Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing.

No studies have evaluated the peripartum follicular dynamics resulting in foal heat under tropical environments. We aimed to assess retrospectively the peripartum follicular dynamics in Colombian Paso Fino mares that were inseminated at the foal heat, becoming pregnant or not. Records including follicular dynamics of pregnant mares prepartum and from foaling until foal heat ovulation were assessed in Colombian Paso Fino mares (CPF, n = 24) bred under permanent grazing in a tropical herd in Colombia. The number of ovarian follicles >10 mm before foaling and the largest follicle (F1) growth rate (mm/day) from foaling until the F1 reached the largest diameter (pre-ovulatory size) at the foal heat were assessed. Mares were inseminated at foal heat with 20 mL of semen (at least 500 million live spermatozoa) with >75% motility and 80% viability from a stallion of proven fertility. Ovulation was confirmed the day after follicles had reached the largest diameter. Quantitative data from follicular growth, the day at ovulation, from mares that became pregnant (PM) or not (NPM) at 16 days post-insemination were compared by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (follicle growth rate data) or Chi-square test (edema and cytology scores data). Epidemiological data, gestation length, and the number of follicles on third prepartum days did not significantly differ between PM and NPM (p > 0.05). Seventy-one percent of mares (17/24) got pregnant. Ovulatory follicles grew faster in the NPM group (n = 7), which ovulated between the seventh and ninth postpartum days, compared to PM (n = 17), which ovulated between the 11th and 13th postpartum days. Pre-ovulatory follicle diameter in PM (48.57 ± 0.8 mm) was significantly larger than in NPM (42.99 ± 1.0 mm) (p < 0.05). In addition, the PM edema score (2.93 ± 0.32 mm) on ovulation day was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than NPM (4.47 ± 0.05 mm). First postpartum ovulation occurred at 12.6 ± 0.3 and 8.5 ± 0.4 days (p < 0.05) in PM and NPM, respectively. Colombian Paso Fino mares bred under permanent grazing under tropical rainforest conditions with no foaling or postpartum complications showed a 71% gestation rate when inseminated at foal heat when ovulation occurs between the second and third postpartum week.

Relationships between follicle and corpus luteum size and vascularization with ovulation, progesterone production, and pregnancy in Nellore beef cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between preovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameters, and POF and CL vascular perfusion with progesterone production, ovulation, and pregnancy in Nellore cows subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Nellore cows (n = 201) were subjected to ovulation synchronization and later to ultrasound evaluation of POF and CL at the time of insemination (D0) and seven days later (D7), respectively. Females were divided into three categories according to the POF diameter assessed at the time of insemination: small (SF), medium (MF), and large (LF) follicles. The LF group had a greater number and intensity of pixels in the POF ultrasound exam compared with the SF group. The CL flow intensity and progesterone concentration were also higher in the LF group. The SF group showed lower flow intensity and lower ovulation rate compared with the others. When non-pregnant females were compared to pregnant ones, no difference was observed in any of the analyzed variables. The results show for the first time in Nellore cattle the relationship between the size of ovarian structures and blood flow (quantity and intensity) as well as the ability of the CL to produce progesterone. The intensity of the POF pixels proved to be relevant, demonstrating correlations with the size and flow of the CL, which were not found when evaluating only the number of pixels, thus revealing the importance of evaluating complementary characteristics of the flow.(AU)

Parenteral Copper Administration at the Beginning of a Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol in Beef Cattle: Effect on Ovarian Function and Pregnancy Rates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma copper (Cu) concentration and ovarian function during a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and the effect of parenteral Cu administration (100 mg) at the start of such protocol (day 0) on area of preovulatory follicle (APF); area of corpus luteum (ACL), plasma estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) concentrations; CL blood flow (CLBF); and pregnancy rate in beef heifers and cows. In cows, plasma Cu concentration on days 0 and 7 correlated positively with APF. Copper administration increased plasma Cu concentration and decreased APF and plasma E2 concentration (day 9), without modifying ACL, plasma P4 concentration, and CLBF (day 16) in cows. Pregnancy rate was higher in Cu-supplemented cattle on day 41 after FTAI as compared with controls (58.76 and 45.28%, respectively). In conclusion, Cu administration at the beginning of the FTAI protocol increased pregnancy rate in beef heifers and cows, modifying APF and plasma E2 concentration in the latter.

The effect of seminal plasma ß-NGF on follicular fluid hormone concentration and gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes in llama granulosa cells.

BACKGROUND: Nerve growth factor (ß-NGF) from llama seminal plasma has been described as a potent ovulatory and luteotrophic molecule after intramuscular or intrauterine infusion in llamas and alpacas. We tested the hypothesis that systemic administration of purified ß-Nerve Growth Factor (ß-NGF) during the preovulatory stage will up-regulate steroidogenic enzymes and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene expression in granulosa cells inducing a change in the progesterone/estradiol ratio in the follicular fluid in llamas. METHODS: Experiment I: Female llamas (n = 64) were randomly assigned to receive an intramuscular administration of: a) 50 µg gonadorelin acetate (GnRH, Ovalyse, Pfizer Chile SA, Santiago, Chile, n = 16), b) 1.0 mg of purified llama ß-NGF (n = 16), or c) 1 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS, negative control group, n = 16). An additional group of llamas (n = 16) were mated with a fertile male. Follicular fluid and granulosa cells were collected from the preovulatory follicle at 10 or 20 h after treatment (Time 0 = administration of treatment, n = 8/treatment/time point) to determine progesterone/estradiol concentration and steroidogenic enzymes and VEGF gene expression at both time points. Experiment II: Granulosa cells were collected from preovulatory follicles from llamas (n = 24) using ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration for in vitro culture to determine mRNA relative expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) and VEGF at 10 or 20 h (n = 4 replicates) and progesterone secretion at 48 h (n = 4 replicates) after LH or ß-NGF treatment. RESULTS: Experiment I: There was a significant increase in the progesterone/estradiol ratio in mated llamas or treated with GnRH or purified ß-NGF. There was a significant downregulation in the mRNA expression of Aromatase (CYP19A1/P450 Arom) for both time points in llamas mated or treated with GnRH or llama purified ß-NGF with respect to the control group. All treatments except ß-NGF (20 h) significantly up regulated the mRNA expression of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B) whereas the expression of StAR and Side-Chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1/P450scc) where significantly up regulated only by mating (20 h), or ß-NGF at 10 or 20 h after treatment. VEGF was up regulated only in those llamas submitted to mating (10 h) or treated with purified ß-NGF (10 and 20 h). Experiment II: Only ß-NGF treatment induced an increase of mRNA abundance of StAR from llama granulosa cells at 20 h of in vitro culture. There was a significant increase on mRNA abundance of VEGF at 10 and 20 h of in vitro culture from granulosa cells treated with ß-NGF whereas LH treatment increases VEGF mRNA abundance only at 20 h of in vitro culture. In addition, there was a significant increase on progesterone secretion from llama granulosa cells 48 h after LH or ß-NGF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic administration of purified ß-NGF from llama seminal fluid induced a rapid shift from estradiol to progesterone production in the preovulatory follicle. Differences in gene expression patterns of steroidogenic enzymes between GnRH and mated or ß-NGF-treated llamas suggest local effects of seminal components on the preovulatory follicle.

Resynchronization of ovulation with new and reused intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices without previous pregnancy diagnosis in Bos taurus indicus cows subjected to timed-artificial insemination.

The study aimed to evaluate pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) of cows subjected to synchronization and resynchronization in ovulation protocols using intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (P4) before pregnancy diagnosis (PD) and the relationship of PR with the diameter of preovulatory follicles (ØPOF) before TAI. Cows (n = 378) were distributed into two groups: a resynchronization group with new devices (GRN; n = 185) and resynchronization group with used devices (GRU; n = 193). On Day 0, both groups received a new P4 and estradiol benzoate (EB). On D8, P4 removal + D-cloprostenol + eCG + estradiol cypionate (EC) was done. On d10, TAI was conducted. On d32, cows were resynchronized and divided into two groups, GRN (n = 185) and GRU (n = 193). The GRN group received a new P4 + EB, and the GRU group received a used P4 + EB. On d40, the P4 was removed + PD. The non-pregnant cows received D-cloprostenol + eCG + EC. US was done again on d42 to determine ØPOF before the second TAI. The P/AI of the GRN and GRU groups after synchronization were 56.2% and 57.0% (p = 0.87), respectively, and those after resynchronization were 58.0% and 37.3% (p < 0.008), respectively. The P/AI of the GRN and GRU groups observed after TAI (synchronization + resynchronization) were 81.6% and 73.1%, respectively (p = 0.047). No difference (p = 0.067) in ØPOF between the pregnant and non-pregnant cows in the GRN was found, whereas the GRU group showed a significant difference (p = 0.003). Resynchronization protocols optimized the P/AI in both groups. New intravaginal devices resulted in greater P/AI and P/AI accumulation in resynchronization as compared with the GRU; the ØPOF was related with P/AI.

Morphological study of apoptosis in granulosa cells and ovulation in a model of atresia in rat preovulatory follicles.

SummaryPrevious studies have established a model of atresia in preovulatory follicles after stimulation of immature rats with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). This gonadotropin recruits a follicular pool and the deprivation of preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces the atresia in preovulatory follicles. The present study investigated the occurrence of ovulation and provided some morphological features of granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis of atretic follicles at 0, 48, 72 and 120 h after eCG stimulation. Histological sections of ovaries from untreated animals (0 h) showed primordial, primary, secondary and early antral follicles. After 48 h ovaries showed large antral follicles. Preovulatory follicles were observed at 72 h, and two out of five rats displayed cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in the oviducts. All animals exhibited corpora lutea after 120 h. We observed increased estradiol (E2) levels 48 h after eCG treatment that might trigger an endogenous preovulatory gonadotropin surge. Higher progesterone (P4) level, which is the hallmark of a functional corpus luteum, was observed at 120 h. Atresia in secondary and antral follicles was observed by pyknotic granulosa cell nuclei in histology and positive immunolabelling for cleaved caspase 3. We also observed macrophages in secondary and antral follicles in atresia. Transmission electron microscopy revealed GCs with compacted chromatin against the nuclear envelope, nuclear fragmentation, cell shrinkage and fragmentation. No preovulatory follicles showed apoptosis of GCs. In conclusion, our results suggested the occurrence of an endogenous gonadotropin surge, promoting ovulation and preventing atresia of preovulatory follicles.

Use of different pressures for transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares / Uso de diferentes pressões para aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas

The success of transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares can be influenced by several factors, such as vacuum pump pressure levels. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different negative pressures (150, 280 and 400mmHg) of the vacuum pump on the oocyte recovery in the mares. The mares (n=10) were undergoing follicular aspiration using three different negative pressures for three consecutive estrous cycles as follows: G150 = 150mmHg (n = 10); G280 = 280mmHg (n = 10); G400 = 400mmHg (n = 10). Every estrous cycle, the group that the mare would participate was drawn, and each animal participated once in each group. Only preovulatory follicle was used, about 30 to 36 hours after application of hCG. To compare the results, the chi-square test was used (5% significance) and Fisher exact test, when recommended. Thirty preovulatory follicles (diameter 36.1±1.80mm) were aspirated and ten oocytes were recovered (33.3%). There was no statistical difference between the experimental groups (p=0.59). Thus, accord to the results observed in this study, we could conclude that the negative pressure of the vacuum pump used was not efficient to increase oocyte recovery.(AU)

O sucesso da técnica de aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas pode ser influenciado de maneira determinante por diversos fatores, tais como níveis de pressão da bomba de vácuo. Diante disso, o presente experimento visou investigar o efeito de diferentes pressões negativas (150, 280 e 400mmHg) da bomba de vácuo sobre a taxa de recuperação de oócitos em éguas. As éguas (n=10) foram submetidas à aspiração folicular utilizando-se três diferentes pressões negativas por três ciclos estrais consecutivos, da seguinte maneira: G150= 150mmHg (n=10); G280= 280mmHg (n=10); G400= 400mmHg (n=10). A cada ciclo estral, sorteava-se o grupo do qual a égua participaria, sendo que cada animal integrou um grupo somente uma vez. Foi puncionado somente folículo pré-ovulatório, em torno de 30 a 36 horas após a aplicação do hCG. Os resultados foram comparados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado (a 5% de significância) e o Fisher Exato, quando recomendados. Foram aspirados 30 folículos pré-ovulatórios (diâmetro 36,1±1,80mm) e recuperados 10 oócitos (33,3%). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos experimentais (P=0,59). Dessa forma, mediante os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, foi possível concluir que a pressão negativa da bomba de vácuo utilizada não se mostrou determinante para elevar a recuperação oocitária.(AU)

Use of different pressures for transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares / Uso de diferentes pressões para aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas

The success of transvaginal follicular aspiration in mares can be influenced by several factors, such as vacuum pump pressure levels. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different negative pressures (150, 280 and 400mmHg) of the vacuum pump on the oocyte recovery in the mares. The mares (n=10) were undergoing follicular aspiration using three different negative pressures for three consecutive estrous cycles as follows: G150 = 150mmHg (n = 10); G280 = 280mmHg (n = 10); G400 = 400mmHg (n = 10). Every estrous cycle, the group that the mare would participate was drawn, and each animal participated once in each group. Only preovulatory follicle was used, about 30 to 36 hours after application of hCG. To compare the results, the chi-square test was used (5% significance) and Fisher exact test, when recommended. Thirty preovulatory follicles (diameter 36.1±1.80mm) were aspirated and ten oocytes were recovered (33.3%). There was no statistical difference between the experimental groups (p=0.59). Thus, accord to the results observed in this study, we could conclude that the negative pressure of the vacuum pump used was not efficient to increase oocyte recovery.(AU)

O sucesso da técnica de aspiração folicular transvaginal em éguas pode ser influenciado de maneira determinante por diversos fatores, tais como níveis de pressão da bomba de vácuo. Diante disso, o presente experimento visou investigar o efeito de diferentes pressões negativas (150, 280 e 400mmHg) da bomba de vácuo sobre a taxa de recuperação de oócitos em éguas. As éguas (n=10) foram submetidas à aspiração folicular utilizando-se três diferentes pressões negativas por três ciclos estrais consecutivos, da seguinte maneira: G150= 150mmHg (n=10); G280= 280mmHg (n=10); G400= 400mmHg (n=10). A cada ciclo estral, sorteava-se o grupo do qual a égua participaria, sendo que cada animal integrou um grupo somente uma vez. Foi puncionado somente folículo pré-ovulatório, em torno de 30 a 36 horas após a aplicação do hCG. Os resultados foram comparados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado (a 5% de significância) e o Fisher Exato, quando recomendados. Foram aspirados 30 folículos pré-ovulatórios (diâmetro 36,1±1,80mm) e recuperados 10 oócitos (33,3%). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos experimentais (P=0,59). Dessa forma, mediante os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, foi possível concluir que a pressão negativa da bomba de vácuo utilizada não se mostrou determinante para elevar a recuperação oocitária.(AU)

Superovulatory response and embryo quality of Holstein heifers treated with one or two injections of somatotropin / Respuesta superovulatoria y calidad de embriones de novillas Holstein tratadas con una o dos inyecciones de somatotropina / Resposta superovulatória e qualidade dos embriões de novilhas Holandesas tratadas com uma ou duas injeções de somatotropina

Background: recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is used in bovine embryo donors to improve superovulatory response and embryo quality. Objective: this study evaluated the effect of applying one versus two injections of 500 mg of rbST to donor Holstein heifers on estrus incidence (IE), diameter of the largest preovulatory follicle (dLPF), superovulation response (SR), embryo yield, and pregnancy rate in recipient Holstein cows (PRR). Methods: two superstimulation programs were conducted. Heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) rbST-I, n = 5: heifers received one injection of rbST on day 0 (day of CIDR (controlled internal drug release) removal); 2) rbST-II, n = 5: heifers received the first rbST injection on day -8 and the second one on day 0. Thirty-eight cows were used as recipients and were assigned to receive one embryo from one of the two treatments. Results: there was no effect of treatment (p˃0.05) on PRR, dLPF, IE, and SR. The number of oocytes increased (p˂0.05) in the rbST-I treatment (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 0.2 ± 0.2), but there was no difference in the number (p˃0.05) of degenerated (1.0 ± 0.5 vs 4.5 ± 3.0) or transferable (1.0 ± 0.5 vs 1.4 ± 0.7) embryos between heifers in the rbST-I and rbST-II treatments, respectively. Moreover, no oocytes or embryos were recovered from 36.8% of donor heifers in either treatment. Conclusion: the application of 500 mg of rbST on days -8 and 0 of the follicular wave synchronization program did not increase the superovulatory response but significantly reduced the number of oocytes recovered from superovulated Holstein heifers.

Antecedentes: la somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) ha sido aplicada en vacas donadoras de embriones con el objetivo de mejorar la respuesta superovulatoria y la calidad embrionaria. Objetivo: este trabajo de investigación evaluó el efecto de aplicar una versus dos inyecciones de 500 mg de rbST a novillas Holstein donadoras de embriones sobre la incidencia de celo (IE), diámetro del folículo preovulatorio de mayor tamaño (dLFP), respuesta superovulatoria (SR), producción de embriones y tasa de concepción en vacas Holstein receptoras de embriones (PRR). Métodos: se llevaron a cabo dos programas de superestimulación. En cada programa las novillas fueron asignadas a uno de dos tratamientos: 1) rbST-I, n = 5: las novillas recibieron una inyección de rbST el día cero (día de remoción del CIDR (dispositivo intravaginal liberador de progesterona); 2) rbST-II, n = 5: las novillas recibieron la primera inyección de rbST el día -8 y la segunda el día cero. Treinta y ocho vacas fueron utilizadas como receptoras. Cada receptora recibió un embrión proveniente de una donadora de uno de los dos tratamientos. Resultados: la aplicación de una o dos inyecciones de rbST no afectó (p˃0,05) la PRR, dLFP, IE ni la SR. El número de ovocitos fue mayor (p˂0,05) en el tratamiento rbST-I (1,3 ± 0,4 vs 0,2 ± 0,2), el número de embriones degenerados (1,0 ± 0,5 vs 4,5 ± 3,0) o transferibles (1.0 ± 0,5 vs 1,4 ± 0,7) no fue diferente (p˃0,05) entre las vaquillas del tratamiento rbST-I y rbST-II. Además, del 36,8% de donadoras de ambos tratamientos no se colectó ningún ovocito o embrión. Conclusión: la aplicación de 500 mg de rbST los días -8 y cero del protocolo de sincronización de la onda folicular no incrementó la respuesta superovulatoria pero redujo significativamente el número de ovocitos recolectados de vaquillas Holstein superovuladas.

Antecedentes: a somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) tem sido aplicada em vacas doadoras de embriões com o objetivo de melhorar a resposta superovulatória e a qualidade embrionária. Objetivo: o presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da aplicação de uma contra duas injeções de 500 mg de rbST em novilhas de raça Holandesa doadoras de embriões na incidência do cio (IE), diâmetro do maior folículo pré-ovulatorio (dLFP), resposta superovulatória (SR), produção de embriões e taxa de gestação em vacas receptoras de raça Holandesa (PRR). Métodos: foram feitos dois programas de superestimulação, em cada superstimulação as novilhas foram distribuídas em um de dois tratamentos: 1) rbST-I, n = 5: as novilhas receberam uma injeção de rbST no dia zero (dia de remoção do CIDR -dispositivo intravaginal de liberação controlada de progesterona). 2) rbST-II, n = 5: as novilhas receberam a primeira injeção de rbST no dia -8 e a segunda injeção no dia zero. Trinta e oito vacas foram utilizadas como receptoras e receberam um embrião proveniente de uma doadora de um dos dois tratamentos. Resultados: a aplicação de uma ou duas injeções de rbST não afetou (p˃0,05) a PRR, dLFP, IE nem a SR. O número de oócitos foi maior (p˂0,05) no tratamento rbST-I (1,3 ± 0,4 vs 0,2 ± 0,2), o número de embriões não-viáveis (1,0 ± 0,5 vs 4,5 ± 3,0) ou viáveis (1,0 ± 0,5 vs 1,4 ± 0,7) não foram diferentes (p˃0,05) entre as novilhas do tratamento rbST-I e rbST-II. Além disso, do 36.8% das doadoras de ambos os tratamentos não foi possível coletar nenhum oócito ou embrião. Conclusões: A aplicação de 500 mg de rbST o dia -8 e zero do protocolo de sincronização da onda folicular não aumentou a resposta superovulatória, mas diminuiu significativamente o número de oócitos coletados de novilhas de raça Holandesa superovuladas.

Evidence of a role for prolactin as regulators of ovarian follicular development in goose

Background Prolactin (PRL) regulates development and reproduction, and its effects are mediated by the prolactin receptor (PRLR). In order to clarify the role of PRLR and PRL in the process of follicular development in the goose ovary, the level of PRLR mRNA expression in the ovary and follicles of the Sichuan white goose was determined, as well as the PRL concentration in ovarian follicles. Results The level of PRLR mRNA in the hierarchical follicles (HFs) initially increased, and subsequently decreased, whereas PRLR expression was initially low and later increased in postovulatory follicles (POFs). The level of PRLR mRNA expression was the highest in the F4 follicles, and lowest in the F1 follicles in all of the examined follicles. Compared with the level of PRLR mRNA expression in the small white follicles (SWFs), the level of PRLR mRNA was 2.86- and 1.44-fold higher in the F4 and small yellow follicles (SYFs), respectively (P < 0.05). The level of PRLR mRNA expression in the F4 follicles was highest (P < 0.05) in HFs. The highest PRL concentration in all of the examined samples was observed in SYFs and F1, with concentration of 6162 mLU/g and 6197 mLU/g, respectively. The PRL concentration in SYFs was significantly higher compared with SWFs (P < 0.05). Conclusions The change of PRL concentration was similar to the PRLR mRNA expression level in preovulatory follicles. These results suggest that the PRL mediated by the PRLR plays a stimulatory role in the SWF to SYF transition.

Equine preovulatory follicle: blood flow changes, prediction of ovulation and fertility / Folículo pré-ovulatório equino: mudanças circulatórias, predição de ovulação e fertilidade

This review will focus on the main findings of our experiments that used B-mode and color-Doppler ultrasonography during the preovulatory period to study the morphological and blood flow/perfusion changes of the preovulatory follicle in mares. The topics to be addressed herein will be: ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicle; B-mode echotextural changes of the follicle wall; blood flow and perfusion changes of the follicle wall; signs of impending ovulation; prediction of impending ovulation; types of preovulatory follicle outcomes such as ovulation, septated evacuation, hemorrhagic anovulatory follicle, and atresia; follicle blood flow during evacuation; early corpus luteum blood flow; and vascularity of the preovulatory follicle versus fertility.(AU)

This review will focus on the main findings of our experiments that used B-mode and color-Doppler ultrasonography during the preovulatory period to study the morphological and blood flow/perfusion changes of the preovulatory follicle in mares. The topics to be addressed herein will be: ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicle; B-mode echotextural changes of the follicle wall; blood flow and perfusion changes of the follicle wall; signs of impending ovulation; prediction of impending ovulation; types of preovulatory follicle outcomes such as ovulation, septated evacuation, hemorrhagic anovulatory follicle, and atresia; follicle blood flow during evacuation; early corpus luteum blood flow; and vascularity of the preovulatory follicle versus fertility.(AU)

Equine preovulatory follicle: blood flow changes, prediction of ovulation and fertility / Folículo pré-ovulatório equino: mudanças circulatórias, predição de ovulação e fertilidade

This review will focus on the main findings of our experiments that used B-mode and color-Doppler ultrasonography during the preovulatory period to study the morphological and blood flow/perfusion changes of the preovulatory follicle in mares. The topics to be addressed herein will be: ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicle; B-mode echotextural changes of the follicle wall; blood flow and perfusion changes of the follicle wall; signs of impending ovulation; prediction of impending ovulation; types of preovulatory follicle outcomes such as ovulation, septated evacuation, hemorrhagic anovulatory follicle, and atresia; follicle blood flow during evacuation; early corpus luteum blood flow; and vascularity of the preovulatory follicle versus fertility.

This review will focus on the main findings of our experiments that used B-mode and color-Doppler ultrasonography during the preovulatory period to study the morphological and blood flow/perfusion changes of the preovulatory follicle in mares. The topics to be addressed herein will be: ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicle; B-mode echotextural changes of the follicle wall; blood flow and perfusion changes of the follicle wall; signs of impending ovulation; prediction of impending ovulation; types of preovulatory follicle outcomes such as ovulation, septated evacuation, hemorrhagic anovulatory follicle, and atresia; follicle blood flow during evacuation; early corpus luteum blood flow; and vascularity of the preovulatory follicle versus fertility.