Uterine Diameter Research Articles

The effect of pelvic pathology on uterine vein diameters

BackgroundTransvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is a sensitive tool for detecting various conditions that contribute to pelvic pain. TVS can be also used to assess blood flow and measure the size of pelvic veins. Pelvic venous congestion (PVC) is characterised by enlargement of the pelvic veins and has been recognised as a cause of chronic pelvic pain. The reference ranges for uterine venous diameter in women with normal pelvic organs have been established, but there is no information regarding the potential effect of pelvic pathology on the uterine venous diameters. The aim of this study was to examine the size of uterine venous plexus in women with evidence of pelvic abnormalities on TVS and to determine whether the reference ranges need to be adjusted in the presence of pelvic pathology.A prospective, observational study was conducted in our gynaecological outpatient clinic. Morphological characteristics of all pelvic abnormalities detected on TVS and their sizes were recorded. The uterine veins were identified and their diameters were measured in all cases. The primary outcome measure was the uterine venous diameter. Regression analyses were performed to determine factors affecting the uterine venous size in women with pelvic pathology.ResultsA total of 1500 women were included into the study, 1014 (67%) of whom were diagnosed with pelvic abnormalities. Women with pelvic pathology had significantly larger uterine venous diameters than women with normal pelvic organs (p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that pre-menopausal status, high parity, presence of fibroids (p < 0.001) and Black ethnicity were all associated with significantly larger uterine vein diameters. Based on these findings modified reference ranges for uterine venous diameters have been designed which could be used for the diagnosis of PVC in women with uterine fibroids.ConclusionsOur findings show that of all pelvic pathology detected on TVS, only fibroids are significantly associated with uterine venous enlargement. Factors known to be associated with enlarged veins in women with normal pelvic organs, namely parity and menopausal status, also apply in patients with pelvic pathology. Future studies of uterine venous circulation should take into account the presence and size of uterine fibroids when assessing women for the signs of PVC.

Assessment of Hematological Parameters and Uterine Hemodynamic Indices in Bitches with Pyometra

Background: Pyometra is defined as chronic purulent inflammation of the uterus that causes changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. The disease is characterized with bacterial infection and pus accumulation in the uterus. Transabdominal B-mode ultrasonography provides easy and certain diagnosis of this disease. The hemodynamic changes in pyometra are evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of the study is to determine the changes in hematological parameters and Doppler indices in bitches with pyometra, diestrus healthy bitches and evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters and hemodynamic indices within the both groups.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: A total number of 27 bitches were enrolled in the study. The healthy diestrus bitches (group H; n = 7) aged 6.2 ± 1.14 years, weighted 14.57 ± 3.75 kg. The bitches with pyometra (group PYO; n = 20) aged 9.1 ± 0.62 years and weighted 17.65 ± 2.60 kg. Before all bitches had ovariohisterectomy, hematological analyses were performed. Transabdominal ultrasonography (USG) was performed with a 6.6 MHz convex transducer. The widest cross-sectional uterine diameter (UD), wall thickness of uterine horns (UWT) and presence of luminal content were evaluated. Diameter of the uterine artery (DUA) was measured on a mapped color image using the USG software program. The examination was carried out with pulsed-wave Doppler USG to characterize the waveform of the uterine artery (UA). Anechogenic areas in uterine lumen, increase in UD and UWT were observed in group PYO. All cases in group PYO had luminal content in both uterine horns ranging from 1.2 to 5.6 cm. The DUAs were measured in group H and in group PYO as 1.75 ± 0.03 mm, 1.94 ± 0.08 mm; respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The PI and RI values of group PYO were lower than group H (P &lt; 0.001). Hematological analysis results showed that RBC, HGB, HCT levels in group PYO were lower than group H (P &lt; 0.001). However, WBC, NEU, LYM, MONO levels in group PYO were higher than group H. Hemodynamic indices were positively correlated with RBC, HGB, HCT, whereas they were inversely correlated with NEU, WBC, UD and UWT. Also, PI value was negatively correlated with MONO.Discussion: Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is a predisposing factor for development of the pyometra in bitches. Besides, naturally occurring CEH and pyometra can arise independently from each other. The enlarged uterine body exhibits the development of intense exudative processes due to the higher proliferative stimulation in uterine infections. Uterine infections were associated with increase in uterine blood flow. Elevated uterine blood flow, vasodilatation and angiogenesis arise during inflammatory response. The inflammatory process leads to a diminution in hemodynamic indices of uterine arteries. Total blood count parameters are affected from the presence of pyometra. Elevated levels of leukocytes in bitches with pyometra are associated with worsening prognosis. Erythrocyte diapedesis into the lumen of the uterus, toxic depression of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow can cause anemia. In conclusion, hematological parameters were strongly correlated with hemodynamic indices in this study. Reduced RBC, HGB and HCT levels, decreased PI and RI values and elevated levels of UD, UWT, DUA were observed in group PYO. To our knowledge, this was the first study that observed the increase in DUA during pyometra in bitches.

Antiestrogenic Potential of Turmeric Rhizomes Extract to Decrease Weight and Uterine Diameters on Rats

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) as an antiestrogenic can inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary axis so that estrogen secretion is disturbed and affects the weight and diameter of the uterus. This study was conducted to examine the effect of turmeric extract (Curcuma longa L.) on weight and uterine diameter s of female white rats (Rattus norvegicus) Sprague Dawley strain. Twenty-eight female rats were divide d into four groups. Group C as a control (given H2O), T1 (given 250mg/ Kg BW turmeric extract +

Simultaneous Occurrence of Ovarian Teratoma and Endometrial Cystic Hyperplasia with Pyometra in a Labrador Retriever Bitch

Background: Ovarian teratoma is a rare tumor that occurs in dogs. Its origin comes from embryonic cells of the notochord and it is a unipotent tumor. Pyometra is the accumulation of purulent content in the uterine lumen. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia is one of the factors predisposing a dog to the development of pyometra. The safest and most efficient treatment for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of ovarian teratoma and cystic endometrial hyperplasia with concomitant pyometra in a Labrador Retriever Bitch.Case: A 10-year-old bitch Labrador Retriever, weighing 42 kg, was evaluated at Animal Care Barueri Veterinary Clinic, in Barueri, São Paulo. The patient was referred from another veterinary service to our clinic for an ovariohysterectomy and removal of an intestinal foreign body as previous ultrasonography (US) had indicated the presence of pyometra and a foreign body in the descending colon (she had ingested cloth according to the owner’s report). Laboratory tests, complete blood count, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine levels did not show any significant changes. Upon examination, the clinical signs were mucopurulent vaginal discharge, 5% dehydration, rectal temperature 39.1°C, mild abdominal pain on palpation, normophagy, normodipsia, and normal defecation and urinatination. Laboratory tests a new US were requested on which the uterus was observed with the presence of luminal anechoic content and increased uterine diameter (uterine horns 3.97 cm), an acoustic intestinal shadow supposedly from a foreign body,and on the leukogram, leukocytosis (23,600/mm3) due to neutrophilia with a right shift (20,532/mm3) was observed. Therapeutic ovariohysterectomy and exploratory celiotomy were chosen as therapeutic options. Celiotomy with caudoumbilical mid ventral access was performed. When the left uterine horn was identified, an attempt was made to pull it in order to expose the left ovary, but this maneuver was not successful. For this reason, the abdominal incision was enlarged cranially. At that point, a huge mass was observed in the ovary (which was supposedly the acoustic shadow of the foreign body in the descending colon/left ovary). The intestines appeared normal. Macroscopically, the mass had an irregular surface, round shape, firm consistency, and was 15 cm long x 10 cm wide. Once removed, the mass was incised in the transversal direction, purulent content, hair, and mineralized areas inside it were observed. Histopathological examination showed neoplastic proliferation, consisting of cells with elongated epithelioid shape that were arranged in long irregular bundles among well-differentiated adipose tissue. An exuberant eosinophilic matrix with extensive cystic areas filled with lamellar keratin and hairy stems covered by squamous epithelium was also observed. Extensive areas exhibiting nervous tissue. The morphological picture was compatible with teratoma.Discussion: The present report describes the concomitant presence of ovarian teratoma and pyometra in a dog. The diagnosis of pyometra requires complementary tests (laboratory and imaging). The intestinal acoustic shadow observed on the two US images obtained by two different professionals was suggestive of intestinal foreign body but was also a wrong diagnosis, which was confirmed after an exploratory celiotomy when the mass in the left ovary was identified. On the histopathological examination of this presente case, epithelial, nervous, and cartilaginous tissues were observed. This differentiation of tissues corroborated the teratoma diagnosis. Thus, the importance of an accurate diagnosis contributes to the resolution of a surgical conditions that may have had a poor prognosis when the procedure took a longer time to perform. Keywords: ovarian neoplasia, ultrasonography, OSH, pyometra.Descritores: neoplasia ovariana, ultrassonografia, OSH, piometra.Título: Ocorrência simultânea de teratoma ovariano e hiperplasia endometrial cística com piometra em cadela Labrador Retriever

English

The current study evaluates changes in the physical signs of estrus (vulvar hyperemia, edema and mucous discharge) from their onset until ovulation, and validates fetal parameters for the estimation of gestational stage in Beetal goats. In experiment 1, temporal changes in estrus signs were monitored subjectively after the administration of two injections of PGF2α at 10-days interval and a cumulative behavioural index (BI) was calculated in goats that showed estrus response (n=7). Ovulation occurred after 18.8±2.3 h relative to peak vulvar hyperemia and edema; ovulation coincided with maximum mucous discharge (0±2.4 h). Maximum BI was observed between 7 to 31 h after the onset of estrus and was highly correlated with vulvar hyperemia (r=0.94), followed by vulvar edema (r=0.90) and mucous discharge (r=0.85). In experiment 2, fetal parameters were monitored in pregnant goats (n=7) via ultrasonography for estimation of gestational stage, and for validation in a separate set of goats (n=20; experiment 3). Gestational stage correlated significantly (P&lt;0.05) with the uterine diameter (UD), crown-rump length (CRL), trunk diameter (TD), intercostal space (ICS); diameter of amniotic vesicle (AV), biparietal diameter (BPD), placentome diameter (PD) and umbilical cord (UC) diameter. Validation revealed the difference between the actual and estimated day of gestation was less for TD than BPD (4.1±0.6 vs 6.8±1.0 days; P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, vulvar hyperemia, edema, and mucous discharge are highly correlated with BI. Fetal parameters are strongly associated with the gestational stage, and the estimation of the actual gestational stage is less variable through TD than BPD in Beetal goats

Lichong decoction inhibits micro-angiogenesis by reducing the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in hysteromyoma mouse model.

To investigate the efficacy of Lichong decoction (LD) from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on micro-angiogenesis in a mouse model of hysteromyoma. A mouse model of hysteromyoma was developed by orthotopic intrauterine injection of primary human myoma cells isolated from patients from the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital into CB-17 Scid mice. Mice were administered high-dose LD, low-dose LD, mifepristone or water (control) daily by gavage for 4 weeks. Uterine diameter and coefficient (uterine weight/body weight) were measured. Uterine morphology was assessed by light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin) and transmission electron microscopy. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Uterine protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, CD31 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. VEGF and HIF-1α mRNAs were quantified by RT-PCR. High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone reduced uterine diameter and coefficient, and attenuated the morphologic abnormalities associated with hysteromyoma. High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone inhibited hysteromyoma-induced micro-angiogenesis, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of new microvessels co-immunostaining for CD31 and PCNA (P < 0.01). High-dose LD and mifepristone lowered serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and LH (P < 0.05). High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone down-regulated HIF-1α mRNA and protein expressions and VEGF mRNA expression (P < 0.01). The inhibition of hysteromyoma by LD may involve reductions in HIF-1α and VEGF expression and suppression of micro-angiogenesis.

PSIV-12 Evaluation of reproductive performance and herd longevity when heifers grazing native range are vaccinated with a lifetime regimen of a killed viral or modified live viral vaccine

Abstract Fifty-eight Angus × Hereford cross heifers born in the spring of 2015 were randomly assigned to treatments of receiving a modified-live viral (MLV) or killed viral (KV) vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) at 60-d of age to determine the effects of vaccination on fertility and herd longevity. Heifers received vaccine treatments again at weaning (205d) at re-vaccination, and a yearly booster for the duration of their time in the herd. Blood samples were collected every two weeks prior to breeding to assess puberty attainment and were subsequently subjected to ovarian ultrasonography to measure antral follicle counts (AFC) and reproductive tract score (RTS). Heifers were synchronized utilizing the 7-d CIDR-PG protocol with AI following estrus detection. Heifer AFC, uterine horn diameter, RTS, and proportion of females attaining puberty before the breeding season were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.38). Artificial insemination pregnancy rates, final pregnancy rates, and percentage of heifers that calved in the first 21 days were similar between vaccination treatment groups (P ≥ 0.19). Body condition score through the third parity at calving and weaning were not different between vaccination types (P ≥ 0.59). Females receiving a MLV vaccination remain in the herd in a similar proportion to those receiving a KV vaccination (P = 0.86). These results indicate that different vaccination strategies can be successfully used in beef cattle grazing native range without impacting fertility, or herd longevity.

PSVII-20 Heat stress alters reproductive phenotypic impacts of Zearalenone in pre-pubertal gilts

Abstract Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by strains of Fusarium and is often inadvertently consumed via feed contamination. Heat stress (HS) occurs when heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation resulting in increased body temperature. Independently, HS and ZEA cause swine reproductive dysfunction such as delayed puberty onset, altered circulating steroid hormones and irregular estrous cycles. During HS, gilts become hyperinsulinemic and insulin regulates hepatic and ovarian chemical metabolism. We hypothesized that during HS, ZEA-induced alterations to reproductive parameters are heightened such that HS is additive to ZEA-induced reproductive toxicity. Prepubertal crossbred gilts (n = 38) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups: thermal neutral (TN) ad libitum fed controls (TNCT; n = 6); TN + ZEA (2 ppm; TNZ; n = 6); pair-fed (PF) control (PFCT; n = 6); PF + ZEA (2 ppm; PFZ; n = 6); cyclical HS control (HSCT; n = 7); and HS + ZEA (2 ppm; HSZ; n = 7) for 7 d. Ovarian and uterine weights (g) were measured, and nipple and vulva diameters (l × w; mm2) were assessed by digital calipers. Ovarian weight was decreased (P = 0.04) in the PFZ relative to PFCT, but ZEA did not affect ovarian weight in the other groups (P &amp;gt; 0.73). There was no impact of ZEA exposure on uterine weight (P &amp;gt; 0.22) or nipple diameter (P &amp;gt; 0.51) in any treatment groups, respectively. There was no effect of ZEA on vulva size in either of the TN groups; however, vulva diameter increased (P = 0.04) in the HSZ relative to HSCT. These data suggest that HS exaggerates some ZEA-induced phenotypic effects in prepubertal gilts. This project was supported by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

VP59.46: The effect of uterine and ovarian pelvic pathology on uterine venous diameters

VP59.46: The effect of uterine and ovarian pelvic pathology on uterine venous diameters

CPD article: Pre-breeding heifer examination and selection in UK beef herds

The objective of this review is to evaluate examination tools and how they can be used to assess the breeding potential of beef heifers prior to service. Reproductive tract examination techniques, pelvic measurement, and antral follicle counts (AFC) are methods that are used and could be of value to farmers where they can either identify pubescent heifers and/or those with the best reproductive potential. Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) to assess the pubertal state and therefore reproductive status of replacement heifers is explored alongside further adaptions of this method. The use of pelvic measurement is considered: first, where a small pelvic area or an abnormal shaped pelvic inlet is identified, which may result in elimination from the breeding cohort to reduce the potential risk of dystocia and poor performance; and second, since it may be advocated for use in conjunction with other methods. AFC are included since they too may help identify the reproductive potential of heifers. Evaluation of these examination tools demonstrates that the use of modified RTS methods, to include ultrasound examination to detect the absence of a corpus luteum (CL), absence of a follicle ≥ 13 mm and the uterine horn diameter as well as pelvic measurements, could add value to heifer breeding soundness examinations (HBSE) when carried out.

Evaluation of vascularization in the walls of preovulatory follicles in mares with endometritis

Endometritis is a major cause of infertility in mares. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preovulatory follicle (POF) vascularization (A mix, A red, A blue), POF diameter, POF wall thickness, and uterine diameters in mares with or without endometritis. Ten healthy mares and 10 mares with endometritis diagnosed by the combination of transrectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination, and cytology brush were enrolled in the study. Data of the groups obtained at 2 days before the ovulation (day −2) were compared with Student’s t-test. Correlations of the parameters were determined by the Pearson correlation test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report indicating a lower vascularization of A mix, A red, A blue, and a significantly lower wall thickness in the POFs of the mares with endometritis compared to the healthy ones (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p = 0.06, and p < 0.001, respectively). Also, a striking and novel inverse correlation between POF wall thickness and uterine diameter (r = −0.785, p < 0.001) and moderate correlations between POF wall thickness and POF vascularizations of A mix and A red (r = 0.436, p = 0.055, and r = 0.427, p = 0.060, respectively) were determined.

Association of uterine dimensions and route of contained morcellation following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The aim of this study was to determine if uterine dimensions on preoperative imaging are associated with route of contained morcellation during laparoscopic hysterectomy. This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy and requiring morcellation for specimen extraction from March 2017 through August 2019. A contained extraction system was inserted and manual morcellation was performed vaginally, abdominally, or via a combination of both methods in cases of failed vaginal extraction. A total of 47 patients were treated. Median age was 47 (range 38-70). Morcellation was performed vaginally for 29 patients (61.7%), abdominally for 13 patients (27.7%), and via combined approach for 5 patients (10.6%). The combined group had the highest frequency of patients who were black (vaginal: 24%, abdominal: 31%, combined: 100%; P=0.005), the longest median total operating time (vaginal: 167 minutes, abdominal: 183 minutes, combined: 268 minutes; P=0.006) and the longest median time of uterine morcellation (vaginal: 14 minutes, abdominal: 37 minutes, combined: 85 minutes; P<0.001). There was strong evidence of a positive correlation with time of uterine morcellation for both largest uterine diameter (Spearman's r: 0.62, P<0.001) and uterine volume (Spearman's r: 0.70, P<0.001). These associations remained consistent after multivariable linear regression models that were adjusted for route of morcellation, hysterectomy type, and BMI (both P<0.001). Larger uterine dimensions are associated with increased total operating and morcellation times. Uterine size and volume on preoperative imaging were not associated with route of morcellation, but there was a trend towards failed vaginal extraction when uterine dimensions exceeded 16 centimeters.

Ultrasonographic examination of postpartum uterine involution in sows

Physiological uterine involution during the puerperium period is essential for sow reproductive health. Uterine involution in sows has mainly been described using macroscopic and histological examination after slaughter. The aim of this study, therefore, was to describe the continuous regression of uterine diameter from day 2–14 after parturition and on the day before weaning using ultrasonography in sows housed in a free farrowing system and in farrowing crates. Diameter of three uterine cross-sections was measured at 24 -hs intervals in 46 sows housed in a free farrowing system in Switzerland and 49 sows housed in farrowing crates in Germany. Overall, there was continuous regression of uterine diameter during the lactation period in both groups. Median diameter of the uterus decreased from 32.4 mm (min: 18.6 mm, max: 52.3 mm) on day 2–9.0 mm (min: 7.6 mm, max: 12.7 mm) on the day before weaning (on average 30 days p.p.) in sows housed in free farrowing systems. Median diameter of the uterus of sows in farrowing crates decreased from 38.5 mm on day 2 (min: 21.6 mm, max: 56.3 mm) to 10.1 mm (min: 8.8 mm, max: 13.6 mm) the day before weaning (on average 29 days p.p.). Interestingly, parity, obstetrical intervention and administration of oxytocin was not associated with the decrease of uterine diameter during the study period. In summary, the ultrasonic examination is a suitable method to evaluate diameter of the uterus during the puerperium period in sows and to describe uterine involution in vivo.

Rapid progressive central precocious puberty: diagnostic and predictive value of basal sex hormone levels and pelvic ultrasound.

Objectives Data on the predictive values of parameters included in the diagnostic work-up for precocious puberty (PP) remain limited. We detected the diagnostic value of basal sex hormone levels, pelvic ultrasound parameters and bone age assessment for activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in girls with PP, in order to help in the decision to perform GnRH testing. Patients and methods We retrospectively considered 177 girls with PP. According to puberty evolution, the girls were divided into two groups: rapid progressive central precocious puberty (RP-CPP) and non/slowly progressive/transient forms (SP-PP). In all patients we considered Tanner stage, basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) values, bone age, and pelvis examination. We assessed the diagnostic value of each variable and identified the number of pathological parameters that best identify patients with RP-CPP. Results Basal LH≥0.2IU/L, E2 level ≥ 50pmol/L, uterine longitudinal diameter ≥3.5cm, transverse uterine diameter ≥1.5cm, endometrial echo and ovarian volume ≥2cm3 were significantly associated with RP-CPP (p≤0.01). The ability to diagnose RP-CPP was enhanced with increasing number of pathological hormonal and instrumental parameters (p<0.001). With more than three parameters detected, sensitivity and specificity reached 58% (95%CI 48-67) and 85% (95%CI 74-92), respectively, with a PPV=86% (95%CI 76-93) and PPN=54% (95%CI 43-54); the area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95%CI 0.65-0.78). Conclusion Despite the availability of different tests, diagnosing RP-CPP remains difficult. A diagnosis model including at least three hormonal and/or ultrasound parameters may serve as a useful preliminary step in selecting patients who require GnRH testing for early detection of RC-PP.

Ovarian follicular dynamics and uterine changes during the ovulatory wave predicts imminent ovulation in Mares

Equine reproduction is unique by having long behavioral estrus and variations in ovarial follicular dynamics that made difficulty to standardize breeding time in mares. There are limited data on equine reproduction and breeding in Ethiopia. An experimental study was conducted at Balderas sport horses and recreational center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to determine ovarian follicular dynamics in local and exotic cross breed mares. A daily transrectal ultrasonography was carried out to evaluate uterine changes and ovarian structures for 2 consecutive estrus cycles, as well as teasing scores estimated during estrus. The mean (±SEM) of cross sectional uterine diameter were 44.4±0.5mm and 45±0.5mm for local and cross breed mares respectively; whereas scores of endometrial fold was 3.1±0.1 in local and 2.8±0.1 in cross breed mares with significant difference at P &lt; 0.05. The mean (±SEM) diameter of preovulatory follicle for local and cross breed mares were 49.1±1.0mm and 50.1±0.8mm, respectively.Length of estrus was 7.0±0.9 days for local and 6.1±0.6 days for cross breed mares. Fast growth of dominant follicles in cross breed shorten interovulatory interval than local breed mares.A positive correlation of teasing scores, uterine diameter and endometrial fold with diameter of preovulatory follicles (r=0.5) in the present study has been used to estimate imminent ovulation.Ovulation occurred within 6-7days of mean scores of 2.8-3.1endometrial fold, 44.4-45mm of uterine diameter and 2-4 teasing scores for both mares.In conclusion, imminent ovulation can be predicted by measuring uterine diameter, scoring endometrial fold and considering teasing scores in relation to diameter of preovulatory follicles when breeding mares.

Efficacy and safety of native and recombinant zona pellucida immunocontraceptive vaccines in donkeys

Feral and semi-feral donkeys are recognised as a problem in some world regions. The main problem associated with uncontrolled donkey populations is habitat degradation and competition for feed resources, especially in arid climes. Controlling population numbers would reduce the impact of donkeys and other species. While removal by various means is effective, it has been shown to stimulate reproductive rate. Probably the most effective and humane solution is reducing reproduction using minimally invasive methods including immunocontraception. This study tested the immunocontraceptive efficacy and safety of zona pellucida (ZP) vaccines, both recombinant (reZP; three treatments) and native porcine (pZP; two treatments) vaccines formulated with Freund’s modified complete (primary) and Freund’s incomplete (boosters) adjuvants in donkey jennies. Control jennies received adjuvants only (two treatments). Twenty-five non-pregnant jennies were randomly assigned to reZP (n = 9), pZP (n = 8) or control (n = 8) groups. Weekly monitoring of the reproductive tract and ovaries via transrectal palpation and ultrasound and inspection of injection sites was conducted and anti-pZP antibody titers were measured. Five weeks after last treatment, one donkey jack was introduced to each group and rotated every 21 days. By 232 days after last treatment the number pregnant and median days to pregnancy was 2/9 and 214 (reZP group), 1/8 and 196 (pZP group) and 8/8 and 77 (control group). Median time to ovarian shut-down was 77 (9/9) and 56 (7/8) days for reZP and pZP groups, respectively. This was observed in association with a distinct reduction in mean uterine diameter. The antibody response was equally good for both ZP-treated groups. Incorporation of Freund’s adjuvants initially produced a high incidence of side effects from local swelling and intermittent lameness followed weeks later by sterile abscesses (reZP, 9/9; pZP, 7/8; control, 3/8). Both ZP vaccines effectively controlled reproduction in jennies, albeit with a high incidence of adjuvant-associated side effects.

The Effect of Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction on Histologic, Immunologic, and Clinical Parameters of Postpartum Involution in the Mare

Maintaining yearly foal production is important for the economic success of the broodmare, and this requires breeding to occur as quickly postpartum as possible. The initial postpartum estrus occurs within 5–20 days postpartum, whereas the uterus is still undergoing repair from tissue alterations during pregnancy and parturition, a process known as involution. Attempts have been made to hasten this process, but with minimal success. Mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) is an immunomodulator that has been shown to reduce bacterial growth and alter aspects of the immune response to breeding, but it is unknown if MCWF hastens the process of involution. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of MCWF on tissue remodeling, (2) assess the effect of MCWF on the local immune system of the uterus, and (3) determine the optimal treatment interval needed for these processes to occur. We hypothesize that repeated treatments of MCWF postpartum will hasten the process of involution. To study this, 16 pregnant mares of mixed breeds were evaluated postpartum. Control mares (n = 4) received 1.5 mL lactated Ringer’s solution intravenously on Day 1 (Day 0 = day of parturition) postpartum and again on Day 7, whereas treated mares either received 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and Day 7 (TX1; n = 6) or 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and then every 3 days until ovulation was detected (TX2; n = 6) and then evaluated until 15 days postpartum. Mares were assessed every 3 days for clinical, immunologic, and histologic parameters. Clinical parameters were assessed with transrectal ultrasonography and included ovarian activity, uterine fluid retention, and measurement of the uterine diameter, in addition to endometrial culture. Immunologic parameters included endometrial biopsies for quantitative polymerase chain reaction for expression of various cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-1RN, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interferon [IFN]-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) in addition to endometrial cytology. Formalin-fixed endometrial biopsies were histologically assessed for the retention of microcaruncles, dilation of endometrial glands, and inflammation of the mucosa, stratum compactum, and spongiosum. Statistics were performed using SAS 9.4, using a mixed model for repeated measures with mare and treatment as a random effect. All post-hoc analysis was done using a Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. Involution was considered complete by Day 15 postpartum in all mares, and the day postpartum had a significant effect on almost all parameters investigated, indicating the immunologic process of involution. Treatment with MCWF decreased the magnitude of bacterial growth in addition to time to negative culture. In addition, MCWF increased the expression of IL-1β, IFNγ, and TNF. Although minimal treatment effect was noted histologically, a decrease in mucosal inflammation was seen in MCWF-treated mares. In conclusion, involution appears to be influenced by the immune system. In addition, MCWF appears to have a bactericidal effect on the postpartum mare, and this may be because of an increase in proinflammatory cytokines. It is unknown if this bactericidal property will improve fertility on the first estrous cycle postpartum, and future studies are needed to determine this.

The Effectiveness of Lugol for Endometritis Therapy in Aceh Cow

Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterine wall that may decrease fertility in the short term and may lead to sterility in the long term. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of lugol for endometritis therapy in aceh cow. This study used three aceh cows that had been diagnosed endometritis by ultrasonography. The three aceh cows were then treated with 20 ml of 2% lugol intra-uterine. Observation of the uterine healing process was performed by using transrectal ultrasonography for 24 days after treated with lugol. Parameters observed were uterine diameter, the thickness of the endometrium and the presence of mucus and discharge in the uterus. The result showed that the three cows did not show a significant change. A cream-yellowish discharge came out from the uterus continuously, the diameter of uterine was still large and the sonograph of endometrial displayed as a hyperechoic until the 24th day after therapy. In conclusion, the use of 2% Lugol as a therapy for endometritis in aceh cows during 24 days is not effective on the uterine healing of endometritis’s cows.

Estrogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Clitoria ternatea Linn. leaves on rats

Objective: To assess the estrogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Clitoria ternatea leaves in female Wistar rats. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of C. ternatea leaves prepared by using cold maceration method was tested for estrogenic activity. An acute toxicity study was conducted to estimate the safe dose using OECD 423 guidelines. For estrogenic activity, ovariectomized female rats were divided into four groups, with 6 rats in each group. The control and standard groups were administered with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose orally and estradiol valerate at 1 μg/rat/day subcutaneously, respectively. The third group was administered with hydroalcoholic extract of C. ternatea at the dose 500 mg/kg body weight orally and the fourth group was administered with hydroalcoholic extract of C. ternatea at the dose 500 mg/kg body weight orally along with estradiol valerate at dose 1 μg/rat/day subcutaneously. All treatments lasted for 7 consecutive days and estrogenic activity was assessed by observing vaginal cornfication. On day 8, all animals were sacrificed and uterine horns were dissected out. Utrine weight was measured and blood serum was further processed for the estimation of biochemical parameters like cholesterol, total proteins, alkaline phosphatase and estrogen by autoanylser. Histological studies of uterus were also carried out. Results: Acute toxicity studies indicated the hydroalcoholic extract of C. ternatea leave was found to be safe up to the dose level of 2 000 mg/kg. Oral administration of C. ternatea extract at the dose 500 mg/kg body weight and and estradiol valerate (1 μg/rat/day) caused morphological changes i.e. increase in uterine weight, vaginal opening and cornification of cells; biochemical changes i.e. increase in cholesterol, total protein, alkaline phosphatase and estrogen contents; histological changes i.e. increase in uterine diameter, thickness and height of endometrium. Simultaneous administration of C. ternatea extract with estradiol valerate showed a synergistic effect. Histological investigations further confirmed the strong estrogenic nature of C. ternatea extract. Conclusions: C. ternatea extract (500 mg/kg) showed a significant estrogenic activity which is also supported by biochemical and histological studies. So, on the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that C. ternatea can be used as an alternative to synthetic oral contraceptives.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the reproductive tract as predictors of pregnancy in Girolando heifers submitted to Timed Artificial Insemination

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the degree of uterine and ovarian development on the pregnancy rate of Girolando heifers submitted to Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI). Fifty-six heifers, representing 100% of the category in the herd studied, were evaluated. The heifers were submitted to a gynecological evaluation, prior to hormonal treatment, with ultrasonography, in order to measure the diameter of the uterine horns and ovaries, as well as evaluate the presence of corpus luteum (CL) and antral follicles. According to the values found for the uterine and ovarian diameters, the animals were classified into scores from one to three. After the gynecological evaluation, all animals were submitted to TAI. There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) in pregnancy rates between the different uterine and ovarian scores, as well as in relation to ovarian structures. However, a statistical difference (P<0.05) was observed in the percentage of animals in anestrous within ovarian scores one, two and three (83.3%, 37.5% and 42.8%, respectively). The conclusion was that uterine and ovarian development did not interfere in the pregnancy rate of Girolando heifers in the herd studied.