Concentrations of progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in the plasma of mares during pregnancy and at parturition.

The research article tours around the study of the levels of various forms of progesterone hormones in the blood of pregnant horses and at birth.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The primary aim of the study was to observe and interpret the changes in the levels of different forms of progesterone in the plasma of pregnant mares, specifically during their different gestation periods.
• The forms of progesterone being observed included progesterone itself, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone.
• Through regular monitoring and measurement, the scientists intended to establish a correlation between the stages of gestation and the levels of these hormones.

Findings and Results

• The study demonstrated that plasma concentrations of progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were elevated during the 2nd and 3rd months of gestation.
• For the hormone 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone, the levels gradually escalated throughout the gestation period. During the first 3 months, the level was a mere 2 ng/ml.
• Between the 5th and 10th months of gestation, the level of 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone rose to 10-15 ng/ml. It further shot up in the last 30 days before foaling, reaching to 80-120 ng/ml.

Conclusions

• The study confirmed the presence and varying levels of progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone during pregnancy in mares.
• The results provided an interesting insight into the hormonal progression in pregnant horses, including a massive increase in the progesterone form 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone towards the end of the gestation period.