Immunocontraception of male domestic cats using GnRH vaccine Improvac.

The domestic cat is a highly prolific species; thus, reproductive control is crucial to reducing feral cat overpopulation. This study aimed to assess the effect of a commercially-available GnRH vaccine for swine on suppressing sperm production in male cats. Twelve sexually mature tomcats were randomly divided into two groups. Treated cats (n = 9) received a GnRH vaccine (Improvac, Zoetis Belgium SA, 0.5 mL sc) twice 4 wk apart, and the control group (CON, n = 3) saline solution (0.5 mL sc). Reproductive parameters and blood samples were recorded every 2 wk, from 6 wk before vaccination until 24 wk after the first dose. Day 0 of the study was defined as the day of primary immunization with either the vaccine or saline solution. Serum testosterone concentrations of treated cats dropped to basal levels 6 wk after D0, while CON cats maintained serum testosterone concentrations between normal ranges during the study period. No differences were observed in pretreatment and CON seminal samples. However, a progressive decrease in seminal quality was observed in treated cats from wk 8 until the end of the study. By wk 24, sperm concentration and total sperm count decreased by 90%, motility decreased by 70%, and viability decreased by 60%. Moreover, testicular volume was reduced by 49%, and penile spines showed almost complete atrophy by the end of the study. Although treated cats showed a decrease in the hematocrit, erythrocyte count, and hemoglobin concentration, values were within the reference range for domestic cats. No differences were observed in the other hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. Our results agree with previous immunocontraception studies in cats, showing that Improvac vaccination effectively reduced sperm quality, testicular volume, and serum testosterone concentration. Further studies should be carried out to define the Improvac long-term effect.

Single or repeated immunization against GnRH fails to completely abolish spermatogenesis in dwarf bucks (Capra hircus).

In both captive wildlife and production animals is important to develop strategies for population control. Immunization against GnRH is an easy and inexpensive immunocastration method that reduces the concentration of testosterone and decreases sperm quality. However, its effectiveness depends on the species and repetition of the treatment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single treatment (initial immunization plus a booster with Improvac) vs repeated treatment (six doses of Improvac) to inhibit testicular function and maintain the contraceptive status during long periods in bucks. Three Dwarf bucks (Capra hircus) received two doses of Improvac, the first on Week 0, and the booster 4 weeks later (single immunization, group SI) while three Dwarf bucks received one dose of Improvac every 6 months during 3 consecutive years (repeated immunization, group RI). The other three Dwarf bucks remained untreated (control bucks, group CON). Bucks from RI had a greater decrease in scrotal circumference, testosterone concentration, male odor intensity, and sperm quality than SI bucks. However, there were no differences between SI and CON bucks in any of the variables studied. Overall, repeated treatment of Improvac decreased the testicular function of Dwarf bucks, although did not produce complete infertility. However, the repetition of the treatment produced more intensive negative effects, indicating that the strength of the effects of Improvac is rapidly lost in bucks.

Percepção dos moradores de Várzea Alegre - Ceará sobre o controle de natalidade de cães e gatos no combate de zoonoses

O convívio entre humanos e animais a exemplo da presença do cão junto ao ser humano existe desde épocas longínquas. Devidoa este estreito contato muitas doenças se difundem entre os homens, transmitidas através de animais infectados as denominadas zoonoses. A Educação Ambiental é uma alternativa para se desenvolver a conscientização da população, buscando promover a guarda-responsável, o bem-estar animal e a redução dos casos de doenças zoonóticas. Dentro deste contexto, como presente trabalho objetivou-se analisar o nível de conhecimento da população da Rua Carlos Gomes de Alencar, município de Várzea Alegre, Ceará, sobre zoonoses. Esta abordagem foi feita através de entrevistas com a aplicação de um questionário. Os resultados demonstraram que os entrevistados, possuem um precário entendimento sobre o assunto em questão, e que por isso estão expostos a zoonoses, por se encontrarem em áreas de risco.

The interaction between humans and animals and especially the presence of the dog along to humans has been known since remote times, and due to this close contact many diseases are spread among men, transmitted through infected animals are called zoonoses. Environmental education is an alternative to develop public awareness, seeking to promote the guard -responsible, well -being of animals and reducing cases of zoonotic diseases. Within this context, this study aimed to analyze the level of knowledge of the population of street Carlos Gomes de Alencar, municipality of Várzea Alegre, Ceará, on zoonoses. This approach was made through interviews with the application of a questionnaire. The results showed that the respondents have a poor understanding of the subject matter, and therefore are exposed to diseases, because they are in risk areas.

Percepção dos moradores de Várzea Alegre - Ceará sobre o controle de natalidade de cães e gatos no combate de zoonoses

O convívio entre humanos e animais a exemplo da presença do cão junto ao ser humano existe desde épocas longínquas. Devidoa este estreito contato muitas doenças se difundem entre os homens, transmitidas através de animais infectados as denominadas zoonoses. A Educação Ambiental é uma alternativa para se desenvolver a conscientização da população, buscando promover a guarda-responsável, o bem-estar animal e a redução dos casos de doenças zoonóticas. Dentro deste contexto, como presente trabalho objetivou-se analisar o nível de conhecimento da população da Rua Carlos Gomes de Alencar, município de Várzea Alegre, Ceará, sobre zoonoses. Esta abordagem foi feita através de entrevistas com a aplicação de um questionário. Os resultados demonstraram que os entrevistados, possuem um precário entendimento sobre o assunto em questão, e que por isso estão expostos a zoonoses, por se encontrarem em áreas de risco.(AU)

The interaction between humans and animals and especially the presence of the dog along to humans has been known since remote times, and due to this close contact many diseases are spread among men, transmitted through infected animals are called zoonoses. Environmental education is an alternative to develop public awareness, seeking to promote the guard -responsible, well -being of animals and reducing cases of zoonotic diseases. Within this context, this study aimed to analyze the level of knowledge of the population of street Carlos Gomes de Alencar, municipality of Várzea Alegre, Ceará, on zoonoses. This approach was made through interviews with the application of a questionnaire. The results showed that the respondents have a poor understanding of the subject matter, and therefore are exposed to diseases, because they are in risk areas.(AU)

Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

ABSTRACT Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn't change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.

Caracterización de los sistemas de producción ovinos de trópico alto en colombia: manejo e indicadores productivos y reproductivos / Characterization of ovine systems in colombian high tropics: management, productive and reproductive performance indicators

RESUMEN Con el objeto de caracterizar su manejo y desempeño productivo y reproductivo, se aplicó una encuesta en 66 Sistemas de Producción Ovinos de Trópico Alto (SPOTA) en Colombia. La recopilación de la información se llevó a cabo a través de una encuesta experta compuesta por 32 variables (10 productivas y 22 reproductivas). Los indicadores estadísticos se calcularon a través del programa SAS® v.9.1. Los Spota se distribuyeron en tres categorías en función del objetivo de producción: carne y lana (59%), genética y carne (24%) y carne (17%). El control de peso de los animales se realizó con báscula de reloj y el método de esquila fue manual en estos sistemas productivos. Las variables productivas edad al destete y peso al beneficio presentaron menores valores en los SPOTA de carne. Se observó la implementación de programas de monta libre continua (en 82% de los sistemas de tipo carne y lana) y de monta controlada continua (en 81% de los sistemas de tipo genética y carne, y en 73% en las de carne). Las variables reproductivas días abiertos y vida útil de los machos presentaron mayores valores en los Spota de carne y lana. Se encuentra que el manejo y desempeño productivo y reproductivo de los Spota presenta un mejor comportamiento en los sistemas ovinos de los tipos genética y carne y carne. En los sistemas ovinos de carne y lana no se realiza un adecuado control productivo y reproductivo que permita sostener la oferta de productos en el mercado.

ABSTRACT ER_Sixty-six sheep farms in High Tropic (HT) of Colombia were surveyed about management and productive and reproductive performance. Information collection was conducted by an expert survey composed of 32 variables (10 productive and 22 reproductive). For this purpose sheep systems were stratified according to production purpose, averages, statistics indicator were calculated through SAS® v.9.1. Farms were distributed in meat and wool systems HT (59%), genetics and meat HT (24%) and meat HT (17%). Sheep HT systems performed weight control through scale clock and shearing method was manual. Weaning age and slaughter weight shows lower values in meat systems. Continuous free rides (82% in meat and wool) and continuous controlled rides (81% in genetics and meat y 73% in meat) was observed. Higher values in days open and life in males was observed in sheep meat and wool systems. From this study we were able to conclude that management and productive and reproductive performance, presents a better behavior in meat and genetics and meat ovine production systems HT. In meat and wool systems dont exists an adequate productive and reproductive control to sustain market offering.

Controle reprodutivo em biotérios de criação de animais de laboratório com ênfase em roedores / Reproductive control in Rodents animals facilities

A pesquisa experimental utiliza em sua grande maioria ratos e camundongos. Os animais de laboratório sãocaracterizados pela sua genética (isogênicos ou heterogênicos) definida através de práticas reprodutivas sistemáticas(acasalamentos irmão x irmão ou randômicos). O conhecimento da biologia e genética destes é fundamental paraque se estabeleçam controles reprodutivos capazes de evitar desperdícios espaciais, financeiros e sobretudo odescarte excessivo de excedentes. O uso de animais isogênicos elimina a variabilidade genética em experimentos,uma vez que possuem ao menos 98,2% de homozigose em seus alelos e formam uma linhagem onde ascaracterísticas genéticas e fenotípicas são únicas e exclusivas. O uso de linhagens permite a reprodutibilidade deexperimentos ao longo do tempo e em diferentes laboratórios. Ao contrário, animais heterogênicos, chamados deestoque ou colônias que objetivam mimetizar a variabilidade genética de uma população, são mantidos emacasalamentos randômicos, não possuem uma genética definida e suas características fenotípicas podem variar entrelaboratórios. Tanto um quanto o outro exigem esquemas reprodutivos rígidos para garantir a qualidade efidedignidade dos experimentos.(AU)

The great majority of animals used in research are rats and mice. Laboratory animals are characterized by theirgenetic patterns (isogenic or heterogenic) defined through systematic breeding practices (brother vs. brother orrandom mating). It is fundamental to know their biology and genetics to establish reproductive controls in order toavoid spatial and financial waste and, more important, to avoid the excessive discarding of surpluses. The use ofisogenic animals eliminates genetic variability in experiments, since they have at least 98.2% homozygoze in theiralleles and form a lineage where the genetic and phenotypic characteristics are unique and exclusive. The use oflineages allows the reproducibility of experiments in different laboratories and along the time. On the other hand,heterogenic animals, called stock or colonies, that aim to mimic the genetic variability of a population, are kept inrandom mating, they do not have a defined genetic profile and their phenotypic characteristics can vary amonglaboratories. Both ways of breeding (isogenic or heterogenic) demand rigid reproductive schemes to ensure thequality and reliability of the experiments.(AU)

Controle reprodutivo em biotérios de criação de animais de laboratório com ênfase em roedores / Reproductive control in Rodents animals facilities

A pesquisa experimental utiliza em sua grande maioria ratos e camundongos. Os animais de laboratório sãocaracterizados pela sua genética (isogênicos ou heterogênicos) definida através de práticas reprodutivas sistemáticas(acasalamentos irmão x irmão ou randômicos). O conhecimento da biologia e genética destes é fundamental paraque se estabeleçam controles reprodutivos capazes de evitar desperdícios espaciais, financeiros e sobretudo odescarte excessivo de excedentes. O uso de animais isogênicos elimina a variabilidade genética em experimentos,uma vez que possuem ao menos 98,2% de homozigose em seus alelos e formam uma linhagem onde ascaracterísticas genéticas e fenotípicas são únicas e exclusivas. O uso de linhagens permite a reprodutibilidade deexperimentos ao longo do tempo e em diferentes laboratórios. Ao contrário, animais heterogênicos, chamados deestoque ou colônias que objetivam mimetizar a variabilidade genética de uma população, são mantidos emacasalamentos randômicos, não possuem uma genética definida e suas características fenotípicas podem variar entrelaboratórios. Tanto um quanto o outro exigem esquemas reprodutivos rígidos para garantir a qualidade efidedignidade dos experimentos.

The great majority of animals used in research are rats and mice. Laboratory animals are characterized by theirgenetic patterns (isogenic or heterogenic) defined through systematic breeding practices (brother vs. brother orrandom mating). It is fundamental to know their biology and genetics to establish reproductive controls in order toavoid spatial and financial waste and, more important, to avoid the excessive discarding of surpluses. The use ofisogenic animals eliminates genetic variability in experiments, since they have at least 98.2% homozygoze in theiralleles and form a lineage where the genetic and phenotypic characteristics are unique and exclusive. The use oflineages allows the reproducibility of experiments in different laboratories and along the time. On the other hand,heterogenic animals, called stock or colonies, that aim to mimic the genetic variability of a population, are kept inrandom mating, they do not have a defined genetic profile and their phenotypic characteristics can vary amonglaboratories. Both ways of breeding (isogenic or heterogenic) demand rigid reproductive schemes to ensure thequality and reliability of the experiments.

La reproducción asistida / Assisted reproduction

Introducción: dentro de las técnicas de reproducción asistida de baja tecnología está la inseminación intrauterina, donde se colocan los espermatozoides dentro del útero de una mujer cerca del momento de la ovulación. Presentación del caso: se presenta el caso de una paciente de 31 años de edad, color de piel blanca, de procedencia rural (municipio Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río, Cuba) con el único antecedente personal de infertilidad secundaria y obstétrico de gesta 1, parto 0, aborto 1 a los 18 años, con DIU T de cobre por nueve años para lo cual fue atendida junto a su pareja en la consulta de infertilidad del policlínico universitario "Hermanos Cruz" de Pinar del Río, donde se le diagnosticó trastornos de ovulación e infección vaginal y una oligoastenospermia con varicocele izquierdo a su pareja, para lo cual llevaron tratamiento médico quirúrgico combinado. Conclusión: se logró primero la varicocelectomía y espermatogénesis con merapur (HMG), la ovulación con HMG y clomifeno, luego se realizó una fertilización de baja tecnología, con lo que se logró un embarazo, que llegó a feliz término a las 41 semanas de gestación. Por lo riesgoso de este tipo de embarazo y el resultado feliz que tuvo, se decidió publicar el caso.

Introduction: among assisted reproduction techniques of low technology is intrauterine insemination, where sperm is placed in the uterus of a woman near the time of ovulation. Case report: the case of a female 31-year-old patient, white skin, of rural origin (Minas de Matahambre Municipality, Pinar del Rio, Cuba) presents for the sole personal history of secondary infertility and obstetric geostation 1, delivery 0, abortion 1 to 18, with Copper T IUD for nine years for which she was served with her partner in the office of infertility at Hermanos Cruz university polyclinic of Pinar del Rio, where she was diagnosed disorders ovulation and vaginal infection and her partner with a left varicocele oligoasthenospermia, which led to combined surgical treatment. Conclusion: varicocelectomy was first achieved and spermatogenesis with merapur (HMG), ovulation with HMG and clomiphene, and then a low-tech fertilization took place, bringing a pregnancy, which came to fruition at 41 weeks of gestation was achieved. So this kind of risky pregnancy and was happy result, it was decided to publish the case.

Rethinking unmet need: Determinants of contraceptive use in Santiago, the Dominican Republic.

Inadequate access to contraceptives is often considered the primary source of unmet need among women who desire to prevent pregnancy. This study evaluates two potential determinants of contraceptive use among Dominican women: (1) perceived access to family planning and (2) perceived personal reproductive control, a measure based in psychological theories of locus of control. Sexually active women aged 18-45 who did not desire fertility were surveyed to assess influences on contraceptive use. In-depth interviews were conducted among a subset of participants to contextualise survey results. Fewer than half (49%) of the 80 survey respondents had used contraception in the last 3 months. Higher personal reproductive control was significantly related to contraceptive use (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.34), however, higher perceived access to contraceptives was not (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97-1.23). Male partner influence was identified as a barrier to contraceptive use. In this population, high personal reproductive control is a better predictor of contraceptive use than perceived access.

Ultrastructural analysis of the dorsal body gland of the terrestrial snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus (Becquaert, 1948) / Análise ultraestrutural da glândula corpo dorsal do caracol terrestre Megalobulimus abbreviatus (Becquaert, 1948)

The ultrastructure of the reproductive gland, dorsal body (DB), of Megalobulimus abbreviatus was analysed. Electron microscope immunohistochemistry was used to detect FMRFamide-like peptides in the nerve endings within this gland. Nerve backfilling was used in an attempt to identify the neurons involved in this innervation. In M. abbreviatus, the DB has a uniform appearance throughout their supraesophageal and subesophageal portions. Dorsal body cells have several features in common with steroid-secreting gland cells, such as the presence of many lipid droplets, numerous mitochondria with tubular cristae and a developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Throughout the DB in M. abbreviatus numerous axonal endings were seen to be in contact with the DB cells exhibiting a synaptic-like structure. The axon terminals contained numerous electron-dense and scanty electron-lucid vesicles. In addition, the DB nerve endings exhibited FMRFamide immunoreactive vesicles. Injection of neural tracer into the DB yielded retrograde labelling of neurons in the metacerebrum lobe of the cerebral ganglia and in the parietal ganglia of the subesophageal ganglia complex. The possibility that some of these retrograde-labelled neurons might be FMRFamide-like neurons that may represent a neural control to the DB in M. abbreviatus is discussed.(AU)

Foi analisada a ultraestrutura da glândula reprodutiva corpo dorsal (CD) de Megalobulimus abbreviatus. Imunoistoquímica para microscopia eletrônica foi utilizada para detectar peptídeos relacionados ao tetrapeptídeo FMRFamida nas terminações axonais existentes nessa glândula. Foi utilizada marcação neuronal retrógada com o intuito de localizar os neurônios envolvidos nesta inervação. O CD de M. abbreviatus possui um aspecto uniforme em toda sua extensão, tanto na porção supraesofágica como subesofágica. As células do CD possuem várias características de glândulas esteroidogênicas, tais como a presença de inúmeras gotículas lipídicas, numerosas mitocôndrias com cristas tubulares e cisternas bem desenvolvidas de retículo endoplasmático liso. Por toda a extensão do CD de M. abbreviatus foram encontradas numerosas terminações axonais fazendo contatos estruturalmente semelhantes a sinapses com as células do CD. As terminações axonais continham grande número de vesículas eletrodensas e esparsas vesículas eletrolúcidas. As terminações axonais no CD apresentavam vesículas com conteúdo imunorreativo à FMRFamida. A injeção de traçador neural no CD resultou em marcação retrógrada de neurônios no metacérebro dos gânglios cerebrais e nos gânglios parietais do complexo ganglionar subesofágico de M. abbreviatus. É discutida a possibilidade de que estes neurônios identificados por marcação retrógrada possam representar a via de controle neural do CD de M. abbreviatus, cujo mediador químico seria um neuropeptídeo relacionado à FMRFamida.(AU)

Ultrastructural analysis of the dorsal body gland of the terrestrial snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus (Becquaert, 1948) / Análise ultraestrutural da glândula corpo dorsal do caracol terrestre Megalobulimus abbreviatus (Becquaert, 1948)

The ultrastructure of the reproductive gland, dorsal body (DB), of Megalobulimus abbreviatus was analysed. Electron microscope immunohistochemistry was used to detect FMRFamide-like peptides in the nerve endings within this gland. Nerve backfilling was used in an attempt to identify the neurons involved in this innervation. In M. abbreviatus, the DB has a uniform appearance throughout their supraesophageal and subesophageal portions. Dorsal body cells have several features in common with steroid-secreting gland cells, such as the presence of many lipid droplets, numerous mitochondria with tubular cristae and a developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Throughout the DB in M. abbreviatus numerous axonal endings were seen to be in contact with the DB cells exhibiting a synaptic-like structure. The axon terminals contained numerous electron-dense and scanty electron-lucid vesicles. In addition, the DB nerve endings exhibited FMRFamide immunoreactive vesicles. Injection of neural tracer into the DB yielded retrograde labelling of neurons in the metacerebrum lobe of the cerebral ganglia and in the parietal ganglia of the subesophageal ganglia complex. The possibility that some of these retrograde-labelled neurons might be FMRFamide-like neurons that may represent a neural control to the DB in M. abbreviatus is discussed.

Foi analisada a ultraestrutura da glândula reprodutiva corpo dorsal (CD) de Megalobulimus abbreviatus. Imunoistoquímica para microscopia eletrônica foi utilizada para detectar peptídeos relacionados ao tetrapeptídeo FMRFamida nas terminações axonais existentes nessa glândula. Foi utilizada marcação neuronal retrógada com o intuito de localizar os neurônios envolvidos nesta inervação. O CD de M. abbreviatus possui um aspecto uniforme em toda sua extensão, tanto na porção supraesofágica como subesofágica. As células do CD possuem várias características de glândulas esteroidogênicas, tais como a presença de inúmeras gotículas lipídicas, numerosas mitocôndrias com cristas tubulares e cisternas bem desenvolvidas de retículo endoplasmático liso. Por toda a extensão do CD de M. abbreviatus foram encontradas numerosas terminações axonais fazendo contatos estruturalmente semelhantes a sinapses com as células do CD. As terminações axonais continham grande número de vesículas eletrodensas e esparsas vesículas eletrolúcidas. As terminações axonais no CD apresentavam vesículas com conteúdo imunorreativo à FMRFamida. A injeção de traçador neural no CD resultou em marcação retrógrada de neurônios no metacérebro dos gânglios cerebrais e nos gânglios parietais do complexo ganglionar subesofágico de M. abbreviatus. É discutida a possibilidade de que estes neurônios identificados por marcação retrógrada possam representar a via de controle neural do CD de M. abbreviatus, cujo mediador químico seria um neuropeptídeo relacionado à FMRFamida.

Aspectos práticos da hormonioterapia no controle reprodutivo de fêmeas da espécie canina / Practice aspects of hormonal therapy on reproductive controlo of canine females

Novos protocolos hormonais têm sido estudados para o tratamento de alguns distúrbios reprodutivos e para o controle populacional da espécie canina em áreas urbanas. Dessa forma, esta revisão tem por objetivo demonstrar as principais categorias de drogas que podem ser utilizadas para o controle da atividade reprodutiva de cadelas, considerando os aspectos práticos, e ressaltando a viabilidade e as conseqüências de seu uso nessa espécie. Dentre essas categorias encontram-se os progestágenos, os esteróides, os andrógenos, as gonadotrofinas e seus análogos, as protaglandinas, os ocitócicos, os agonistas dopaminérgicos e os antiprogestágenos. Protocolos mais eficazes e mais seguros estão surgindo, mas é responsabilidade do médico veterinário manter os proprietários de animais de companhia informados a respeito dos possíveis tratamentos hormonais e das suas conseqüências, além de documentar a aceitação do proprietário quando do uso de produtos ainda não licenciados para o uso na espécie canina(AU)

New hormonal protocols have studied for treatment of some reproductive disturbances and for population control of dogs in urban áreas. Then, the aim of this review is to demonstrable the main categories of hormones that can be used to control the reproductive activity in female dogs, considering practive aspects, emphasizing the viability and consequences of their use in dogs. Among these categories are progestogens, oestrogens, androgens, gonadotrophins and their analogs, prostagladins, oxytocin and Ergot preparations, prolactin antagonists and progesterone antagonists. More efficacious and safer protocols have been created, but it is responsibility of the veterinarians to keep the dog owners informed about available hormonal treatments and their consequences, and also document the owners permission when non licensed products for use in dogs will be administered(AU)

Aspectos práticos da hormonioterapia no controle reprodutivo de fêmeas da espécie canina / Practice aspects of hormonal therapy on reproductive controlo of canine females

Novos protocolos hormonais têm sido estudados para o tratamento de alguns distúrbios reprodutivos e para o controle populacional da espécie canina em áreas urbanas. Dessa forma, esta revisão tem por objetivo demonstrar as principais categorias de drogas que podem ser utilizadas para o controle da atividade reprodutiva de cadelas, considerando os aspectos práticos, e ressaltando a viabilidade e as conseqüências de seu uso nessa espécie. Dentre essas categorias encontram-se os progestágenos, os esteróides, os andrógenos, as gonadotrofinas e seus análogos, as protaglandinas, os ocitócicos, os agonistas dopaminérgicos e os antiprogestágenos. Protocolos mais eficazes e mais seguros estão surgindo, mas é responsabilidade do médico veterinário manter os proprietários de animais de companhia informados a respeito dos possíveis tratamentos hormonais e das suas conseqüências, além de documentar a aceitação do proprietário quando do uso de produtos ainda não licenciados para o uso na espécie canina

New hormonal protocols have studied for treatment of some reproductive disturbances and for population control of dogs in urban áreas. Then, the aim of this review is to demonstrable the main categories of hormones that can be used to control the reproductive activity in female dogs, considering practive aspects, emphasizing the viability and consequences of their use in dogs. Among these categories are progestogens, oestrogens, androgens, gonadotrophins and their analogs, prostagladins, oxytocin and Ergot preparations, prolactin antagonists and progesterone antagonists. More efficacious and safer protocols have been created, but it is responsibility of the veterinarians to keep the dog owners informed about available hormonal treatments and their consequences, and also document the owners’ permission when non licensed products for use in dogs will be administered

Estrogen-progestogen once-a-month injectable contraceptives and serum prolactin.

To assess the effect of hormonal monthly injectable contraceptives upon the serum values of immunoreactive prolactin (Prl), three groups of women of reproductive age exposed to different estrogen-progestogen injectable formulation for a minimum of one year were studied. The first group (n = 10) received dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide 150 mg and estradiol enanthate 10 mg (DHPA/E2-EN), Group 2 (n = 21) received medroxyprogesterone acetate 25 mg and estradiol cypionate 5 mg (MPA/E2-C) and Group 3 (n = 19) was exposed to norethisterone enanthate 50 mg and estradiol valerate 5 mg (NET-EN/E2-V). A group of IUD users (n = 16) served as the control group. Serum Prl and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) concentration were determined in blood samples (0 and 15 min.) on days 0 (day of last injection), 10, 20 and 30 after last contraceptive injection. The results demonstrated a slight though not significant increase (p greater than 0.05) in serum Prl in the three experimental groups as compared with the IUD control group. This increase in Prl levels observed on day 10 post-last injection never exceeded the upper limits of the normal range (20 ng/ml). Overall, the data demonstrated that the chronic administration of these estrogen/progestogen once-a-month injectable contraceptives does not affect the Prl baseline secretion in women.

A comparative clinical trial of Norinyl 1/35 versus Brevicon in Rio Clara, Brazil.

A comparative clinical trial of two combined oral contraceptives (OCs) with equivalent estrogen content, but different amounts of progestogens, was conducted at the Centro Medico Especializado em Planejamento Familiar in Rio Clara, Brazil. The study was designed to determine the differences in discontinuation rates between Norinyl 1/35 (Syntex) and Brevicon (Syntex) as well as the frequency of selected side effects which might contribute to method discontinuation. Both OCs contain 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol; Brevicon contains 0.5 mg and Norinyl 1/35 contains 1 mg norethindrone. Three-hundred women enrolled in the study were randomly assigned to either the Norinyl 1/35 or Brevicon OCs and follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 4, 8 and 12 months after admission. Intermenstrual bleeding was reported by significantly more women in the Brevicon group than in the Norinyl group (p less than 0.05), and significantly more Brevicon users reported an increase in intermenstrual bleeding. At the end of the study period, no differences were found between the two OC groups in terms of discontinuation rates, but a large number of women in each group discontinued for menstrual problems. The total discontinuation rates at 11 months for both groups were extremely high: 68.2 for the Norinyl 1/35 group and 75.2 for the Brevicon users. The largest group of discontinuations were comprised of those discontinuing for menstrual problems, other personal reasons, planned pregnancy and side effects.

Clearance of levonorgestrel from the circulation following removal of NORPLANT subdermal implants.

The disappearance of levonorgestrel from plasma after the removal of NORPLANT subdermal implants was studied in 12 women who had been treated from 5.5 to 78 months. The existence of one or two half-lives for the rate of disappearance was assessed. The influence of body weight, body fat and length of treatment upon levonorgestrel clearance was studied through stepwise regression analysis. It was found that the levonorgestrel decay rate after implant removal can be entirely accounted assuming one half-life of 42 +/- 16 h (mean +/- SD; range 13 to 62 h). Stepwise regression analysis showed that levonorgestrel half-life is positively correlated with body weight and not significantly correlated with the length of treatment or body fat. It is concluded that, after long-term administration of levonorgestrel via subdermal implants, the major part of the steroid is cleared from plasma within 96 h and that only trace amounts are detected in the following days.

Determinants of menstrual bleeding patterns among women using natural and hormonal methods of contraception. I. Regional variations.

Records of the occurrence of vaginal bleeding were obtained from women using either a natural method of contraception or one of four types of hormonal contraceptive. The relationships between their bleeding patterns and a number of demographic variables were examined, with the aim of identifying subgroups of women who, if they used a particular hormonal method of contraception, would be likely to suffer more or less disruption to their bleeding pattern than the 'norm'. Within contraceptive method, bleeding patterns were more closely related to the women's geographical region of residence than to any other factor. Some of the differences between regions were consistent across contraceptive methods. European women tended to have more bleeding/spotting days than women in other regions; Latin American women had relatively short episodes and long bleeding-free intervals, whether they were using the ovulation method, combined pills or a vaginal ring. Other differences were method-specific. Women using combined pills in India or Pakistan had fewer spotting episodes than women using the same method elsewhere; those using progestogen-only pills had more. Regional variations in bleeding patterns were particularly marked among women using DMPA, and increased over time: by their fourth injection interval, 25% of European women had amenorrhea, as compared with 72% of subjects in North Africa. These findings need to be confirmed by carefully controlled studies of menstrual bleeding patterns and their acceptability in various ethnic groups. The results would be valuable in counselling new contraceptive acceptors, and could eventually guide the choice of methods for introduction into national family planning programmes.

New insights on the mode of action of intrauterine contraceptive devices in women.

To gain a better understanding of the mechanism of action of intrauterine devices (IUDs), a search was made for ova in the genital tracts of 115 women using no contraception and of 56 women using IUDs, all of whom volunteered for study in conjunction with surgical sterilization. Ova were recovered from tubal flushings between 48 and 120 hours after the midcycle peak of luteinizing hormone in 39% of the IUD users compared with 56% of women in the control group (0.05 less than P less than 0.10). This suggests an action of the IUD before the ovum reaches the uterus. Eggs with a microscopic appearance consistent with fertilization were recovered from the fallopian tubes of half of the women using no contraception who had intercourse within the fertile period of the reproductive cycle and from whom ova were recovered. In contrast (P less than 0.01), no eggs with this appearance were recovered in IUD users who had intercourse within the fertile period. No ova were recovered from the body of the uterus of any of the IUD users. Fertilized ova are less likely to reach the uterine cavity containing an IUD. Thus, the principal mode of IUDs is by a method other than destruction of live embryos.

Early chorionic activity in women bearing inert IUD, copper IUD and levonorgestrel-releasing IUD.

Early chorionic activity was assessed in the premenstrual days by means of serum HCG beta-fraction. As control, a group of women with no contraceptive use was studied; early chorionic activity was detected in 31.8% of the cycles. In the group bearing an inert IUD the incidence was 20%, which did not differ from the control; while in the medicated IUD groups (Cu-IUD and LNG-IUD) the incidences were 4.8% and nil, respectively. Both medicated IUD groups showed a significant difference when compared with the control, as well as the inert IUD groups. The meaning of these findings, pointing out differences in the main mechanism of action between inert and medicated IUDs, is discussed.

PIP: Early chorionic activity was compared in 100 IUD users (inert device, copper IUD, and a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD) and 22 controls through measurement of the serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) beta-fraction. In the control group, 7 (32%) of the 22 women had hCG beta-fraction values indicative of chorionic activity (i.e., 5mIU/ml). In the group of women wearing an inert IUD (Lippes Loop), 8 (20%) were positive for early chorionic activity. In contrast, the incidence of premenstrual chorionic activity signs was very low among women with medicated IUDs: 5% among acceptors of the copper IUD and zero among women in the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD group. In general, elevated premenstrual hCG values are indicative of failed implantation. The high incidence of hCG activity recorded among Lippes Loop acceptors in this study is consistent with the anti-implantation effect postulated for inert devices. In contrast, medicated IUDs appear to act by preventing rather than interrupting implantation and therefore should not be regarded as abortifacient contraceptive agents.