Deslorelin Slow-Release Implants Delay Ovulation and Increase Plasma AMH Concentration and Small Antral Follicles in Haflinger Mares.
Abstract: There is an increasing interest in the manipulation of ovarian follicular populations in large domestic animals because this could prove beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up (OPU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants (SRI) on the interovulatory interval, antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles of different size ranges and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration in mares. To synchronize their estrous cycles, Haflinger mares (n = 12) were treated twice with a PGF2α analogue. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received a 9.4 mg deslorelin SRI (group DES, n = 6) or 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation (CON; n = 6), respectively. Regular transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract was performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of progesterone, AMH and gonadotrophins. The interval from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was 23.8 ± 10.5 days in group DES compared to 17.0 ± 3.9 days in group CON (p < 0.05). For the concentrations of LH, FSH and AMH, interactions between time and treatment were detected (p < 0.05). The AFC and the mean number of follicles with 5 to 10, 10 to 15 and 15 to 20 mm in diameter changed over time (p < 0.05). A time x treatment interaction was demonstrated for follicles of 10 to 15 mm in diameter (p < 0.05). The changes in this follicular subpopulation were reflected by increased plasma AMH concentration in group DES. In conclusion, 9.4 mg deslorelin implants show minor effects with regard to estrus suppression in mares, whereas the changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles could be a promising tool for preparation of mares for OPU.
Publication Date: 2021-05-28 PubMed ID: 34071625PubMed Central: PMC8229780DOI: 10.3390/ani11061600Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigated the impact of deslorelin slow-release implants on the reproductive hormone cycle of Haflinger mares, with the intention to support assisted reproductive techniques. It found that these implants can influence ovulation cycle, hormone levels, and the number of follicles at different sizes, indicating potential for preparing mares for ovum pick-up procedures.
Objective of the Study
- The main aim of the study was to assess the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants on various aspects of the reproductive cycle in mares. These aspects included the interovulatory interval (the time between successive ovulations), antral follicle count (number of small follicles in the ovaries), number of follicles of different sizes, and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration.
Research Methodology
- Twelve Haflinger mares were used in the study and were treated with a PGF analogue to synchronize their estrous cycles.
- Subsequently, these mares received either a 9.4 mg deslorelin slow-release implant (SRI) or a 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation.
- Regular transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to monitor the genital tract along with collection of blood samples for analysis of progesterone, AMH, and gonadotrophins (hormones that stimulate the ovaries).
Key Findings
- The study found that the time from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was longer in the group that received the deslorelin SRI, compared to the other group.
- Significant interactions between time and treatment was observed for concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and AMH.
- The size and number of ovarian follicles in the mares changed over time, with a notable interaction between time and treatment for follicles of 10 to 15 mm.
- The changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles were mirrored by increased plasma AMH concentration in the group that received the deslorelin SRI.
Conclusion
- While the deslorelin implants showed minor effects in terms of suppressing estrus in mares, their influence on the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles indicated potential for improving outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up.
Cite This Article
APA
Kaps M, Okada CTC, Gautier CM, Aurich J, Aurich C.
(2021).
Deslorelin Slow-Release Implants Delay Ovulation and Increase Plasma AMH Concentration and Small Antral Follicles in Haflinger Mares.
Animals (Basel), 11(6).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061600 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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