The differential sensitivity of the hypothalamic-hypophysial-ovarian axis to 5-hydroxytryptophan alters the secretion of estradiol.

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] modulates ovarian function. The precursor of 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), has been used to treat depression. However, the effects of 5-HTP on ovarian and reproductive physiology remain unknown. In this research, we analysed the impact of 5-HTP on the monoaminergic system and its interactions with the reproductive axis and ovarian estradiol secretion when administered by distinct routes. Female rats 30 days of age were injected with 5-HTP i.p. (100 mg/kg), into the ovarian bursa (1.5 µg/40 µL) or into the median raphe nucleus (20 µg/2.5 µL) and were killed 60 or 120 min after injection. As controls, we used rats of the same age injected with vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Monoamine, gonadotrophin and steroid ovarian hormone concentrations were measured. The injection of 5-HTP either i.p. or directly into the ovarian bursa increased the concentrations of 5-HT and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in the ovary. For both routes of administration, the serum concentration of estradiol increased. After i.p. injection of 5-HTP, the concentrations of luteinizing hormone were decreased and follicle-stimulating hormone increased after 120 min. Micro-injection of 5-HTP into the median raphe nucleus increased the concentrations of 5-HT in the anterior hypothalamus and dopamine in the medial hypothalamus after 120 min. Our results suggest that the administration of 5-HTP either i.p. or directly into the ovarian bursa enhances ovarian estradiol secretion.

Assessment of testicular function in boys and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is characterised by the existence of major functional changes from its establishment in fetal life until the end of puberty. The assessment of serum testosterone and gonadotrophins and semen analysis, typically used in the adult male, is not applicable during most of infancy and childhood. On the other hand, the disorders of gonadal axis have different clinical consequences depending on the developmental stage at which the dysfunction is established. This review addresses the approaches to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in the newborn, during childhood and at pubertal age. DESIGN: We focused on the hormonal laboratory and genetic studies as well as on the clinical signs and imaging studies that guide the aetiological diagnosis and the functional status of the gonads. RESULTS: Serum gonadotrophin and testosterone determination is useful in the first 3-6 months after birth and at pubertal age, whereas AMH and inhibin B are useful biomarkers of testis function from birth until the end of puberty. Clinical and imaging signs are helpful to appraise testicular hormone actions during fetal and postnatal life. CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation of results derived from the assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular in paediatric patients requires a comprehensive knowledge of the developmental physiology of the axis to understand its pathophysiology and reach an accurate diagnosis of its disorders.

The waveless model: clinical and research applications of follicular wave suppression in cattle / Modelo waveless: aplicações clínicas e na pesquisa da supressão das ondas foliculares em bovinos

The follicular growth waves are directly linked to the fluctuations in plasma gonadotrophins, which are controlled by the hypothalamic GnRH release pattern. Therefore, if the actions of the GnRH are inhibited or blocked, the final stages of the antral follicle growth are suppressed, resulting in an induced anestrus (a.k.a. waveless model). In the human medicine, GnRH agonists or antagonists are broadly used in the control of ovarian disfunctions, as well as in the preparation of women for assisted reproductive cycles. In cattle, a similar effect can be obtained by active immunization against GnRH. This was shown to be a viable strategy, for example, for the control of chronic cases of cystic ovarian disease in oocyte donors. However, on shall take into account the substantial individual variation on the immune response and, consequently, the lack of control of the duration of the anestrus induced. The waveless model is also very useful as a research model, once it controls the potential interference of the endogenous FSH and LH, improving the sensitivity of essays with exogenous hormones and consequently reducing the required number of replicas within studies.(AU)

O padrão de crescimento folicular em ondas está diretamente associado às flutuações nas concentrações plasmáticas de gonadotrofinas, controladas por sua vez pelo padrão de liberação de GnRH hipotalâmico. Desta forma, a inibição ou bloqueio da ação do GnRH suprime as etapas finais do crescimento folicular, resultando em anestro induzido (também chamado modelo waveless). Na medicina humana, agonistas ou antagonistas de GnRH são utilizados tanto no controle de disfunções ovarianas quanto na preparação de pacientes para procedimentos de reprodução assistida. Em bovinos, este efeito pode ser obtido pela imunização ativa contra GnRH, e mostrou-se estratégia viável, por exemplo, no controle de casos crônicos de doença ovariana cística em doadoras de oócitos. Contudo, é importante considerar a grande variação individual na resposta à imunização e consequente impossibilidade de controlar a duração do anestro induzido. O modelo waveless também é de grande utilidade na pesquisa, uma vez que elimina a potencial interferência do FSH e LH endógenos, aumentando a sensibilidade nos ensaios com hormônios exógenos e consequentemente reduzindo o número de réplicas necessárias nos estudos.(AU)

Effect of nervous stimulation on ovarian steroid secretion in amphibians.

In the present study, the effect of nerve stimulation on the secretory activity of the ovary of adult females was analyzed for the first time in amphibians. Results revealed that in Rhinella arenarum the stimulation of nerves that supply the gonad induced an increase in estradiol and progesterone secretion, this response showing differences during the reproductive cycle of the species. During the postreproductive period, an increase in estradiol secretion was observed while, in the reproductive period, progesterone secretion increased. Our results suggest that the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system would be responsible for this increase, taking into account that, under our experimental conditions, acetylcholine did not affect the endocrine activity of the gonad, while adrenaline (epinephrine) was effective in inducing steroid secretion an effect that could be due to interaction with ß receptors. On the other hand, our data show that the association of adrenaline with follicle-stimulating hormone increased estradiol secretion during the postreproductive period, while the association of catecholamine with LH or hCG increased progesterone secretion during the reproductive period. Our results would suggest that nerve stimulation, mediated by the release of adrenaline, would act synergistically with gonadotrophins to stimulate steroid secretion.

In vitro and in vivo development of domestic cat embryos generated by in vitro fertilization after eCG priming and oocyte in vitro maturation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in the domestic cat, the effect of ovarian stimulation with eCG prior to oocyte in vitro maturation (priming) on in vitro and in vivo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). For this purpose, oocyte donors were either 1) treated with a single dose of 200 IU eCG four days before oocyte recovery (eCG group), or, 2) given no treatment before oocyte recovery (control group). Ovaries of both groups were collected by ovariohysterectomy (OVH) and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered by slicing. Immature COCs from both groups were matured in vitro (IVM) for 26-28 h. IVF was done with refrigerated epididymal sperm. After 24 h co-incubation, presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro for eight days. The rates of cleavage, morulae, blastocyst development and hatching were estimated. Some blastocysts were stained for total cell counting and others were used for gene expression analysis of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) and differentiation markers (CDX2 and GATA6). Additionally, to evaluate in vivo development, embryos from the eCG group were transferred at Day 5 and Days 7 or 8 of IVC to synchronized cat recipients. The results showed that, eCG priming increased significantly the rate of blastocyst development as compared to the control group (37.9 and 25.6%, respectively) (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in total cell number of blastocysts and hatching blastocysts (mean ± SD) between the eCG and control groups (420.6 ± 193.6 and 347.0 ± 237.1, respectively) (P > 0.05). In the gene expression analysis, blastocysts generated in the eCG group had higher expression of OCT4 than blastocysts from the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the relative expression of SOX2, NANOG, CDX2 and GATA6 (P > 0.05). Additionally, six embryo transfer (ET) procedures were done, three with Day 5 embryos and three with Day 7 or 8 embryos. Recipients from both ET groups delivered live kittens. The total pregnancy rate was 4/6 (67%), meanwhile the live birth rate was 2/6 (33%). In conclusion, eCG priming improved the rate of blastocyst development in vitro and increased relative expression of OCT4. These results demonstrate that eCG priming of oocytes donors before IVM improves oocyte competence, enhance in vitro embryo development and allows live births of healthy offspring after ET.

eCG stimulation in domestic cats increases the expression of gonadotrophin-induced genes improving oocyte competence during the non-breeding season.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the eCG stimulation on domestic cat oocyte competence during the non-breeding season. Four experimental groups were made: (a) untreated cycling cats (Breeding season group; BS), (b) untreated anestrous cats (Non-breeding group; NB), (c) anestrous cats treated with 200 IU of eCG (eCG group) and (d) anestrous cats treated with 200 IU of eCG and 100 IU of hCG four days later (hCG group). In the BS, NB and eCG groups, grade I and II immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to in vitro maturation or used for the gene expression analysis of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, EGR1, ESR2, PTGS2, GDF9, BMP15 and GATM. The in vitro matured oocytes from the BS, NB and eCG groups and the in vivo matured oocytes from the hCG group were subjected to parthenogenetic activation. The grade I and II COCs from the eCG group had an increased expression of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, EGR1 and ESR2 and a higher maturation rate than the BS and NB groups (p < 0.05). After parthenogenetic activation, the blastocyst rate from the hCG, eCG and BS groups was higher than the NB group (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvement was observed in the blastocyst rate in the hCG group compared to the eCG group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the eCG treatment increases the expression of specific genes improving the oocyte competence during the cat non-breeding season, which is reflected in an enhanced in vitro maturation and in vitro embryo development after parthenogenetic activation.

Placental contribution to the endocrinology of gestation and parturition.

In addition to many other functions, the placenta is a source of a vast number of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine factors. However, the spectrum of placental regulatory factors, their concentrations, gestational profiles and roles may differ considerably even between phylogenetically closely related species. Depending on the species, placental regulatory factors of a broad range of molecule classes have been found including (glyco-)proteins, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins. Local placental regulatory factors are especially important for the dialogue between the fetal and the maternal compartment immediately at the feto-maternal borderline and for the control of growth, differentiation and functions of the placenta itself. Moreover, placental hormones in a proper sense may also have effects in more remote targets within the maternal compartment, serving functions such as pregnancy-specific adaptations of maternal circulation, provision of hemotrophe to the fetus or the development and function of the mammary gland. Functions of placental hormones in the fetus proper are less clear but may be especially important before the establishment of a functional fetal endocrine system and near term within the highly species-specific networks of signals preparing and initiating parturition. This review takes a comparative view on the situation in different domestic animals focusing on ruminants and on placental hormones occurring at significant concentrations in the maternal circulation.

Placental contribution to the endocrinology of gestation and parturition

In addition to many other functions, the placenta is a source of a vast number of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine factors. However, the spectrum of placental regulatory factors, their concentrations, gestational profiles and roles may differ considerably even between phylogenetically closely related species. Depending on the species, placental regulatory factors of a broad range of molecule classes have been found including (glyco- )proteins, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins. Local placental regulatory factors are especially important for the dialogue between the fetal and the maternal compartment immediately at the feto-maternal borderline and for the control of growth, differentiation and functions of the placenta itself. Moreover, placental hormones in a proper sense may also have effects in more remote targets within the maternal compartment, serving functions such as pregnancy-specific adaptations of maternal circulation, provision of hemotrophe to the fetus or the development and function of the mammary gland. Functions of placental hormones in the fetus proper are less clear but may be especially important before the establishment of a functional fetal endocrine system and near term within the highly species-specific networks of signals preparing and initiating parturition. This review takes a comparative view on the situation in different domestic animals focusing on ruminants and on placental hormones occurring at significant concentrations in the maternal circulation.(AU)

Placental contribution to the endocrinology of gestation and parturition

In addition to many other functions, the placenta is a source of a vast number of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine factors. However, the spectrum of placental regulatory factors, their concentrations, gestational profiles and roles may differ considerably even between phylogenetically closely related species. Depending on the species, placental regulatory factors of a broad range of molecule classes have been found including (glyco- )proteins, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins. Local placental regulatory factors are especially important for the dialogue between the fetal and the maternal compartment immediately at the feto-maternal borderline and for the control of growth, differentiation and functions of the placenta itself. Moreover, placental hormones in a proper sense may also have effects in more remote targets within the maternal compartment, serving functions such as pregnancy-specific adaptations of maternal circulation, provision of hemotrophe to the fetus or the development and function of the mammary gland. Functions of placental hormones in the fetus proper are less clear but may be especially important before the establishment of a functional fetal endocrine system and near term within the highly species-specific networks of signals preparing and initiating parturition. This review takes a comparative view on the situation in different domestic animals focusing on ruminants and on placental hormones occurring at significant concentrations in the maternal circulation.

The SSRI fluoxetine exhibits mild effects on the reproductive axis in the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Cichliformes).

Among the wide variety of pharmaceuticals released into the environment, Fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is one of the most prescribed for the treatment of major depression. It inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake at the presinaptic membrane, increasing serotonergic activity. In vertebrates, including fish, the serotonergic system is closely related to the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal (HPG) axis which regulates reproduction. As FLX can act as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) by affecting several reproductive parameters in fish, the aim of this study was to provide an integral assessment of the potential effect of FLX on the reproductive axis of the Neotropical freshwater fish Cichlasoma dimerus. Adult fish were intraperitoneally injected with 2 µg g-1 FLX or saline every third day for 15 days. No significant differences were found on serotonergic turnover (5-HIAA/5-HT ratio). Pituitary ßLH content in FLX injected females was significantly higher than control females; no significant differences were seen for ßFSH content. Sex steroids remained unaltered, both in males and females fish, after FLX treatment. No plasma vitellogenin was induced in treated males. Some alterations were seen in testes of FLX injected males, such as the presence of foam cells and an acidophilic PAS positive, Alcian-Blue negative secretion in the lobular lumen. Although there is no clear consensus about the effect of this drug on reproductive physiology, these results indicate that FLX is acting as a mild EDC in adults of C. dimerus.

FSH stimulation of anestrous cats improves oocyte quality and development of parthenogenetic embryos.

In the domestic cat, the efficiency of in vitro embryo production systems is negatively affected during the nonbreeding season. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of FSH stimulation in anestrous cats, on quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and in vitro developmental competence after parthenogenetic activation. To accomplish this purpose, anestrous cats were grouped into: (1) FSH treated (serial doses of 5 mg of porcine FSH each, every 24 hours, for 4 days) and (2) untreated control. The COCs were classified morphologically and a proportion of grade I and II COCs was used for expression analysis of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, PTGS2, EGR1, GDF9, and GATM by RT-qPCR. In addition, another proportion of grade I and II COCs was matured in vitro and used for parthenogenetic activation. After 8 days in culture, blastocyst and hatching blastocyst rates were assessed, and the expression of OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, CDX2, and GATA6 was evaluated. The COCs in the FSH group had an enhanced quality, a higher expression of LHCGR and a lower expression of GATM than did COCs from the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, embryos in the FSH group had increased blastocyst and hatching blastocyst rates, and those embryos had a higher expression of OCT4 and GATA than their counterparts from the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ovarian stimulation of anestrous cats with FSH improved quality and increased the expression of LHCGR in COCs. The enhanced in vitro developmental competence, after parthenogenetic activation of oocytes from FSH-treated cats, coincided with an increased expression of OCT4 and GATA6 in blastocysts and hatching blastocysts.

The Impact of Pituitary Blockage with GnRH Antagonist and Gonadotrophin Stimulation Length on The Outcome of ICSI Cycles in Women Older than 36 Years.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether the length of pituitary blockage with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists or the stimulation period influence intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in patients older than 36 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 138 couples with maternal age >36 years undergoing ICSI with an antagonist protocol were included. The influences of stimulation and suppression length on the response to ovarian stimulation and ICSI outcomes were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the stimulation period for achievement of implantation and pregnancy. RESULTS: THE GONADOTROPHIN STIMULATION LENGTH NEGATIVELY INFLUENCED THE IMPLANTATION RATE (RC: -4.200; p=0.023). The area under ROC curve (AUC) could distinguish between women with positive and negative implantation (AUC: 0.611; CI: 0.546-0.673) and pregnancy (AUC: 0.593; CI: 0.528-0.656). The threshold value demonstrated a high negative predictive value on likelihood of implantation (p=0.0032, 90% sensitivity) and pregnancy (p=0.0147, 87.1% sensitivity) when patients underwent more than 10 days of stimulation. CONCLUSION: The stimulation period negatively influences the implantation rate in women older than 36 years. A stimulation interval greater than 10 days is associated with a negative predictive value for the chance of implantation and pregnancy.

Pregnancy rates and formation of accessory corpora lutea in Nelore heifers, treated with hCG after fixed - time artificial insemination / Taxas de gestação e formação de corpo lúteo acessório em novilhas nelore tratadas com hCG após a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo

We evaluated the pregnancy rate, circumference of corpora lutea and formation of accessory corpora lutea (ACL) in Nelore heifers treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) seven days after fixedtime artificial insemination (FTAI). 137 heifers were used, with an average weight of 308.07 ±12.86kg, were randomly assigned into two groups, with Group A consisting of 67 heifers receiving hCG seven days after AI and Group B with 70 heifers receiving solution saline seven days after AI. The synchronization of follicular wave and ovulation were performed in the morning (8:00 a.m.) and afternoon (14:00 p.m.), respectively for Groups A and B. On Day 10 (D10), 48 hours after the removal of the implants vaginal heifers in Groups A and B were inseminated in the morning and afternoon respectively. On day 17 (D17) in the morning in Groups A were applied intramuscularly 1500UI (1.5 mL) of hCG and in the evening 1.5 mL saline in Group B. After 11 days (D28) by transrectal ultrasonography, we evaluated the existence, number and circumference of corpus luteum present in the ovaries of heifers in Groups A and B. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 35 days after AI (D45). The application of hCG in heifers seven days after FTAI induced the formation of CLA had no effect on the size of corpus luteum observed in pregnant females treated or not and did not improve the pregnancy rate of those females.(AU)

Avaliou-se a taxa de gestação, circunferência dos corpos lúteos e formação de corpos lúteos acessório (CLA) em novilhas da raça Nelore, tratadas com Gonadotrofina Coriônica Humana (hCG) sete dias após inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Foram utilizadas 137 novilhas, com peso médio de 308,07±12,86 kg, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois Grupos, sendo o Grupo A composto por 67 novilhas que receberam hCG sete dias após a IATF e o Grupo B de 70 novilhas que receberam solução salina sete dias após a IATF. As sincronizações da onda folicular e ovulação foram realizadas pela manhã (8h00) e tarde (14h00) respectivamente para os Grupos A e B. No Dia 10 (D10), 48 horas após a retirada dos implantes vaginais, as novilhas dos Grupos A e B foram inseminadas pela manhã e tarde, respectivamente. No Dia 17 (D17), pela manhã nos animais do Grupo A, foram aplicados por via intramuscular 1500UI (1,5mL) de hCG e à tarde 1,5mL de solução salina nos animais do Grupo B. Após 11 dias (D28), por ultra-sonografia transretal, foi avaliada a existência, o número e a circunferência dos corpos lúteos presentes nos ovários das novilhas dos Grupos A e B. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado 35 dias após a IATF (D45). A aplicação de hCG em novilhas sete dias após a IATF induziu a formação de CLA, não interferiu no tamanho dos corpos lúteos observados nas fêmeas gestantes tratadas e não tratadas e não melhorou a taxa de gestação das referidas fêmeas.(AU)

Pregnancy rates and formation of accessory corpora lutea in Nelore heifers, treated with hCG after fixed - time artificial insemination / Taxas de gestação e formação de corpo lúteo acessório em novilhas nelore tratadas com hCG após a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo

We evaluated the pregnancy rate, circumference of corpora lutea and formation of accessory corpora lutea (ACL) in Nelore heifers treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) seven days after fixedtime artificial insemination (FTAI). 137 heifers were used, with an average weight of 308.07 ±12.86kg, were randomly assigned into two groups, with Group A consisting of 67 heifers receiving hCG seven days after AI and Group B with 70 heifers receiving solution saline seven days after AI. The synchronization of follicular wave and ovulation were performed in the morning (8:00 a.m.) and afternoon (14:00 p.m.), respectively for Groups A and B. On Day 10 (D10), 48 hours after the removal of the implants vaginal heifers in Groups A and B were inseminated in the morning and afternoon respectively. On day 17 (D17) in the morning in Groups A were applied intramuscularly 1500UI (1.5 mL) of hCG and in the evening 1.5 mL saline in Group B. After 11 days (D28) by transrectal ultrasonography, we evaluated the existence, number and circumference of corpus luteum present in the ovaries of heifers in Groups A and B. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 35 days after AI (D45). The application of hCG in heifers seven days after FTAI induced the formation of CLA had no effect on the size of corpus luteum observed in pregnant females treated or not and did not improve the pregnancy rate of those females.

Avaliou-se a taxa de gestação, circunferência dos corpos lúteos e formação de corpos lúteos acessório (CLA) em novilhas da raça Nelore, tratadas com Gonadotrofina Coriônica Humana (hCG) sete dias após inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Foram utilizadas 137 novilhas, com peso médio de 308,07±12,86 kg, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois Grupos, sendo o Grupo A composto por 67 novilhas que receberam hCG sete dias após a IATF e o Grupo B de 70 novilhas que receberam solução salina sete dias após a IATF. As sincronizações da onda folicular e ovulação foram realizadas pela manhã (8h00) e tarde (14h00) respectivamente para os Grupos A e B. No Dia 10 (D10), 48 horas após a retirada dos implantes vaginais, as novilhas dos Grupos A e B foram inseminadas pela manhã e tarde, respectivamente. No Dia 17 (D17), pela manhã nos animais do Grupo A, foram aplicados por via intramuscular 1500UI (1,5mL) de hCG e à tarde 1,5mL de solução salina nos animais do Grupo B. Após 11 dias (D28), por ultra-sonografia transretal, foi avaliada a existência, o número e a circunferência dos corpos lúteos presentes nos ovários das novilhas dos Grupos A e B. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado 35 dias após a IATF (D45). A aplicação de hCG em novilhas sete dias após a IATF induziu a formação de CLA, não interferiu no tamanho dos corpos lúteos observados nas fêmeas gestantes tratadas e não tratadas e não melhorou a taxa de gestação das referidas fêmeas.

Incontinência urinária após gonadectomia em fêmeas caninas / Urinary incontinence after gonadectomy in female dogs

A incontinência urinária adquirida é uma condição debilitante e, muitas vezes, incurável que acomete fêmeas castradas e raramente fêmeas inteiras ou machos. A manifestação clínica pode ocorrer em qualquer momento após a gonadectomia e resulta em graves problemas no manejo do paciente. Os mecanismos que desencadeiam a incontinência após ovariectomia envolvem decréscimo na pressão de fechamento uretral, alterações hormonais, aumento na deposição de colágeno na musculatura lisa da bexiga, diminuição na contratilidade do músculo detrusor e redução na resposta aos estímulos elétricos e ao carbachol. O diagnóstico é realizado pelo histórico do animal, pelo exame físico, pelos exames laboratoriais, pelo perfil de pressão uretral, pela ultrassonografia e pelas radiografias abdominais. O tratamento clínico envolve utilização de fármacos -adrenérgicos, estrógenos, análogos de GnRH e agentes antidepressivos. As técnicas cirúrgicas recomendadas correspondem à uretropexia, cistouretropexia, aplicação de colágeno na uretra e colpossuspensão. Melhor compreensão da etiologia, da fisiopatologia, dos métodos de diagnóstico e tratamentos é fundamental em razão do pouco conhecimento e da identificação dessa condição no Brasil.

Acquired urinary incontinence is a debilitating, incurable condition, prevalent in spayed bitches and rarely seen in entire bitches or males. In bitches, acquired urinary incontinence can occur anytime from one week after neutering and is associated with severe management problems. Incontinence in neutered bitches can be associated with a decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure, hormonal changes and increase in the percentage of collagen in the bladder wall. It's also associated to a reduced contractility of the detrusor muscle, decrease in the magnitude of response of the bladder wall to both carbachol and eletrical field stimulation, and there are risk factors involved. The diagnosis is established based on historical findings, physical examination, laboratorial exams, urethral pressure profilometry, ultrasonography and abdominal radiographs. The medical management involves the appliance of -adrenergics agonists, oestrogens, GnRH analogues and antidepressive agents. Surgical recommendation management corresponds to urethropexy, cistourethropexy, endoscopic periurethral injection and colposuspension. The better understanding A better comprehension of etiology, physiopathology, diagnosis methods and treatment could provide significant benefits considering the lack of knowledge and diagnoses of this clinical condition in Brazil.

Incontinência urinária após gonadectomia em fêmeas caninas

Acquired urinary incontinence is a debilitating, incurable condition, prevalent in spayed bitches and rarely seen in entire bitches or males. In bitches, acquired urinary incontinence can occur anytime from one week after neutering and is associated with severe management problems. Incontinence in neutered bitches can be associated with a decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure, hormonal changes and increase in the percentage of collagen in the bladder wall. It's also associated to a reduced contractility of the detrusor muscle, decrease in the magnitude of response of the bladder wall to both carbachol and eletrical field stimulation, and there are risk factors involved. The diagnosis is established based on historical findings, physical examination, laboratorial exams, urethral pressure profilometry, ultrasonography and abdominal radiographs. The medical management involves the appliance of -adrenergics agonists, oestrogens, GnRH analogues and antidepressive agents. Surgical recommendation management corresponds to urethropexy, cistourethropexy, endoscopic periurethral injection and colposuspension. The better understanding A better comprehension of etiology, physiopathology, diagnosis methods and treatment could provide significant benefits considering the lack of knowledge and diagnoses of this clinical condition in Brazil.

A incontinência urinária adquirida é uma condição debilitante e, muitas vezes, incurável que acomete fêmeas castradas e raramente fêmeas inteiras ou machos. A manifestação clínica pode ocorrer em qualquer momento após a gonadectomia e resulta em graves problemas no manejo do paciente. Os mecanismos que desencadeiam a incontinência após ovariectomia envolvem decréscimo na pressão de fechamento uretral, alterações hormonais, aumento na deposição de colágeno na musculatura lisa da bexiga, diminuição na contratilidade do músculo detrusor e redução na resposta aos estímulos elétricos e ao carbachol. O diagnóstico é realizado pelo histórico do animal, pelo exame físico, pelos exames laboratoriais, pelo perfil de pressão uretral, pela ultrassonografia e pelas radiografias abdominais. O tratamento clínico envolve utilização de fármacos -adrenérgicos, estrógenos, análogos de GnRH e agentes antidepressivos. As técnicas cirúrgicas recomendadas correspondem à uretropexia, cistouretropexia, aplicação de colágeno na uretra e colpossuspensão. Melhor compreensão da etiologia, da fisiopatologia, dos métodos de diagnóstico e tratamentos é fundamental em razão do pouco conhecimento e da identificação dessa condição no Brasil.

Incontinência urinária após gonadectomia em fêmeas caninas

Acquired urinary incontinence is a debilitating, incurable condition, prevalent in spayed bitches and rarely seen in entire bitches or males. In bitches, acquired urinary incontinence can occur anytime from one week after neutering and is associated with severe management problems. Incontinence in neutered bitches can be associated with a decrease in maximal urethral closure pressure, hormonal changes and increase in the percentage of collagen in the bladder wall. It's also associated to a reduced contractility of the detrusor muscle, decrease in the magnitude of response of the bladder wall to both carbachol and eletrical field stimulation, and there are risk factors involved. The diagnosis is established based on historical findings, physical examination, laboratorial exams, urethral pressure profilometry, ultrasonography and abdominal radiographs. The medical management involves the appliance of -adrenergics agonists, oestrogens, GnRH analogues and antidepressive agents. Surgical recommendation management corresponds to urethropexy, cistourethropexy, endoscopic periurethral injection and colposuspension. The better understanding A better comprehension of etiology, physiopathology, diagnosis methods and treatment could provide significant benefits considering the lack of knowledge and diagnoses of this clinical condition in Brazil.

A incontinência urinária adquirida é uma condição debilitante e, muitas vezes, incurável que acomete fêmeas castradas e raramente fêmeas inteiras ou machos. A manifestação clínica pode ocorrer em qualquer momento após a gonadectomia e resulta em graves problemas no manejo do paciente. Os mecanismos que desencadeiam a incontinência após ovariectomia envolvem decréscimo na pressão de fechamento uretral, alterações hormonais, aumento na deposição de colágeno na musculatura lisa da bexiga, diminuição na contratilidade do músculo detrusor e redução na resposta aos estímulos elétricos e ao carbachol. O diagnóstico é realizado pelo histórico do animal, pelo exame físico, pelos exames laboratoriais, pelo perfil de pressão uretral, pela ultrassonografia e pelas radiografias abdominais. O tratamento clínico envolve utilização de fármacos -adrenérgicos, estrógenos, análogos de GnRH e agentes antidepressivos. As técnicas cirúrgicas recomendadas correspondem à uretropexia, cistouretropexia, aplicação de colágeno na uretra e colpossuspensão. Melhor compreensão da etiologia, da fisiopatologia, dos métodos de diagnóstico e tratamentos é fundamental em razão do pouco conhecimento e da identificação dessa condição no Brasil.

Unica ou dupla inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em porcas com ovulações induzidas pelo Hormônio Luteinizante / Single or double artificial insemination in fixed time in sows with ovulation induced by Luteinizing Hormon

Duzentas e cinqüenta e quatro matrizes Camborough 22 (PIC®), foram divididas em 3 tratamentos: T 1 (n=60) - 600 UI de eCG após desmama e 5 mg de LH, 72 h após eCG , com única inseminação artificial (IA) (24 h após LH); T 2 (n=95) - mesmo tratamento hormonal do T1, com 2 IA (24 e 32 h após LH); T 3 (n=99) - grupo controle sem tratamento hormonal, com 3 IA. As médias de intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) em T1, T2 e T3 foram de 87,4 ± 3,0 (87 a 111), 87 ± 0 (87) e 99,9 ± 13,6 (63 a 135) horas, respectivamente, sendo reduzidas (P < 0,0001) pelas gonadotrofinas. A duração do estro (DE) foi de 44,3 ± 8,78 (12 a 60), 41,3 ± 9,77 (24 a 60) e 60,1 ± 10,22 (36 a 84) horas, respectivamente para T1, T2 e T3, sendo menor (P < 0,0001) nas fêmeas tratadas. As diferenças no intervalo LH e ovulação (LH-OV) entre o grupo controle (56,1 ± 15,91, variação de 21 a 93 horas) e os grupos tratados (35,7 ± 6,07 em T1 e 35,5 ± 6,06 em T2, com variação de 30 a 42 horas) foram significativas (P < 0,0001). O tamanho de leitegada (TL) foi de 10,6 ± 3,25 (2 a 16) em T1, 11,3 ± 3,0 (4 a 20) em T2 e 11,6 ± 2,74 (4 a 18) leitões em T3, enquanto os mesmos demonstraram número de leitões nascidos vivos (NV) de 9,6 ± 3,14 (2 a 16), 10,5 ± 2,83 (1 a 18) e 10,5 ± 2,73 (4 a 16) leitões. Tanto em TL (P = 0,11) quanto em NV (P = 0,06) não houve diferença. A significante taxa de parição (TP) no T1, T2 e T3 foi, respectivamente, 76,67 por cento, 88,42 por cento e 91,92 por cento, diferindo entre T1 e T3 (P = 0,01). As gonadotrofinas foram efetivas na indução e sincronização das ovulações; o uso de 2 IAs manteve os índices reprodutivos e, embora a IA única não revele significância quanto ao menor valor de TL, há necessidade de serem realizados novos estudos nesta área. (AU)

Two hundred fifty four sows Camborough 22 (PIC®), were divided in 3 treatments: T 1 (n=60) - 600 UI of eCG after weaning and 5 mg of LH, after 72 h, with single artificial insemination (AI) (24 h after LH); T 2 (n=95) - same hormonal treatment of T1, with 2 AI (24 and 32 h after LH); T 3 (n=99) - control group, with 3 AI. The averages of weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) in T1, T2 and T3 were of 87,4 ± 3,0 (87 - 111), 87 ± 0 (87) and 99,9 ± 13,6 (63 - 135) h, respectively, been reduced (P < 0,0001) by gonadotropins. The duration of estrus (DE) were of 44,3 ± 8,78 (12 - 60), 41,3 ± 9,77 (24 - 60) and 60,1 ± 10,22 (36 - 84) h, respectively for T1, T2 and T3, showed lower (P < 0,0001) in treated sows. Fourteen of 155 sows that received gonadotropins (9,03 %) didn't show oestrus. Among these, 10 return to estrus, denote 40% of the total returns. The diferences in LH to ovulation interval (LH-OV) among control group (56,1 ± 15,91, range: 21 - 93 h) and treated groups (35,7 ± 6,07 in T1 and 35,5 ± 6,06 in T2, range: 30 - 42 h) were significant (P < 0,0001). The litter size (LS) were of 10,6 ± 3,25 (2 - 16) in T1, 11,3 ± 3,0 (4 - 20) in T2 and 11,6 ± 2,74 (4 - 18) in T3, while the same demonstred number of piglets born alive (BA) of 9,6 ± 3,14 (2 - 16), 10,5 ± 2,83 (1 - 18) and 10,5 ± 2,73 (4 - 16). In both TL (P = 0,11) and NV (P = 0,06) there weren't any diference. The farrowing rate (FR) in T1, T2 and T3 were, respectively, 76,67 %, 88,42 % and 91,92 %, been diferent between T1 and T3 (P = 0,01). The gonadotropins were effetive in the ovulation induction and synchronization; the use of 2 AI maintained the reproductive index and, however the single AI do not show significance in LS, there is necessity of new reserchs in this area. (AU)

Avaliação do uso de Hormônio Luteinizante (LH) como indutor da ovulação em porcas / Assessment of the Luteinizing Hormon (LH) use in ovulation induction in sows

A pesquisa, desenvolvida num sistema de produção de suínos, estudou a efetividade do hormônio luteinizante (LH) na indução das ovulações. Vinte e quatro fêmeas constituíram o grupo controle e trinta e duas receberam a injeção intramuscular de 600 UI de eCG (Novormon 5000®), 24 h após a desmama e 5 mg de LH (Lutropin - V ®), 56 h após a injeção de eCG, caracterizando o grupo tratado. O estro foi observado 2 vezes ao dia, a ovulação detectada por ultra-sonografia transcutânea e taxa de ovulação (TO) determinada por contagem de corpos lúteos. O intervalo desmama-estro (IDE) foi reduzido (P = 0,01) pelo tratamento (87,4 vs 98,5 horas). As ovulações ocorreram entre 32 e 48 h (37,25 ± 3,65) após LH e foi diferente (P < 0,0001) do controle (63,67 ± 20,22, variando de 32 a 104 h). A TO do tratamento foi semelhante (P = 0,2) à do controle (23,16 ± 12,19 vs 20,08 ± 5,19, respectivamente). (AU)

The research, developed in a swine production system, examined the effectivity of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ovulation induction. Twenty four sows compose the control group and tirthy two sows received intramuscular aplication of 600 IU of eCG (Novormon 5000®), 24 h after weaning and 5 mg of LH (Lutropin - V ®), 56 h after eCG injection (treated group). Oestrus were observed twice a day, the ovulation detected by transcutaneous ultrasonography and ovulation rate (OR) determined by corpora lutea counting. The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) were reduced (P=0,01) by treatment (87,4 vs 98,5 h). The ovulations occured among 32 and 48 h (37,25 ± 3,65) after LH and were diferent (P < 0,0001) of control (63,67 ± 20,22, range: 32 - 104 h). The OR of treatment was similar (P = 0,2) on the control (23,16 ± 12,19 vs 20,08 ± 5,19, respectively). (AU)

INFLUENCE OF HORMONES AND FOLLICULAR FLUID ON MATURATION OF PIG OOCYTES

To evaluate the effect of follicular fluid on in vitro maturation, pig oocytes were cultured in the presence of hormones where 10% of fetal calf serum (FCS), 10% of follicular fluid from large follicles (l-pFF), 10% of follicular fluid from medium follicles (m-pFF) or no supplement were added. When oocytes where matured in medium containing the hormones the addition of different supplements did not affect (P 0.05) nuclear maturation. However, changing the supplement altered the cytoplasmic maturation, with higher rate (P 0.05) observed in the l-pFF group. To determine the effect of the presence of hormone and/or supplement during maturation, the oocytes were cultured either in presence of TCM-199 alone, with hormones, with 10% l-pFF or with hormones and 10% l-pFF. The highest proportion of oocytes undergoing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation was obtained when both hormones and follicular fluid were present. Cumulus expansion had a significant (P 0.05) effect on cytoplasmic maturation with the non-expanded groups showing a lower percentage of maturation in all groups. When the adequacy of gonadotropins levels were evaluated by adding higher or lower concentrations into the maturation medium neither beneficial nor detrimental effects were observed in either nuclear or cytoplasmic maturation. These results suggest that changes in the composition of the medium can alter the percentage of oocytes completing maturation. Follicular fluid combined with hormones was found to give better conditions for pig oocyte maturation in vitro.

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito da presença do líquido folicular e hormônios durante a maturação nuclear e citoplasmática em ovócitos suínos. Para avaliar o efeito do líquido folicular, os oócitos foram maturados in vitro em TCM-199 na presença de hormônios, em que o meio foi suplementado com 10% de soro fetal bovino (SFB), 10% de líquido folicular de folículos grandes (l-pFF), 10% de líquido folicular de folículos médios (m-pFF) ou nenhum suplemento. Quando os oócitos foram maturados no meio contendo hormônios, a adição de diferentes suplementos não afetou (P 0,05) a maturação nuclear. Entretanto, mudanças no suplemento provocaram uma alteração na maturação citoplasmática, sendo que as maiores taxas (P 0,05) foram observadas no grupo com l-pFF. Para determinar o efeito da presença de hormônios e/ou suplemento durante a maturação, os oócitos foram cultivados em TCM-199, TCM-199 com hormônios, TCM-199 com 10% l-pFF ou TCM-199 com hormônio e 10% l-pFF. A maior proporção de oócitos que sofreram maturação nuclear e citoplasmática ocorreu no grupo em que ambos, hormônios e líquido folicular, estavam presentes. A expansão do cumulus influenciou (P 0,05) na maturação citoplasmática, sendo que os oócitos sem expansão apresentaram menor taxa de maturação em todos os grupos. Quando diferentes concentrações de gonadotrofinas foram utilizadas durante a maturação, não foi observado nenhum efeito na maturação nuclear ou citoplasmática. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que as mudanças na composição do meio podem afetar as taxas de maturação, sendo que o líquido folicular, combinado com hormônios, proporciona as melhores condições para maturação de oócitos suínos.