Release of oxytocin and prostaglandin f(2alpha) around teasing, natural service and associated events in the mare.
Abstract: Mating has been shown in many species to provoke the release of oxytocin (OT). In our study, various stimuli were applied to mares to study release of OT and prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) associated with mating. Blood samples were collected from mares around the time of teasing both in oestrus and dioestrus and at mating. For comparison, blood samples were also collected at the time of manual manipulation of the genital tract and after intrauterine infusion of 500 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Additional samples were collected 16 to 18 h after mating. Mating caused a significant increase in OT in all mares and teasing caused a significant OT response in 6 of 10 oestrous and 3 of 5 dioestrous mares. However, mating and teasing had no significant effect on concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF(2alpha) (PGFM). Manual manipulation of the clitoris, vagina and cervix caused significant OT release in all mares and intrauterine infusion of 500 ml PBS caused significant OT release in three of the five mares. However, only one mare had a significant PGF(2alpha) response during manual manipulation and only one responded positively to intrauterine infusion of 500 ml PBS. We concluded that events around mating, including stimulation of the genital tract and uterine distension, often caused an increase in circulating concentrations of OT but only rarely in PGFM.
Publication Date: 2000-09-01 PubMed ID: 10967243DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00149-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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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).
Cite This Article
APA
Nikolakopoulos E, Kindahl H, Gilbert CL, Goode J, Watson ED.
(2000).
Release of oxytocin and prostaglandin f(2alpha) around teasing, natural service and associated events in the mare.
Anim Reprod Sci, 63(1-2), 89-99.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00149-4 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Clitoris / physiology
- Copulation
- Diestrus
- Dinoprost / analogs & derivatives
- Dinoprost / metabolism
- Estrus
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Oxytocin / metabolism
- Physical Stimulation
- Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
- Uterus / physiology
- Vagina / physiology
- Vulva / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Chanapiwat P, Olanratmanee EO, Kaeoket K, Tummaruk P. Conception rate and litter size in multiparous sows after intrauterine insemination using frozen-thawed boar semen in a commercial swine herd in Thailand.. J Vet Med Sci 2014 Oct;76(10):1347-51.
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