Two experiments were conducted utilizing crossbred gilts to evaluate follicle characteristics at puberty and to determine the effect of exogenous estradio1-17β on embryonic mortality in the mature cycling gilt. Experiment 1 was conducted to compare preovulatory follicle numbers and sizes and follicular fluid concentrations of progesterone, estradio1-17β, plasminogen activator and...
An experiment was conducted to compare the reproductive
performance and serum concentrations of progesterone and estrogen of
mated first (n=18) and third (n=18) estrous gilts slaughtered in equal
numbers on days 3, 15 and 30 postmating. Fertilization rate did not
differ between mated first and third estrous gilts. Embryonic survival...
The lipid composition of plasma membranes of corpora
lutea was examined to determine whether changes in this
organelle occur during regression and early pregnancy in
the ewe. Forty ewes were assigned to be necropsied on
days 13 or 15 of the estrous cycle (D13-NP and D15-NP) or
pregnancy (D13-P and...
The role of estradiol- 17β, progesterone and prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) in altering contractility of uterine vascular smooth muscle was investigated. A segment of uterine artery (3. 5 cm) supplying each uterine horn of ewes and heifers were removed at necropsy and perfused with oxygenated Krebs Henseleit Solution prior to initiating...
Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone that is involved in a number of diverse physiologic roles, particularly with respect to reproduction, including: influencing sexual and parental behaviors, onset of puberty, regulation of seasonal reproduction, follicular maturation, ovulation, luteinization and corpus luteum (CL) function, steroidogenesis, mammary gland development and lactation, testicular...