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Home / Equine Research Bank / Theriogenology / How ultrasound technologies have expanded and revolutionized...
Theriogenology2013; 81(1); 112-125; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.007

How ultrasound technologies have expanded and revolutionized research in reproduction in large animals.

Abstract: Gray-scale ultrasonic imaging (UI) was introduced in 1980 and initially was used to examine clinically the reproductive tract of mares. By 1983 in mares and 1984 in heifers/cows, UI had become a tool for basic research. In each species, transrectal gray-scale UI has been used extensively to characterize follicle dynamics and investigate the gonadotropic control and hormonal role of the follicles. However, the use of transrectal UI has also disclosed and characterized many other aspects of reproduction in each species, including (1) endometrial echotexture as a biological indicator of circulating estradiol concentrations, (2) relative location of the genital tubercle for fetal gender diagnosis by Days 50 to 60, and (3) timing of follicle evacuation during ovulation. Discoveries in mares include (1) embryo mobility wherein the spherical conceptus (6-16 mm) travels to all parts of the uterus on Days 11 to 15, (2) how one embryo of a twin set eliminates the other without self-inflicted damage, and (3) serration of the granulosum of the preovulatory follicle opposite to the future rupture site as an indicator of imminent ovulation. Studies with color-Doppler UI have shown that vascular perfusion of the endometrium follows the equine embryo back and forth between uterine horns and follows the expansion of the bovine allantochorion throughout each horn. In heifers, blood flow in the CL increases during the ascending portion of an individual pulse of PGF2α metabolite and then decreases. These examples highlight the power of UI in reproduction research. Without UI, it is likely that these and many other findings would still be unknown.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-11-28 PubMed ID: 24274416DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 discusses the use of ultrasound imaging (UI) in reproduction research in large animals such as mares and cows, illustrating how UI has enhanced our understanding of various reproductive processes and scenarios.

Introduction of Ultrasound Imaging in Reproductive Research

  • The research discusses the advent of gray-scale ultrasonic imaging (UI) in 1980, predominantly used for examining the reproductive tract of mares.
  • By 1983 in mares and 1984 in cows, UI had become instrumental for basic research. It was used to characterize follicle dynamics and to study the control and hormonal function of these follicles.

Discoveries Enabled by Ultrasound Imaging

  • UI was used to discover endometrial echotexture as a biological indicator of circulating estradiol concentrations in animals. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a hormone that plays a vital role in female reproduction.
  • The research discusses how UI enabled the discovery of fetal gender diagnosis in early pregnancy stages by mapping the relative location of the genital tubercle.
  • UI was found to be useful in accurately timing follicle evacuation during ovulation, a significant process in the reproductive cycle.

Specific Discoveries in Mares

  • UI helped in understanding embryo mobility in mares, where it was found that the spherical conceptus of size 6-16 mm explores all parts of the uterus from Days 11 to 15.
  • It provided insights on how one embryo of a twin set eliminates the other without causing self-damage. This is an important finding as it explains a critical step in the survival of the fittest.
  • UI was instrumental in discovering serration of the granulosum of the pre-ovulatory follicle indicating imminent ovulation.

Studies with color-Doppler Ultrasound Imaging

  • Color-Doppler UI studies have portrayed the vascular perfusion of the endometrium in response to the movement of the equine embryo between uterine horns, and in following the expansion of the bovine allantochorion throughout each horn.
  • In heifers, it was found that blood flow in the corpus luteum (CL) increases during the ascending portion of an individual pulse of PGF2α metabolite and then decreases. PGF2α metabolite is involved in the regulation of the estrous cycle, an integral part of reproduction.

Conclusion

  • The research concludes by emphasizing the importance of ultrasound imaging in reproduction studies. Without these technological advancements, many findings integral to understanding large animal reproduction may still be unknown.

Cite This Article

APA
Ginther OJ. (2013). How ultrasound technologies have expanded and revolutionized research in reproduction in large animals. Theriogenology, 81(1), 112-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.007

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 1
Pages: 112-125
PII: S0093-691X(13)00370-1

Researcher Affiliations

Ginther, O J
  • Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Electronic address: ginther@vetmed.wisc.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle / embryology
  • Cattle / physiology
  • Female
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Horses / embryology
  • Horses / physiology
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Animal
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / history
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / veterinary
  • Veterinary Medicine / history
  • Veterinary Medicine / methods

Citations

This article has been cited 20 times.
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