Release of oxytocin and prostaglandin f(2alpha) around teasing, natural service and associated events in the mare.

The research demonstrates that mating-related activities in horses lead to increased oxytocin levels, but seldom cause a significant rise in prostaglandin F(2alpha) levels.

Objective of the Research

The objective of the study was to investigate the release of oxytocin and prostaglandin F(2alpha) in mares in relation to mating-associated stimuli.

Methods Used

• Different stimuli were used in relation to mating. These included teasing, actual mating, manual manipulation of genitalia, and intrauterine infusion of a solution.
• Blood samples were collected from the mares at various stages: during teasing both in oestrus and dioestrus, at mating, during genital manipulation, post-infusion, and 16-18 hours after mating.
• The blood samples were then analyzed for the presence and concentrations of oxytocin and prostaglandin F(2alpha).

Findings of the Research

• The study found that mating caused a significant increase in oxytocin levels in all mares.
• Teasing yielded a similar result in 6 of the 10 oestrous mares and 3 of the 5 dioestrous mares.
• Manual stimulation of the genitalia also prompted significant oxytocin release.
• The intrauterine infusion induced a significant oxytocin response in 3 of the 5 mares.
• In stark contrast, none of the aforementioned activities had any significant effect on the concentrations of prostaglandin F(2alpha), with only one exception in each of the manual stimulation and saline infusion cases.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that stimuli associated with mating—such as teasing, actual mating, and manual genital manipulation—commonly occasion an increase in oxytocin levels. However, it was rare for these activities to lead to any meaningful rise in the levels of prostaglandin F(2alpha).