FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Anim Reprod / Effect of hCG application at different moments of the estrou...
Animal reproduction2019; 16(2); 317-327; doi: 10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0103

Effect of hCG application at different moments of the estrous cycle on corpus luteum and uterine vascularization and serum progesterone concentration in mares.

Abstract: Establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer is the ultimate goal of an embryo transfer program and increasing pregnancy rates and reducing pregnancy loss are mandatory. The utilization of treatments to improve conception rates in recipient mares has been the focus of several research groups over the last years and the results are controversial. Some studies using human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) found promising results. Our hypothesis was that hCG administration would cause an additional stimulation on luteal function, uterine and luteal vascularization and progesterone concentration, and the mares would have increased uterine and cervix tone. Therefore, in the present study the effects of hCG administration to induce ovulation, on day 0 (day of ovulation) or day 5 postovulation were evaluated on corpus luteum characteristics, reproductive tract vascularization, and serum progesterone concentration from ovulation until day 15 postovulation. Groups were: G1: (control) - no hCG; G2: 2500 IU of hCG to induce ovulation when a follicle greater than 35mm and uterine edema were detected; G3: 2500 IU hCG on day 0; G4: 2500 IU hCG on day 5 postovulation. Twelve mares were randomly assigned to each group, during consecutive cycles, in a Latin Square experimental design, in a total of 48 cycles. Doppler ultrasound evaluations were performed daily from day 0 until day 15 postovulation, including mesometrial vascularity, endometrial vascularity and corpus luteum vascularity. Blood samples were collected for serum progesterone concentration. Data was analyzed using the Proc Glimmix SAS Procedure for nonparametric variables and Proc Mixed for parametric parameters. There was no treatment effect for all variables studied (P > 0.05). Characteristics were only affected by day (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that hCG administration at the time points suggested in the current study did not alter the characteristics evaluated.
Copyright © The Author(s). Published by CBRA.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2019-10-24 PubMed ID: 33224293PubMed Central: PMC7673598DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0103Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is a study on the effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration at varying stages of the estrous cycle to improve the chances of establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer in mares.

Objective and Hypothesis of the Study

  • The primary aim of this research was to investigate if the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) at different stages of the estrous cycle could boost the chances of establishing pregnancy post-embryo transfer in mares.
  • The researchers hypothesized that hCG could stimulate luteal function, increase uterine and luteal vascularization and progesterone concentration, and boost uterine and cervical tone in mares.

Methodology

  • The study was conducted in a Latin Square experimental design with 48 cycles and 12 mares assigned randomly to each of four groups.
  • Group 1 (G1) was the control group which received no hCG. Group 2 (G2) received 2500 IU of hCG to induce ovulation when a follicle greater than 35mm and uterine edema were detected. Group 3 (G3) received 2500 IU hCG on day 0 (the day of ovulation), and group 4 (G4) received 2500 IU hCG on day 5 post-ovulation.
  • All mares were subjected to daily Doppler ultrasound evaluations from day 0 until day 15 post-ovulation, to study variables such as mesometrial vascularity, endometrial vascularity, and corpus luteum vascularity. Blood samples were drawn to measure the serum progesterone concentration.

Results and Conclusion

  • The results revealed no treatment effect for all the variables studied (P > 0.05). The characteristics were only altered by day (P < 0.05).
  • Contrary to the hypothesis, the administration of hCG at the suggested time points in the current study did not alter the evaluated characteristics. Thus, it had no apparent effect on the establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer in mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Alonso MA, Silva LA, Affonso FJ, Lemes KM, Celeghini ECC, Lançoni R, Carvalho HF, de Arruda RP. (2019). Effect of hCG application at different moments of the estrous cycle on corpus luteum and uterine vascularization and serum progesterone concentration in mares. Anim Reprod, 16(2), 317-327. https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0103

Publication

Animal reproduction
ISSN: 1984-3143
NlmUniqueID: 101272804
Country: Brazil
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Pages: 317-327

Researcher Affiliations

Alonso, Maria Augusta
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Silva, Luciano Andrade
  • Laboratory of Theriogenology Dr. O.J. Ginther, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Affonso, Fernanda Jordão
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lemes, Kleber Menegon
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Celeghini, Eneiva Carla Carvalho
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lançoni, Renata
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
Carvalho, Henrique Fulanetti
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
de Arruda, Rubens Paes
  • Laboratory of Semen Biotechnology and Andrology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.

References

This article includes 49 references
  1. Allen WR. Luteal deficiency and embryo mortality in the mare.. Reprod Domest Anim 2001;36(3-4):121–131.
    pubmed: 11555357
  2. Arruda RA, Visintin JA, Fleury JJ, Garcia AR, Madureira EH, Celeghini ECC, Neves Neto JR. Existem relações entre tamanho e morfoecogenicidade do corpo lúteo detectados pelo ultra-som e os teores de progesterona plasmática em receptoras de embriões eqüinos?. Braz J Vet Anim Sci 2001;38(5):233–239.
  3. Beindorff N, Honnens A, Penno Y, Paul V, Bollwein H. Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on luteal blood flow and progesterone secretion in cows and in vitro – microdialyzed corpora lutea.. Theriogenology 2009;72:528–534.
    pubmed: 19515407
  4. Bergfelt DR, Adams GP. Ovulation and corpus luteum development.. In: Samper J, Pycock J, McKinnon AO, editors. Current therapy in equine reproduction. 1. Saunders; 2007. pp. 1–13. S.l..
  5. Biermann J, Klewita J, Otzen H, Martinsson G, Burger D, Meinecke-Tillman S, Sieme H. The effect of hCG, administered in diestrus, on luteal, ovarian and uterine blood flow, peripheral progesterone levels and pregnancy rates in mares.. J Equine Vet Sci 2014;34:166.
  6. Bollwein H, Maierl J, Mayer R, Stolla R. Transrectal Color Doppler sonography of the A. uterina in cyclic mares.. Theriogenology 1998;49:1483–1488.
    pubmed: 10732012
  7. Bollwein H, Mayer R, Weber F, Stolla R. Luteal blood flow during the estrous cycle in mares.. Theriogenology 2002;65:2043–2051.
    pubmed: 12066864
  8. Bonafos LD, Carnevale EM, Smith CA, Ginther OJ. Development of uterine tone in nonbred and pregnant mares.. Theriogenology 1994;42:1247–1255.
  9. Campanile G, Vecchio D, Di Palo R, Neglia G, Gasparrini B, Prandi A, Zicarelli L, DOcchio MJ. Delayed treatment with GnRH agonist, hCG and progesterone and reduced embryonic mortality in buffaloes.. Theriogenology 2008;70:1544–1549.
    pubmed: 18706685
  10. Carnevale EM, Ramirez RJ, Squires EL, Alvarenga MA, Vanderwall DK, McCue PM. Factors affecting pregnancy rate and early embryonic death afeter equine embryo transfer.. Theriogenology 2000;54:965–979.
    pubmed: 11097048
  11. Deluca CA, McCue PM, Patten ML, Squires EL. Effect of a nonsurgical embryo transfer procedure and/or altrenogest therapy on endogenous progesterone concentration in mares.. J Equine Vet Sci 2011;37:51–62.
  12. Evans MJ, Irvine CHG. Measurement of equine follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone: Response of anestrous mares to gonadotropin releasing hormone.. Biol Reprod 1976;15:477–484.
    pubmed: 788802
  13. Ferreira JC, Gastal EL, Ginther OJ. Uterine blood flow and perfusion in mares with uterine cysts: effect of the size of the cystic area and age.. Reproduction 2008;135:541–550.
    pubmed: 18296511
  14. Fleury PDC, Alonso MA, Souza FAC, Andrade AFC, Arruda RP. Uso da gonadotrofina corionica humana (hCG) visando melhorar as características reprodutivas e fertilidade de receptoras de embriões eqüinos.. Rev Bras Reprod Anim 2007;31(1):27–31.
  15. Ghinea N, Vu Hai MT, Groyer-Picard MT, Houllier A, Schoevaert D, Milgrom E. Pathways of internalization of the hCG/LH receptor: immunoelectron microscopic studies in Leydig cells and transfected L-cells.. J Cell Biol 1992;118:1347–1358.
    pmc: PMC2289620pubmed: 1522111
  16. Ginther OJ. Characteristics of the ovulatory season.. In: Ginther O.J., editor. Reproductive biology of the mare: basic and applied aspects. 2. CrossPlains, WI, USA: Equiservices publishing; 1992. pp. 135–172. 1992. a..
  17. Ginther OJ. Anovulatory season.. In: Ginther O.J., editor. Reproductive biology of the mare: basic and applied aspects. 2. CrossPlains, WI, USA: Equiservices publishing; 1992. pp. 173–232. b. 1992..
  18. Ginther OJ, Utt MD. Doppler ultrasound in equine reproduction: principles, techniques, and potential.. J Equine Vet Sci 2004;24(12):516–526.
  19. Ginther OJ. Ultrasonic Imaging and Animal Reproduction: Color-Doppler Ultrasonography.. Vol. 4. Cross Plains (WI): Equiservices Publishing; 2007. 258.
  20. Ginther OJ, Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Utt MD, Beg MA. Luteal blood flow and progesterone production in mares.. Anim Reprod Sci 2007;99:213–220.
    pubmed: 16815650
  21. Hansel W, Blair RM. Bovine corpus luteum: a historic overview and implications for future research.. Theriogenology 1996;45:1267–1294.
    pubmed: 16727883
  22. Hartman DL. Embryo transfer.. In: McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD, editors. Equine Reproduction. 2. 2011. pp. 2871–2879. S.l..
  23. Hayes KEN, Ginther OJ. Role of progesterone and estrogen in development of uterine tone in mares.. Theriogenology 1986;25(4):581–590.
    pubmed: 16726149
  24. Hendriks WK, Colenbrander B, Stout TAE. Effect of administering PGF 2α or hCG on day 7 after ovulation on ovarian, uterine and luteal blood flow in the mare.. Anim Reprod Sci 2006;94:223–225.
  25. Henneke DR, Potter GD, Kreider JL, Yeates BF. Relationship between condition score, physical measurement, and body fat percentage in mares.. Equine Vet J 1983;15:371–372.
    pubmed: 6641685
  26. Hermsteiner M, Zoltan DR, Doetsch J, Rascher W, Kuenzel W. Human chorionic gonadotropin dilates uterine and mesenteric resistance arteries in pregnant and nonpregnant rats.. Pflugers Archive 1999;439:186–194.
    pubmed: 10651016
  27. Ignácio FS, Canesin HS, Pantoja JCF, Romano RM, Novaes Filho LF, Ferreira JC, Meira C. Uterine hemodynamic evaluation of the beginning of diestrous in mares.. J Equine Vet Sci 2012;32(7):406–407.
  28. Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Gastal MO, Gastal EL. Pre-ovulatory follicle affects corpus luteum diameter, blood flow, and progesterone production in mares.. Anim Reprod Sci 2017;187:1–12.
    pubmed: 29074033
  29. Jauniaux E, Jurkovic D, Delogne-Desnoek J, Meuris S. Influence of human chorionic gonadotrophin, oestradiol and progesterone on uteroplacental and corpus luteum blood flow in normal early pregnancy.. Hum Reprod 1992;7:1467–1473.
    pubmed: 1291579
  30. Kelly CM, Hoyer PB, Wise ME. In-vitro and in-vivo responsiveness of the corpus luteum of the mare to gonadotrophin stimulation.. J Reprod Fertil 1988;84:593–600.
    pubmed: 3199379
  31. Khan T, Hastie PM, Beck NFG, Khalid M. hCG treatment on day of mating improves embryo viability and fertility in ewe lambs.. Anim Reprod Sci 2003;76(Suppl.1):81–89.
    pubmed: 12559722
  32. King SS. Autumnal transition out of the breeding season.. In: McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD, editors. Equine Reproduction. 2. 2011. pp. 1732–1753. S.l..
  33. Koblischke P, Kindahl H, Budik S, Aurich J, Palmd F, Walter I, Kolodziejek J, Nowotny N, Hoppen H-O, Aurich C. Embryo transfer induces a subclinical endometritis in recipient mares which can be prevented by treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.. Theriogenology 2008;70:1147–1158.
    pubmed: 18657311
  34. Koblischke P, Budik S, Muller J, Aurich C. Practical experience with the treatment of recipient mares with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in an equine embryo transfer programme.. Reprod Domest Anim 2010;45:1039–1041.
    pubmed: 19515030
  35. Kohne M, Kuhl J, Ille N, Erber R, Aurich C. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin before ovulation increases progestin concentration in early equine pregnancies.. Anim Reprod Sci 2014;149(3-4):187–193.
    pubmed: 25096723
  36. Lopes EP, Siqueira JB, Pinho RO, Guimarães JD, Rocha AN, Carvalho GR, Torres CAA. Reproductive parameters in Mangalarga Marchador mares in a commercial embryo transfer programme.. Reprod Domest Anim 2011;46:261–267.
    pubmed: 20565699
  37. McCue PM, Vanderwall DK, Keith SL, Squires EL. Equine embryo transfer: influence of endogenous progesterone concentration in recipients on pregnancy outcome.. Theriogenology 1999;51(1):267. Abstract.
  38. Nephew KP, Cardenas H, Mcclure KE, Ott TL, Bazer FW, Pope WF. Effects of administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin or progesterona befores maternal recognition of pregnancy on blastocyst development and pregnancy in sheep.. J Anim Sci 1994;72:453–458.
    pubmed: 8157530
  39. Pelehach LM, Greaves HE, Porter MB, Desvousges A, Sharp DC. The role of estrogen and progesterone in the induction and dissipation of uterine edema in mares.. Theriogenology 2002;58:441–444.
  40. Rao CV, Alsip NL. Use of the rat model to study hCG/LH effects on uterine blood flow.. Semin Reprod Med 2001;19:75–85.
    pubmed: 11394208
  41. Rizos D, Scully S, Kelly AK, Ealy AD, Moros R, Duffy P, Nain AA, Forde N, Lonergan P. Effects of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration on day 5 after oestrous on corpus luteum characteristics, circulating progesterone and conceptus elongation in cattle.. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012;24:472–481.
    pubmed: 22401279
  42. Saharrea A, Valencia J, Balcázar A, Mejía O, Cerbón JL, Caballero V, Zarco L. Premature luteal regression in goats superovulated with PMSG: effect of hCG or GnRH administration during the early luteal phase.. Theriogenology 1998;50:1039–1052.
    pubmed: 10734422
  43. Santos JE, Thatcher WW, Pool L, Overton MW. Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on luteal function and reproductive performance of high-producing lactating Holstein dairy cows.. Jl Anim Sci 2001;79:2881–2894.
    pubmed: 11768118
  44. Schmitt EJ, Barros CM, Fields PA, Fields MJ, Diaz T, Kluge JM, Thatcher VW. A cellular and endocrine characterization of the original and induced corpus luteum after administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or human chorionic gonadotropin on day five of the estrous cycle.. J Animl Sci 1996;74:1915–1929.
    pubmed: 8856446
  45. Silva LA, Gastal EL, Beg MA, Ginther OJ. Changes in vascular perfusion of the endometrium in association with changes in location of the embryonic vesicle in mares.. Biol Reprod 2005;72:755–761.
    pubmed: 15576822
  46. Silvia PJ, Squires EL, Nett TM. Changes in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis of mares associated with seasonal reproductive recrudescence.. Biol Reprod 1986;35:897–905.
    pubmed: 3028519
  47. Tsampalas M, Grideleta V, Berndtb S, Foidart J, Geenena V, Perrier d’Hauterivea S. Human chorionic gonadotropin: A hormone with immunological and angiogenic properties.. J Reprod Immunol 2010;85(1):93–98.
    pubmed: 20227765
  48. Vecchio D, Neglia G, Di Palo R, Prandi A, Gasparrini B, Balestrieri A, D'Occhio MJ, Zicarelli L, Campanile G. Is a delayed treatment with GnRH, HCG or progesterone beneficial for reducing embryonic mortality in buffaloes?. Reprod Domest Anim 2010;45(4):614–618.
    pubmed: 19090823
  49. Ziecik AJ, Stanchev PD, Tilton JE. Evidence for the presence of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin-binding sites in the porcine uterus.. Endocrinology 1986;119:1159–1163.
    pubmed: 3015568
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.