As bovine parturition nears, the placentome undergoes changes that allow placental delivery within 12 hours after calving. These changes include the expression of enzymatic proteins (e.g. MMPs) within the placentome that are capable of breaking down collagen, allowing for the separation of the cotyledon from the caruncle. Dysregulation of either...
Background: Even with numerous successful Trap-Neuter-Release programs, feral cat populations continue to grow. Our laboratory is interested in determining if an underlying biological cause exists for the exuberant reproductive success in this once domestic subspecies. An earlier age for developing reproductive capacity (onset of spermatogenesis in males) may be one...
Similar to the mammalian placenta with the chorioallantois and amnion, the avian yolk sac membrane (YSM) is comprised of the area vitellina (AVI) and area vasculosa (AVA), respectively. Understanding incorporation and delivery of nutrients (especially fatty acids) between these membranes and the developing embryo is important for improving hatchability and...