0.5 mL of pooled seminal plasma from commercial bulls mismatched from embryo sire placed in their uterine body via artificial insemination rod2 hours after estrus detection (day 0). Control cows (n = 27) were passed through the chute without receiving treatment. On day 7, cows underwent non-surgical embryo transfer and were confirmed pregnant on day 35 via ultrasonography. Final treatment numbers were n = 9 seminal plasma and n = 7 control. On days 35, 40, and 45 embryo crown-rump length was measured via transrectal ultrasonography. On days 140, 180, 200 and 220, uterine artery hemodynamics were measured via Doppler ultrasonography. Birth weights were collected within 24 hours of birth. Data collected over time were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA with fixed effects of treatment, day, and their respective interaction. Birth weights and gestation length were analyzed using ANOVA. Embryo sire and dam, side of pregnancy, and fetal sex were included as covariates if P &amp;lt; 0.10. Covariance structure was selected based on lowest AIC and BIC. Embryo crown-rump length was decreased (P = 0.0483) among seminal plasma treated cows compared with controls. Embryo crown-rump length increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) by day. Total uterine blood flow increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) as gestation proceeded. Ipsilateral resistance index was increased (P = 0.0431) among seminal plasma treated cows compared with controls. Ipsilateral resistance index was increased (P = 0.0107) on day 180 of gestation compared with days 200 and 220 of gestation. Ipsilateral pulsatility index was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) on day 220 of gestation compared with days 140 and 180 of gestation. Contralateral blood flow was decreased (P = 0.0037) on day 140 of gestation compared with days 180, 200, and 220 of gestation. There were no differences in contralateral uterine artery blood flow, resistance index, or pulsatility index, or gestation length between treatment groups. Birth weights were decreased (P = 0.0102) among calves from seminal plasma treated cows compared with calves from control cows. In summary, seminal plasma uterine priming reduced offspring growth while increasing uterine artery resistance index, which indicates uterine vascular bed anomalies that persisted into the third trimester of pregnancy.

Clinical Value of Serum SIRT1 Combined with Uterine Hemodynamics in Predicting Disease Severity and Fetal Growth Restriction in Preeclampsia.

The sirtuin regulator 1-related enzyme (SIRT1) has been shown to play an important role in various pathophysiological processes. Our aim was to investigate the effect and correlation of serum SIRT1 combined with uterine hemodynamic parameters on disease severity and fetal uterine growth restriction in the progression of preeclampsia and to evaluate its clinical value as a potential marker. A total of 100 patients with preeclampsia who were hospitalized in Qufu Normal University Hospital from June 2017 to June 2021 were selected as the research objects. According to the severity, they were divided into the mild (62 cases) and severe groups (38 cases), and according to whether the fetal growth restriction was combined or not, they were divided into the combined fetal growth restriction group (56 cases) and the uncomplicated fetal growth restriction group (44 cases). Serum SIRT1 expression and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters were detected, and Spearman analysis was used to evaluate the association of serum SIRT1 expression and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters (the peak-to-trough ratio of arterial blood velocity, the pulsatility index, and the resistance index) with disease severity (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and random urinary protein levels) and fetal growth restriction (femoral length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and neonatal weight); unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA), supervised partial least-squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), cluster heat map analysis, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum SIRT1 expression combined with uterine artery hemodynamic parameters in the severity of disease and fetal growth restriction in patients with preeclampsia. Compared with patients with mild preeclampsia, serum SIRT1 expression was lower in patients with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.0001), the arterial blood flow velocity peak-to-trough ratio, pulsatility index, and resistance index were higher (p < 0.001; p < 0.0001); and serum SIRT1 expression and uterine artery hemodynamic parameters were closely related to disease severity (p < 0.001; p < 0.0001). In addition, the expression of serum SIRT1 in patients with preeclampsia combined with fetal growth restriction was lower than patients without preeclampsia (p < 0.0001); the peak-to-trough ratio of arterial blood flow velocity, the pulsatility index, and the resistance index were higher (p < 0.0001); and serum SIRT1 expression and uterine artery hemodynamics were closely related to fetal growth restriction (p < 0.0001). Unsupervised PCA analysis and supervised PLS-DA analysis showed that patients with different severity of disease and patients with or without fetal growth restriction were similar within the groups, and there were significant differences between the groups; cluster heat map analysis showed that the mild and severe groups were stratified clustering, and the combined fetal growth restriction group and the uncombined group were hierarchically clustered; ROC curve showed that the AUC of serum SIRT1 expression combined with uterine artery hemodynamic parameters was 0.776 in identifying the severity of preeclampsia and 0.956 in identifying the preeclampsia complicated by fetal growth restriction. Serum SIRT1 combined with uterine hemodynamic parameters in preeclampsia is closely related to disease severity and fetal growth restriction and is expected to become a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention in patients.

Use of Uterine and Ovarian Arteries Doppler Parameters for the Prediction of Infertility in Females

Background: In the context of fertility, Doppler sonography is used to evaluate the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. The blood flow to these organs plays a crucial role in the process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation of the fertilized egg. Changes in the Doppler sonographic indices of the uterine and ovarian arteries can provide information about the blood flow to these organs and can help identify potential problems that may be affecting fertility. Objective: To evaluate the Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian arteries in fertile and infertile women and help clinicians develop more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for infertility. Methodology: A cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted for a duration of 9 months at a Medics Dr. Amers, Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 150 fertile and 150 infertile females aged 18-45 and excluded all females using oral contraceptive and contraceptive devices. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. Results: Age of participants ranged between 19 to 43 years with a mean + SD age of 28 + 6.5 years. The mean + SD RI and PI of left ovarian artery was 0.48 + 0.03 and 1.1 + 0.13 in the fertile, 0.9 + 0.03 and 4.2 + 1.2 in the infertile group. The mean + SD RI and PI of right ovarian artery was 0.60 + 0.03 and 1.6 + 0.06 in the fertile, 0.8 + 0.01 and 3.0 + 0.4 in theinfertile group (Table 1) Overall, results shows that the four variables are significantly different between fertile and infertile groups, with higher values in the infertile group. Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right ovarian artery of both groups (P &lt; 0.05). However, in left ovarian artery the values of PI in both groups showed a significance (P&lt; 0.05) were as values RI are found to be insignificant (P &gt; 0.05). Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right and left uterine artery of both groups (P &lt; 0.05). The mean + SD endometrial thickness in fertile group was 11.0 + 2.6 mm it was 9 + 1.6 mm in infertile group (Table 3). Indicating a significant difference between the two groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Uterine and Ovarian artery hemodynamics plays an important role in fertility. Findings from this study revealed that a high RI and PI and thin endometrium significantly affects fertility. Key words: Resistive index, Pulsatility index, Infertility, Uterine artery, Ovarian artery.

Evaluation of the relationship between placentome perfusion, echotexture, and endocrine changes in cows at the end of pregnancy

Although Doppler ultrasonography (USG) is frequently used in human medicine to evaluate placental function and fetal well-being, studies in veterinary medicine are limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the relationship between placentome perfusion and echotexture and endocrine changes during the last stages of pregnancy in cows using B-mode/Doppler USG and reveal the effects of hormonal changes on placentome and uterine artery hemodynamics. The animals consisted of 12 pregnant Swiss Brown cows 3.8 ± 0.34 years old with at least one birth. Imaging with USG was continued for 1 month, thrice weekly, until delivery. To determine serum progesterone (P4), total estrogen, and cortisol levels, blood was drawn from the tail vein immediately after USG examinations. Contrast (CON), homogeneity (HOM), and mean gray value (MGV) were determined by placentome echotexture analysis. Color Doppler perfusion areas (A mix) and power Doppler perfusion areas (A red) of the placentome, pulse rate (PR), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), blood flow velocity (BFVe), blood flow volume (BFVo), and diameter (DM) in the spectral analysis of uterine artery values were collected. ImageJ was used to analyze the B-mode images, and PixelFlux (Chameleon® Software, Münster, Germany) was used to calculate the placentome perfusion values and hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery in Doppler images. In the last month of pregnancy, there was no statistical difference in the placentome echotexture values CON and HOM. However, MGV increased close to birth (P < 0.001). Placentome perfusion level and area did not change significantly but were found to decrease numerically 2 days before delivery (P > 0.05). Uterine artery PR increased from 62.36 bpm on day 25 prepartum to 81.42 bpm at birth (P < 0.05). The P4 concentration decreased in the last month of pregnancy, whereas an increase was detected in estrogen and cortisol during this period (P < 0.05). In the uterine artery of pregnant cornu, RI and PI were negatively correlated with BFVe (P < 0.01). Based on this study, echotextural differences were observed in placentomes in the last stage of pregnancy in cows, and there were significant changes in placental and uterine artery blood flow. These changes may be related to placental maturation, especially on the days close to birth.

249 Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation on Uterine Blood Flow and Placental Size in the Primiparous Bovine Dam

Abstract To determine effects of late gestational maternal nutrient restriction (NR) on uteroplacental blood flow and placental growth, primiparous fall-calving crossbred beef heifers [BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] were individually-fed either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (n = 13) of energy and protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth during the last 120 days of gestation. Transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography of both uterine arteries was conducted pre-treatment and every 21 d during treatments. Placentas were split into ipsilateral and contralateral sides, dissected (cotyledonary vs. intercotyledonary), and dried. Data were analyzed with treatment, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P &amp;lt; 0.25) as fixed effects. Uterine blood flow included day and treatment x day (repeated measures). Dam BW was less (P ≤ 0.01) from d 223 of gestation through parturition for NR dams, but calf BW was not affected (P = 0.72) by treatment. The interaction affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) heart rate, where NR dams had decreased heart rate after treatments began. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) uterine artery blood flow or hemodynamics, but all variables were affected (P ≤ 0.04) by day. Contralateral total and cotyledonary weights tended (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater and ipsilateral and total cotyledonary:intercotyledonary ratios were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for CON. Cotyledon number, cotyledon size, and total cotyledonary, intercotyledonary, and placental weight were not affected (P ≥ 0.15) by treatment. Relative to dam BW, uterine blood flow was not affected (P = 0.83), but relative placental weight tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in NR dams. In the current study, NR dams lost maternal BW during late gestation and had less contralateral placental growth, yet uterine blood flow was maintained and placental size relative to BW ensured fetal growth similar to CON offspring.

Uterine artery hemodynamics in female dogs with open- and closed-cervix pyometra

Although pyometra is a common disease, the mechanisms that determine cervical opening remain unknown. Knowing that the vascular structures are crucial in pathophysiology, it was observed need for hemodynamic studies assessing uterine artery of female dogs with pyometra and its relation to the neck opening. Thirty-five female dogs were selected and separate into three groups: control group (CG) (n = 12), open-cervix pyometra group (OCG) (n = 11) and closed-cervix pyometra group (CCG) (n = 12), with the objective of evaluating and comparing the hemodynamic changes of the uterine artery [peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI)] in female dogs with open- and closed-cervix pyometra and correlate them with measurements of uterine diameter (UD) and endometrial thickness (ET). The correlation analysis showed that, with the exception of PSV, the hemodynamics indices were associated with UD and ET, presenting a moderate and positive correlation between UD and EDV (r = 0.62; P&lt;0.01), a moderate and negative correlation between UD and RI (r =-0.68; P&lt;0.01) and also moderate and negative correlation between ET and RI (r = -0.62; P&lt;0.01). These results suggest that alterations of uterine artery hemodynamics are similar in dog females with open- or closed-cervix pyometra, although the UD and the ET can influence in the uterine perfusion.

Melatonin alters bovine uterine artery hemodynamics, vaginal temperatures, and fetal morphometrics during late gestational nutrient restriction in a season-dependent manner.

The objectives were to examine melatonin-mediated changes in temporal uterine blood flow (UBF), vaginal temperatures (VTs), and fetal morphometrics in 54 commercial Brangus heifers (Fall, n = 29; Summer, n = 25) during compromised pregnancy. At day 160 of gestation, heifers were assigned to one of the four treatments consisting of adequately fed (ADQ-CON; 100% National Research Council [NRC]; n = 13), global nutrient restricted (RES-CON; 60% NRC; n =13), and ADQ or RES supplemented with 20 mg/d of melatonin (ADQ-MEL, n = 13; RES-MEL, n = 15). In the morning (0500 hours; AM) and afternoon (1300 hours; PM) of day 220 of gestation, UBF was determined via Doppler ultrasonography, while temperature data loggers attached to progesterone-free controlled internal drug releases were used to record VTs. At day 240 of gestation, heifers underwent cesarean sections for fetal removal and morphometrics determination. The UBF and VT data were analyzed using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA), while the morphometrics was analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Seasons were analyzed separately. In Fall, a nutrition by treatment interaction was observed, where the RES-CON heifers exhibited reduced total UBF compared with ADQ-CON (5.67 ± 0.68 vs. 7.97 ± 0.54 L/min; P = 0.039). In Summer, MEL heifers exhibited increased total UBF compared with the CON counterparts (8.16 ± 0.73 vs. 6.00 ± 0.70 L/min; P = 0.048). Moreover, there was a nutrition by treatment by time interaction in VT for Fall and Summer heifers (P ≤ 0.005). In Fall, all groups had decreased VT in the morning compared with the afternoon (P < 0.05). Whereas, in Summer, VT increased for ADQ-CON and RES-CON (P < 0.0001) from morning to afternoon, the ADQ-MEL and RES-MEL remained constant throughout the day (P = 0.648). Furthermore, the RES-MEL-PM exhibited decreased VT compared with ADQ-CON-PM (38.91 ± 0.09 vs. 39.26 ± 0.09 °C; P = 0.018). Lastly, in Fall, a main effect of nutrition was observed on fetal weights, where the RES dams had fetuses with decreased body weight when compared with ADQ (24.08 ± 0.62 vs. 26.57 ± 0.64 kg; P = 0.0087). In Summer, a nutrition by treatment interaction was observed on fetal weights where the RES-CON dams had fetuses with reduced weight when compared with ADQ-CON and RES-MEL (P < 0.05). In summary, nutrient restriction decreased UBF and melatonin supplementation increased UBF depending on the season. Additionally, melatonin appeared to decrease VT and rescue fetal weights when supplemented in the Summer.

Effect of Hair Coat Shedding Ability on Uterine Artery Hemodynamics in Angus Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate winter hair coat shedding ability and its association with uterine artery hemodynamics. Fall calving, artificially inseminated purebred Angus females (n = 29) were observed once monthly by two trained technicians for winter hair coat shedding and given a visual hair shedding score of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating 100% shed, 2 = 75%, 3 = 50%, 4 = 25%, and 5 indicating 0% shedding of winter hair coat. Month of first shedding (MFS) was determined once a female reached an average hair shedding score of ≤ 3.5 from March until July of 2019 and 2020. Uterine artery blood flow (ABF) was determined using color Doppler ultrasonography at d 150, 180, 210, and 240 of gestation. Total uterine artery (summation of ipsilateral and contralateral arteries) and ipsilateral uterine ABF, diameter, resistance and pulsatility index (PI) were analyzed using repeated measures of the MIXED procedure of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Fixed effects included MFS, day, year, and the respected interactions with covariates of dam body weight, ambient temperature and order of cows ultrasonography examination considered as a random effect. No significant MFS by day of gestation interaction (P &amp;gt; 0.32) was observed for total or ipsilateral ABF (P &amp;gt; 0.23). A MFS by day of gestation (P &amp;lt; 0.04) interaction was observed for both ipsilateral artery diameter and PI, in which females that shed by May had smaller artery diameter (0.74 vs. 0.85 cm) at day 180 of gestation and greater PI (P &amp;lt; 0.02; 1.48 vs. 1.03) at day 150 of gestation compared to June. Shedding ability had an effect on ipsilateral uterine artery development and pulsatility during gestation, possibly affecting the amount of nutrients distributed to the prenatal fetus and subsequent birth weight of the calf from females that shed by May.

Uterine artery hemodynamic changes due to a Cervical Traction maneuver (Amr’s maneuver); Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: This study aimed to measure the impacts of cervical traction on the uterine artery hemodynamics.Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized-controlled trial. The primary outcome measure was the uterine artery hemodynamics indices: end diastolic velocity (EDV) and systolic/diastolic velocity ratio (S/D ratio).Results: The study was conducted in one institution in Cairo from January-2017 to March-2017 with 12-month follow up period. Both groups were comparable (p-value > 0.05) with regard to the age, BMI, heart rate, blood pressure, gravidity, parity as well as episiotomy. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between the two groups regarding vital signs after the intervention. All the patients tolerated the procedure with mild sedation. PSV, EDV, S/D, PI and RI were comparable between both groups before the intervention. However, PSV, S/D ratio, RI and PI were significantly higher (p-values < 0.001) in the study group than the control group after the intervention. On the other hand, EDV was significantly lower in the study group than the control group after the intervention (p-value < 0.001). During the follow-up period, no adverse events reported.Conclusion: Amr’s maneuver is effective in changing the uterine artery hemodynamics indices in the direction of decreasing the uterine artery blood flow.

69 Effects of supplementing heifers with dietary quercetin during late-gestation

Abstract Introduction of antioxidants, such as quercetin, into the diets of livestock species have become a new and revolutionary field of study. The objective was to examine effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin in beef heifers. Assessments were evaluated based on uterine artery hemodynamics and maternal hormone concentrations during late-gestation, as well as calf morphometric parameters. Eleven pregnant, Angus x Brahman heifers were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments: 1) quercetin (250 mg/day; Liftmode.com, Synaptent LLC, Chicago, IL, USA) supplemented group (QR; n = 6) or 2) no quercetin supplemented group (CON; n = 5). Dietary treatments were applied daily from d 190 of gestation until calving in a Calan System (American Calan, Inc., Northwood, NH) with 3.63 kg of a commodity grain and approximately 8.16 kg of hay per head per day. Both groups were subject to ultrasound scanning via rectal ultrasonography of the uterine artery using Color Doppler on d 190, 220, 250, and 270 of gestation. Blood samples were also collected via coccygeal venipuncture for hormone analysis. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA method within the Proc Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. Total blood flow was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 248 and even greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 270 of gestation as compared to d 190 and 220. Contralateral Pulsatility Index (PI) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in QR treated heifers as compared to CON. Additionally, QR heifers yielded a greater serum progesterone concentration (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as compared to CON but no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between treatments regarding serum estrogen concentrations. Calf birth weight was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but calves from quercetin supplemented dams resulted in greater wither and hip height (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Future research with antioxidant supplementation could lead to further fetal programming implications.

B-mode and Doppler Ultrasonographic Assessment of Uterine Involution in Ewes Treated with Two Different Doses of ProstaglandinF2α

Background: Several studies consisted of postmortem evaluations and B-mode ultrasonography have been performed on ovine uterine involution. However, researches with Doppler ultrasonography are very limited in ewes. Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive method which provides information about vascular dynamics of the tissues which cannot be examined by B-mode ultrasonography. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two different PGF2α doses on uterine measurements by real time B-mode ultrasonography; and on uterine artery hemodynamics by pulsed-wave Doppler analysis during postpartum uterine involution in ewes.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The study was conducted with 30 primiparous Kiwircik ewes which lambed singleton without any complication. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups (n= 10 for each group). A single i.m. injection of 125 μg/sheep PGF2α, 75 μg/sheep PGF2α, and 1.0 mL/sheep sterile saline solution were administered to Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The day of parturition was considered as the first day of the study. Examinations were performed on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Diameters of previously gravid horn and caruncles were measured by real time B-mod ultrasonography. Presence of lochia was also noted. Uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) values were measured by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography. The one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s test were used for statistical analysis. The mean previously gravid horn diameters of ewes were 8.30 ± 0.16 cm and 1.53 ± 0.07 cm on day 1 and day 28, respectively. Previously gravid horn and caruncle diameters had a similar declining pattern in all groups as involution period proceeded. Involution was mostly completed by day 21. More than 50% reduction in uterine size was achieved in prostaglandin administered groups by day 7. Caruncles were not able to be identified after the second week postpartum. Lochia was observed for a longer period in control group. Uterine artery PI and RI showed fluctuations throughout involution period with a similar pattern among groups. S/D values progressively increased until day 14, then showed a decreasing pattern.Discussion: The effects of different PGF2α doses on uterine measurements and uterine artery hemodynamics during postpartum period were compared in ewes for the first time. The uterine size reduction in prostaglandin administered groups suggested that both PGF2α doses were effective in uterine involution. The last observation of lochia in uterine cavity were achieved by day 7 in prostaglandin administered groups, suggesting both PGF2α doses trigger uterine contractions which lead to the removal of uterine content. Automatic measurements by Doppler device were taken in order to provide uniformity and to prevent operator-based bias. The significantly higher uterine artery PI value found in Group 1 on day 1 might suggest the stimulatory effect of PGF2α administration on uterine contractility synergitically with already released endogenous PGF2α. Uterine artery PI and RI showed fluctuations throughout involution period and reached their peak values on day 14. The increasing S/D values up to day 14 indicated increasing diastolic flow, increasing resistance and decreasing blood perfusion in prostaglandin administered groups. Prostaglandin administered groups tended to show higher hemodynamic parameters throughout the study which suggested a vasoconstrictor effect of PGF2α. In conclusion, PGF2α administration on the day of parturition might have constrictor effects both on uterine artery and myometrium which leads to a reduction in uterine blood flow and a rapid decline in uterine size especially during early puerperium even with a reduced dose.

298 Effects of parity on late gestational uterine blood flow and hemodynamics in beef cattle

Abstract To determine parity effects on late gestational uteroplacental blood flow, uterine artery hemodynamics were measured in 13 primiparous and 11 multiparous (parity 3 and 4) non-lactating, fall-calving crossbred females beginning 109 d prepartum. Females were nutritionally managed as one group to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. Transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography of the both uterine arteries was conducted 3 to 6 times per female across late gestation, ending at approximately 20 d prepartum. Data were analyzed with parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), day prior to calving, and their interaction in the model; day was a repeated effect. Dam BW was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for multiparous than primiparous females, and increased (P = 0.004) as gestation progressed. Calf birth weight was unaffected (P = 0.87) by parity. The parity x day interaction tended to affect (P = 0.06) ipsilateral uterine artery blood flow (L/min), where multiparous cows had a greater increase per day. Total and contralateral uterine artery blood flow were unaffected (P ≥ 0.11) by parity, but increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with day of gestation. When expressed relative to dam BW, total and contralateral blood flow were greater (P ≤ 0.04) in primiparous than multiparous females; ipsilateral blood flow was unaffected (P ≥ 0.13) by parity, however. Ipsilateral pulsatility index and both resistance indices were unaffected (P ≥ 0.28) by parity and day, but day tended to affect (P = 0.07) contralateral pulsatility index. Parity did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) cross-sectional area, mean velocity, peak systolic velocity, and end diastolic velocity of either uterine artery, but all increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) as gestation progressed. Heart rate was greater (P = 0.03) in primiparous than multiparous females. Data suggest that uterine artery blood flow and heart rate may be altered in primiparous females, even when birth weight is unaffected by parity.

PSII-7 Uterine artery hemodynamics and placentome quantification during maternal nutrient restriction in beef cattle

Abstract Proper fetal nutrition via adequate uteroplacental blood flow is critical for maximizing fetal development and reducing mortality. However, our understanding of adaptations during maternal nutrient restriction is incomplete. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nutrient restriction during mid to late gestation on utero-placental hemodynamics and placentome morphometrics in gestating beef cattle. Animals (n = 10) were randomly assigned one of 2 treatments: Control (CON; 100% NRC Requirements) vs Restricted Feed (NR; 60% of NRC Requirements) from 140 to 240 days of gestation. Hemodynamic parameters were collected by Doppler ultrasonography 1 week prior to slaughter from the ipsilateral and contralateral uterine arteries, after which, total uterine artery blood flow was calculated. Six animals (n = 3 per treatment) were slaughtered on day 240 of gestation (Group 1) and the remaining 4 animals were slaughtered on 265 ± 15 days (Group 2). Placentome tissues were harvested for weight and number determination. Placentome number decreased (P = 0.01) in nutrient restricted (49 ± 6) versus control (83 ± 6) fed dams. There was an interaction between treatment and group in which ipsilateral diameter increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in group 2 NR animals versus group 2 CON animals while there was no difference between NR and CON in group 1. There was no difference (P = 0.30) in total uterine artery blood flow in fetal weight, which averaged 212 ± 37 mL/min*kg in nutrient restricted versus 153 ± 34 mL/min*kg in control fed dams. In summary, these data indicate limited alterations in uterine artery blood flow and fetal weight in nutrient restricted dams during the last half of gestation. The decrease in placentome number with no difference in placentome weight could indicate larger placentomes in nutrient restricted dams were able to compensate for the reduction in total number.