Progesterone production in mares and echographic evaluation of the corpora lutea formed after follicular aspiration.
Abstract: Ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration was performed in 26 Criollo crossbred mares, followed by the evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the Corpus luteum (CL) that was formed after puncture of follicles of different diameters (Group 25-29 mm; Group 30-35 mm and Group >35 mm). Serum progesterone (P(4) ) concentrations were measured to determine CL function. The size of the CL was measured and the CL was classified based on the following echoscore: 1- anechoic tissue; 2- poorly defined luteal structure with low echogenicity; 3- echogenicity analogous to a luteal structure. The proportion of aspirated follicles that formed a functional CL (based on P(4) concentration) 8 days after aspiration was 57.1% (4/7; CL size 25-29 mm), 75.0% (6/8; CL size 30-35 mm) and 72.7% (8/11; CL size >35 mm), respectively (p > 0.05). The echographic scores of aspirated follicles (indicating the presence or absence of a CL) were consistent with serum P(4) concentrations (p 1.0 ng/ml); 17 of these mares (94.4%) had an echoscore (2-3) compatible with luteinization (p = 0.0372). Eight days after aspiration, serum [P(4) ] > 2.0 ng/ml was associated with high (p = 0.0056) CL echoscore (3) in 15 of 17 mares (88.2%). The echoscore used in this study was valuable as a screening test to detect the presence of a functional CL after aspiration. An echoscore of 3 served as a practical and efficient method to confirm luteinization.
© 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Publication Date: 2011-08-30 PubMed ID: 21883508DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01856.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article discusses an investigation into the progesterone production in mares, focusing specifically on the formation of the Corpus luteum (CL) following follicular aspiration. Ultrasounds were used to analyze and group CLs according to size, and then evaluated for function through the measurement of progesterone concentrations. The results showed the presence and functioning of a CL could be reliably indicated through specific ultrasound scores, which correlated with progesterone levels.
Research Methodology
- The investigation involved ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in 26 Criollo crossbred mares.
- Post-aspiration, the team undertook an ultrasonographic evaluation of the CL, focusing particularly on the one that developed post puncturing of follicles of varying diameters. The sizes were categorized into three groups: 25-29 mm, 30-35 mm, and >35mm.
- The team measured serum progesterone (P(4)) concentrations to ascertain the functionality of the CLs.
Ultrasound Scoring System
- The researchers classified the CLs according to an established echographic score: a score of one represented anechoic tissue, two referred to a poorly defined luteal structure with low echogenicity, and three was assigned to luteal structures showing echogenicity analogous to a luteal structure.
Findings
- Eight days post-aspiration, the proportion of aspirated follicles that developed into a functional CL (judged by P(4) concentrations) was 57.1% for CL sizes ranging from 25-29mm, 75.0% for sizes 30-35mm, and 72.7% for sizes >35mm. No statistically significant difference was observed across the groups.
- The ultrasound scores of the aspirated follicles were found to correlate with serum P(4) concentrations, implying that the echoscores can be used as a reliable measure of functional CL presence post-aspiration.
- Out of 26 aspirations, 18 resulted in luteal functionality as determined through elevated progesterone concentrations. Of these, 94.4% of mares showed an echoscore of two or three, suggesting successful luteinization.
- Eight days post aspiration, high luteal functionality (P(4) > 2.0 ng/ml) was linked to a high CL echoscore (3) in 88.2% of the mares.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that the echoscore system can serve as a viable screening method to identify the presence of a functional CL after follicular aspiration.
- Specifically, an echoscore of three was identified as an efficient and practical confirmation of luteinization.
Cite This Article
APA
Mozzaquatro FD, Verstegen JP, Douglas RH, Troedsson MH, Delacorte FD, Silva CA, Rubin MI.
(2011).
Progesterone production in mares and echographic evaluation of the corpora lutea formed after follicular aspiration.
Reprod Domest Anim, 47(2), 288-292.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01856.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Corpus Luteum / physiology
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Pregnancy
- Progesterone / metabolism
Citations
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