Fluprostenol in mares: clinical trials for the treatment of infertility.

The research study involves the evaluation of a drug called Fluprostenol in treating infertility in mares by targeting abnormal luteal function. The study found that 80% of the mares treated with Fluprostenol showed signs of oestrus within seven days, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment.

Introduction and Objective

In this research study, the focus was on evaluating the efficacy of Fluprostenol, a potent luteolytic agent, in treating infertility in mares. The study aimed to address infertility associated with abnormal persistence of luteal function, a condition commonly found in mares.

The Medication and Its Mechanism

• Fluprostenol (ICI 81,008) is structurally related to PGF2alpha. It is a 16-aryloxyprostaglandin and is known as a powerful luteolytic agent, or a substance that causes the degradation of the corpus luteum (a temporary gland formed after ovulation).
• By effectively promoting the breakdown of the corpus luteum, fluprostenol indirectly helps in inducing oestrus or the reproductive cycle in mares, thereby addressing fertility issues.

Research Method and Results

• The researchers treated a total of 941 mares suffering from various forms of infertility with fluprostenol.
• These mares were chosen for treatment after clinical examination determined them to have abnormal persistence of luteal function.
• Approximately 80% of these mares (760 in total) responded positively to fluprostenol, showing signs of oestrus within seven days post-injection.
• Furthermore, the researchers noted that fertility in the mares following this prostaglandin-induced luteal regression was normal, further substantiating the medication’s effectiveness.

Evaluation of Remaining Cases

• Despite the high success rate, about 20% of the treated mares did not show the desired response.
• The study delves into identifying the possible causes for this lack of response, providing valuable insights for future treatments and refinement of the current approach.

In conclusion, this study efficiently demonstrates the positive influence of Fluprostenol on promoting oestrus and thereby fertility in mares with abnormal continuation of luteal function. However, additional research is likely required to understand and address the non-responsive cases better.