Ovarian function and morphology in the mare after multiple follicular punctures.

The research article examines the effect of multiple follicular punctures on the ovarian function and morphology in mares. The study found out the punctures caused some changes, but did not hamper future folliculogenesis, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation.

Objective and Methods

• The main objective of this research was to scrutinize the impact of repeated follicular punctures on mare ovarian function and structure. The long-term viability of folliculogenesis and ovulation was particularly under consideration.
• The study was conducted on 4 Norwegian pony mares over eight years, each mare underwent between 14-26 follicular puncture sessions.
• After the puncture sessions, the ovarian functions were assessed through bilateral ovariectomy or post-mortem, followed by macroscopic inspection and histology.
• For comparison, ovaries were also collected from 7 non-aspirated control mares and subjected to a similar histological process.

Results

• The findings indicated that all the experimental mares maintained normal ovarian function. Their capability to regularly ovulate preovulatory follicles and develop corpora lutea remained unaffected during their last breeding season.
• Furthermore, gross examination and histology revealed that normal follicular and corpus luteum development co-occurred with the formation of condensed reparative fibrosis and normal local haemosiderosis in the ovarian stroma of all mares.
• In one particular mare, an ovary had several chronic apostematous oophoritis foci. The other ovary in the same mare had a cystic structure surrounded by a cartilaginous capsule and lined with a layer of cells resembling epithelial cells.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that repeated follicular aspirations do not hamper future folliculogenesis, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. This makes the process a potential method for oocyte recovery and transfer in mares.
• However, these punctures do lead to reparative fibrosis in the ovarian stroma. This is a normal response to any injury but can bring alterations in the ovarian structure.
• A more serious concern is the risk of inducing abscess formation within the ovarian tissue from the puncture process. This could impede fertility and should be taken into consideration before clinical applications.