An investigation of the uterine luminal environment of non-pregnant and pregnant pony mares.

The research study is an investigation into the uterine environment of both pregnant and non-pregnant pony mares to understand the changes in the levels of certain proteins and hormones.

Methodology

• The researchers gathered uterine flushings from 30 non-pregnant Pony mares on various days after ovulation.
• A recovery period of one oestrous cycle was granted to these mares, and they were mated in the subsequent oestrus.
• Then, they were ovario-hysterectomized on days that corresponded to their allocated day of the oestrous cycle.
• The collected uterine flushings were then analyzed for total recoverable protein and acid phosphatase activity.

Results

• Statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of total protein and acid phosphatase activity at different points of time. Acid phosphatase activity was consistently higher during pregnancy.
• Oestrone and oestradiol concentrations in the mares’ blood plasma were also measured. Oestrone levels were found to be the same in both non-pregnant and pregnant mares, but oestradiol levels were lower during pregnancy.
• The researchers also studied the conceptus membranes of pregnant mares through in vitro incubation to assess their capabilities to produce oestrone and oestradiol.
• Conceptus membrane production of oestradiol was noted to increase significantly from Day 8 to Day 20 of pregnancy. A similar, but smaller, increase was observed for oestrone production.

Conclusion

• This research gives insights into some of the measurable changes that occur within a mare’s uterine environment during pregnancy. Understanding these changes can help in developing better reproductive health care for mares.