Ovarian and placental production of progesterone and oestradiol during pregnancy in reindeer

An electrochemical biosensing platform for progesterone hormone detection using magnetic graphene oxide

In recent times, graphene and its derivatives have turned out to be emerging nanomaterials as transducers to promote electron transport in the field of biosensing using electrochemical techniques. In electrochemical biosensing strategies, key factors such as signal amplification, stability, and sensitivity are necessary for attaining improved sensor performance. In the present work, we synthesized magnetic nanocomposites of graphene oxide and employed them as an electrode material for the loading of bio receptors. The increased surface area with high electric conductance enhanced the sensor's response. The immobilization of progesterone (PGN) antibodies on the modified electrode-sensing surface led to a hindered electron transport that decreased the current response. The developed electrochemical immunosensor assembled successfully in a stepwise process using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) studies along with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The current response decreased linearly with the increased progesterone (PGN) concentration range of 0.01 pM-1000 nM with excellent detection limits of 0.15 pM (DPV) and 0.17 pM (CV) under optimal experimental conditions. The label-free electrochemical immunosensor has shown a promising platform for rapid and direct analysis of PGN due to its high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and repeatability in water samples.

Evaluating the Effect of Utrogestan on Idiopathic Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Background:

Intrauterine growth factor (IUGR) is one of the most important causes of neonatal mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of utrogestan on the treatment of IUGR and its complications.

Materials and Methods:

In this clinical trial, 66 pregnant women with idiopathic IUGR embryos were enrolled. Patients in the intervention group, in addition to receiving routine treatment of control group (high-protein diet, resting), took utrogestan capsules (100 mg) twice daily. The primary and secondary outcomes of the disease were recorded in a checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 using an independent t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test.

Results:

In the intervention group, mean neonatal weight (P = 0.003), mean neonatal Apgar score (P = 0.001), and mean gestational age at birth (P = 0.001) were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was no neonatal death in the intervention group, whereas in the control group, four cases of neonatal death were observed (P = 0.03). In the majority of subjects in the intervention group, resistance index, and pulsatility index of the umbilical artery decreased (P = 0.002). The difference in abdominal circumference and gestational age in the intervention group decreased (P = 0.01). In the intervention group, the diastolic flow of the umbilical artery increased (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Utrogestan was effective as an inexpensive and effective way to treat IUGR and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Monitoring ovarian cycles, pregnancy and post-partum in captive marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) by measuring fecal steroids

The marsh deer is an endangered species from the marshlands of central South America. This study aimed to characterize certain aspects of the reproductive physiology of marsh deer hinds, including the duration and fecal progestins profile of the estrous cycle, pregnancy and post-partum periods, and evaluate the effect of cloprostenol administration on this species. The experimental group consisted of six females and one fertile male marsh deer. During monitoring of the estrous cycle, the fresh fecal samples were collected daily and, during pregnancy, they were collected twice weekly. The hormonal profile obtained from daily fecal samples indicated that the mean duration of the estrous cycle was 21.3 ± 1.3 days (6.4 days inter-luteal phase and 14.8 days luteal phase; n = 16 estrous cycles). The mean concentration of fecal progestins in the inter-luteal phase was 834 ± 311 ng g^-1, in the luteal phase was 3979 ± 1611 ng g^-1, value between them was 1457 ng g^-1. No significant difference in fecal estrogen concentrations was determined during the estrous cycle. The corpora luteum was not responsive to cloprostenol until Day 6 of the estrous cycle, the period previously described as the inter-luteal phase. Half the females became pregnant following treatment with cloprostenol and two others were fertilized in their natural estrous cycle. Four females delivered fawns, and the mean duration of pregnancy was 253 ± 4 days. Fecal progestin concentrations were similar to those of the estrous cycle during the first 11 weeks of pregnancy and increased significantly ( > 15250 ng g^-1) thereafter, providing a presumptive diagnosis guideline. Within 60 days of post-partum analyses, 75% of the deer exhibited behavioural estrus and/or ovarian activity. This study generated a broader understanding of the marsh deer species concerning the production of consistent data related to its reproduction. This knowledge can be used to assist the reproductive management of this species and, consequently, to promote its conservation.

Fecal DNA, hormones, and pellet morphometrics as a noninvasive method to estimate age class: an application to wild populations of Central Mountain and Boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)

Determining age structure of populations is a valuable parameter in wildlife management, but is often difficult to obtain. Here, we tested a noninvasive method via fecal DNA, hormones, and pellet morphometrics to distinguish calf from adult in Central Mountain and Boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) populations. Annual surveys of fall-sampled Central Mountain caribou were done in Jasper National Park, Alberta, between 2006 and 2011 and winter-sampled Boreal caribou were surveyed in the North Interlake area, Manitoba, between 2004 and 2010. Samples were amplified at 10 microsatellite loci to identify unique individuals and capture histories were used to identify putative calves and adults. Fecal pellets were measured for length, width, depth, dry mass, and analyzed for progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone concentrations. Results showed significant differences in fecal pellet size between putative calves and adults for both sexes and populations–seasons. Progesterone concentration was significantly higher in Jasper–fall and North Interlake–winter adult females. Testosterone was significantly higher in Jasper–fall adult males. North Interlake–winter males exhibited no significant difference in hormone concentrations between age classes. When applied to the entire Jasper data set, 98% of females and 88% of males were assigned to an age class. This study illustrates the possibilities of using noninvasive methods to determine an age class in wild ungulate populations.

Colorimetric aptasensor for progesterone detection based on surfactant-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles

This paper proposes an aptasensor for progesterone (P4) detection in human serum and urine based on the aggregating behavior of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) controlled by the interactions among P4-binding aptamer, target P4 and cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The aptamer can form an aptamer-P4 complex with P4, leaving CTAB free to aggregate AuNPs in this aptasensor. Thus, the sensing solution will turn from red (520 nm) to blue (650 nm) in the presence of P4 because P4 aptamers are used up firstly owing to the formation of an aptamer-P4 complex, leaving CTAB free to aggregate AuNPs. However, in the absence of P4, CTAB combines with aptamers so that AuNPs still remain dispersed. Therefore, this assay makes it possible to detect P4 not only by absorbance measurement but also through naked eyes. By monitoring the variation of absorbance and color, a CTAB-induced colorimetric assay for P4 detection was established with a detection limit of 0.89 nM. Besides, the absorbance ratio A650/A520 has a linear correlation with the P4 concentration of 0.89-500 nM. Due to the excellent recoveries in serum and urine, this biosensor has great potential with respect to the visual and instrumental detection of P4 in biological fluids.

Structure and functions of the placenta in common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Bryde's (B. brydei) and sei (B. borealis) whales

The structure and functions of placentas were examined in 3 species of rorqual whales, common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Bryde's (B. brydei) and sei (B. borealis) whales, with the aim of confirming the structural characteristics of the chorion, including the presence of the areolar part, and clarifying steroidogenic activities and fetomaternal interactions in the placentas of these whales. Placentas were collected from the second phase of the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the North Pacific (JARPN II). Histological and ultrastructural examinations revealed that these whale placentas were epitheliochorial placentas with the interdigitation of chorionic villi lined by monolayer uninucleate cells (trophoblast cells) and endometrial crypts as well as folded placentation by fold-like chorionic villi. Moreover, well-developed pouch-like areolae were observed in the placentas, and active absorption was suggested in the chorionic epithelial cells of the areolar part (areolar trophoblast cells). Berlin blue staining showed the presence of ferric ions (Fe(3+)) in the uterine glandular epithelial cells and within the stroma of chorionic villi in the areolar part. An immunohistochemical examination revealed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; known as uteroferrin in uteri) in the cytoplasm of glandular cells and areolar trophoblast cells. This result suggested that, in cetaceans, uteroferrin is used to supply iron to the fetus. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for P450scc and P450arom was detected in trophoblast cells, but not in areolar trophoblast cells, suggesting that trophoblast cells synthesize estrogen in whale placentas. Therefore, we herein immunohistochemically revealed the localization of aromatase and uteroferrin in cetacean placentas during pregnancy for the first time.

Fecal progestins during pregnancy and postpartum periods of captive red brocket deer (Mazama americana)

This study aimed to validate the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal progestin quantification of the species Mazama americana, define its excretion profile during periods of gestation and postpartum and determine the gestation period and resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in this species in captivity. Fecal samples were collected twice a week during gestation and every day in the postpartum period, and analyzed using EIA. The mean concentrations (±SEM) of fecal progestins during gestation were 2180.0±299.1ng/g in early pregnancy (week 1-11), 3271.4±406.9ng/g in middle pregnancy (week 12-22) and 5592.0±1125.8ng/g in late pregnancy (week 23-32). The gestation period determined for the species was 220.9±1.2 days. The concentration of progestins reached its peak prior to parturition and returned to baseline levels in 4±0.31 days after parturition. In the postpartum period, the mean concentrations of fecal progestins were 1564.2±182.6ng/g in the interval between parturition and resumption of ovarian activity, 469.8±24.5ng/g in the inter-luteal phase and 2401.7±318.5ng/g during the luteal phase, such that the postpartum period and the luteal phase differed from the inter-luteal phase. Fecal progestin profiling permitted the detection of ovulation 26.9±3.4 days after parturition in all the hinds studied and estimation of the mean duration of the estrous cycle, 21.3±1.1 days. Analysis established that concentrations of progestins above 3038.76ng/g diagnosed pregnancy, a value determined from the week 12 of gestation. Moreover, the quantification of fecal progestins by EIA proved to be an important tool for noninvasive endocrine monitoring and to obtain reproductive data on the species M. americana in captivity.

Ovarian and placental expression of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase during pregnancy in deer

The enzyme 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) catalyzes the conversion of progesterone to its inactive form, 20α-hydroxyprogesterone. This enzyme has been shown to play a critical role in the regulation of luteal function in experimental animals. In this study, we cloned and expressed the gene encoding elk deer 20α-HSD from reproductive placental and ovarian tissues. PCR, 3'- and 5'-RACE, and northern blot analysis were performed for the cloning and characterization of deer 20α-HSD gene. We expressed recombinant deer 20α-HSD protein and used western blot analysis to determine protein expression levels in the placenta and ovary during pregnancy. The full cDNA sequence of 20α-HSD was used to clone an open reading frame encoding 323 amino acids and consisting of 1142 bp. The nucleotide sequence of deer 20α-HSD showed high homology with the sequences of the bovine (96%), goat (96%), and human (83%) 20α-HSD genes. 20α-HSD mRNA was strongly expressed in the placenta on days 30, 60, and 70 of pregnancy. A high level of the protein was also detected in the placenta but not in fetal skin tissue. The recombinant 20α-HSD protein produced in mammalian cells and bacterial systems had a molecular weight of approximately 37-kDa. The deer 20α-HSD protein signal was specifically localized in the basal part of the primary chorionic villi and chorionic stem villus of the placenta during early pregnancy. The 20α-HSD protein was also intensively localized in the larger luteal cells of the corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Reproductive biology of the wild red brocket deer (Mazama americana) female in the Peruvian Amazon

Knowledge of the reproductive biology is critical for the development of management strategies of the species both in captivity and in the wild, and to address conservation concerns regarding the sustainable use of a species. The present report characterizes some aspects of the reproductive biology of the wild red brocket deer inhabiting the North-eastern Peruvian Amazon region, based on the anatomical and histological examination of the female reproductive organs of 89 wild adult females in different reproductive states. The red brocket deer female presented ovarian follicular waves involving the synchronous growth of a cohort of an average 25 follicles but only one follicle generally survived and continued development, reaching maturity at 4mm. Mean ovulation rate was 1.14 and litter size was 1 fetus. Females presented a low rate of reproductive wastage of 14.3% of embryos. Among the 89 adult females studied, 41 (46.1%) were pregnant and 48 (53.9%) were non-pregnant females. In the Northeastern Peruvian Amazon, conceptions occurred year-round in the red brocket deer but there were peaks in the rate of conception. Estimated yearly reproductive production was 0.76-0.82 young per adult female. Most pregnant females in advanced stage of pregnancy had at least one active CL, suggesting the persistence of CL throughout gestation.

Steroid hormone secretion during the ovulatory cycle and pregnancy in farmed Alaskan reindeer1

Seasonal endocrine changes in 5 non-bred and 10 pregnant Alaskan reindeer have been documented. Blood samples were collected from early September until early May, spanning the breeding season, gestation, or the anovulatory period. Plasma was analyzed by RIA for progesterone (P4), estradiol-17beta, estrone, and estrone sulfate. Elevated P4 in 80% of the reindeer at the onset of the study indicated that ovarian activity had been initiated. The median date for the onset of the first recorded full-length ovulatory cycle was September 23. In nonbred reindeer, the mean ovulatory cycle length from September to May was 24 +/- 1 d (range 18 to 29 d). Nonbred females continued to cycle throughout the winter, displaying 6 to 8 ovulatory cycles after the beginning of blood sampling. Cycle length (mean 22 to 24 d) did not vary between individuals (P = 0.170) or over the course of the winter (P = 0.244). In early April, ovulatory cycles ceased with normal demise of the corpus luteum in 2 females, whereas the remaining 3 females formed apparently persistent corpora lutea. Natural service breeding occurred between September 10 and October 2, and P4 profiles indicated that all breeding females conceived to the first mating. Concentrations of P4 rose steadily after conception and remained elevated throughout gestation, with mean concentrations not varying significantly (P = 0.104) from 4 to 28 wk of gestation. Estrogens all followed patterns similar to each other, remaining at baseline concentrations until approximately 24 wk of gestation and rising coincidently as P4 declined just before parturition. There was a continual overlap throughout the winter in peak P4 concentrations observed in cycling and pregnant reindeer. Calving occurred between April 8 and May 2, resulting in a mean gestation length of 211 +/- 2.2 d (range 198 to 221 d). Information from this study can be used by Alaskan reindeer producers to improve management and profitability of reindeer production.