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Pereira MC, Schrank M, Mollo A, Romagnoli S. Spontaneous ovulation in the cat: incidence among queens presented at a veterinary teaching facility. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241248351. [PMID: 39073920 PMCID: PMC11292940 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241248351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The queen is recognised as an induced ovulator. Ovulation without male contact is generally regarded as spontaneous. The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the incidence of spontaneous ovulation in a population of intact queens presented to a veterinary care facility for both reproductive and non-reproductive reasons. The secondary objective was to determine the roles of age, breed, body weight, presence of tom cats or other cycling queens, and physical contact with humans on triggering spontaneous ovulation, along with its implications. METHODS Serum samples from post-pubertal intact queens presented between January 2020 and June 2023 to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Padova, Italy, were retrieved and assayed for progesterone (P4) levels. Serum P4 above 2.0 ng/ml without a history of male contact was considered as proof of spontaneous ovulation. RESULTS In total, 31 serum samples from 29 intact post-pubertal queens were obtained. Of the 31 samples, 14 had a P4 concentration above 2.0 ng/ml and 9/29 (31.0%) queens ovulated spontaneously. The mean age and weight of the nine spontaneously ovulating queens were 4.3 ± 5.7 years and 3.7 ± 0.8 kg, respectively. One queen ovulated spontaneously at her first heat at 6 months of age, which makes it the earliest spontaneous ovulation reported. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE As both our findings and previous publications indicate that the incidence of spontaneous ovulation in queens is consistently ⩾30%, cats should not be considered strictly induced ovulators, but as a species in which ovulation can be either spontaneous or induced. Since the risk of progesterone-dependent conditions (cystic endometrial hyperplasia - pyometra complex, feline mammary hypertrophy) is increased in these queens, veterinarians should be aware and advise breeders and clients accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carlos Pereira
- University of Padova, Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Magdalena Schrank
- University of Padova, Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Mollo
- University of Padova, Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Romagnoli
- University of Padova, Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
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2
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Claaßen S, Aurich J, Walter I, Gautier C, Aurich C. Abundance of Anti-Muellerian hormone in cat ovaries and correlation of its plasma concentration with animal age, weight and stage of the estrous cycle. Theriogenology 2023; 212:30-36. [PMID: 37689028 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In female animals of different species, Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by follicular granulosa cells and has been associated with the ovarian follicle pool. Because concentration of AMH in plasma of ovary-intact female cats is apparently more variable than previously assumed, we have analysed AMH concentration in blood of cats (n = 93) presented for routine ovariectomy and assessed ovarian histology and AMH protein expression in the surgically removed ovaries. We hypothesised that AMH is synthesized only in preantral and small antral follicles and that plasma AMH concentration reflects the antral follicle count (AFC). Corpora lutea were detected in 35% of the female cats, whereas plasma progesterone concentration was ≥1 ng/mL in 57% of the cats. Follicular cysts were present in 15 cats (16%). Positive immunostaining for AMH protein was detected in close to all primordial and antral follicles, ovarian cysts, 70% of corpora lutea and 28% of atretic follicles. Concentration of AMH in plasma averaged 6.8 ± 0.5 ng/mL (range 1.3-21.7 ng/mL). The AFC increased with increasing AMH concentration with a moderate positive correlation between AFC and AMH (r = 0.286, p < 0.01). Plasma AMH concentration was not affected by season or cats' age, weight, stage of the estrous cycle and presence of follicular cysts. In conclusion, AMH protein is expressed in all endocrine structures of the cat ovary. While AMH is a marker for the presence of ovarian tissue, its usefulness to assess ovarian function in individual female cats is of limited value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Claaßen
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research/VetBiobank, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Morphology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Santos LC, Silva JF. Molecular Factors Involved in the Reproductive Morphophysiology of Female Domestic Cat ( Felis catus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3153. [PMID: 37835759 PMCID: PMC10571923 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the reproductive physiology of this animal species. Thus, this paper reviews the current knowledge about the modulation and expression profile of hormonal, immunological, redox, and growth mediators involved in the uterine, ovarian, and placental morphophysiology of domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisas em Reproducao e Endocrinologia, Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus 45662-900, Brazil;
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4
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Walter B. [Diagnostic utility of the anti-Mullerian hormone in companion animals]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:252-257. [PMID: 37820616 DOI: 10.1055/a-2146-6645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The anti-Mullerian hormone is a glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females. The initial identification of this hormone in canine and feline serum was achieved in 2011. Meanwhile, a variety of studies have demonstrated its clinical significance as a tool in the endocrine diagnosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge about anti-Mullerian hormone in small animal reproduction and describes future opportunities for its diagnostic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Walter
- Chirurgische und Gynäkologische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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5
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Vansandt LM, Meinsohn MC, Godin P, Nagykery N, Sicher N, Kano M, Kashiwagi A, Chauvin M, Saatcioglu HD, Barnes JL, Miller AG, Thompson AK, Bateman HL, Donelan EM, González R, Newsom J, Gao G, Donahoe PK, Wang D, Swanson WF, Pépin D. Durable contraception in the female domestic cat using viral-vectored delivery of a feline anti-Müllerian hormone transgene. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3140. [PMID: 37280258 PMCID: PMC10244415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Eighty percent of the estimated 600 million domestic cats in the world are free-roaming. These cats typically experience suboptimal welfare and inflict high levels of predation on wildlife. Additionally, euthanasia of healthy animals in overpopulated shelters raises ethical considerations. While surgical sterilization is the mainstay of pet population control, there is a need for efficient, safe, and cost-effective permanent contraception alternatives. Herein, we report evidence that a single intramuscular treatment with an adeno-associated viral vector delivering an anti-Müllerian hormone transgene produces long-term contraception in the domestic cat. Treated females are followed for over two years, during which transgene expression, anti-transgene antibodies, and reproductive hormones are monitored. Mating behavior and reproductive success are measured during two mating studies. Here we show that ectopic expression of anti-Müllerian hormone does not impair sex steroids nor estrous cycling, but prevents breeding-induced ovulation, resulting in safe and durable contraception in the female domestic cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Vansandt
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philippe Godin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Nagykery
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Sicher
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Motohiro Kano
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maeva Chauvin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie L Barnes
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy G Miller
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy K Thompson
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Helen L Bateman
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Donelan
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Raquel González
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jackie Newsom
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Patricia K Donahoe
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - William F Swanson
- Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Nascimento AEDJ, Santos LC, Santos BR, Santos EO, Cunha MCDSG, Snoeck PPDN, de Lavor MSL, Silva JF. Estrogen and progesterone receptors and antioxidant enzymes are expressed differently in the uterus of domestic cats during the estrous cycle. Theriogenology 2023; 203:1-10. [PMID: 36947924 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids and antioxidant enzymes are important in female sexual development and adequate modulation of the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and fetal development. Therefore, modifications in its signaling or expression in the genital system are associated with reproductive dysfunctions. However, the spatial-temporal expression profile of receptors for sex steroids and antioxidant enzymes in the uterus of domestic cats throughout the estrous cycle needs to be studied. Cats in proestrus/estrus (N = 6), diestrus, (N = 7), and anestrus (N = 6) were used to evaluate the uterine expression of estrogen alpha (ERα), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) receptors and of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The uterus of cats in diestrus showed lower protein and mRNA expression of ERα and PR compared to proestrus/estrus and anestrus, mainly in the luminal and glandular epithelium and myometrium, different from catalase and SOD1, which showed higher expression in diestrus in relation to other phases of the cycle. GPX1, on the other hand, showed lower uterine gene expression in diestrus compared to proestrus/estrus and anestrus. No significant differences in AR expression were observed. In conclusion, ERα and PR sex steroid receptors and antioxidant enzymes are expressed differently in the uterus of domestic cats during the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acácia Eduarda de Jesus Nascimento
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Luciano Cardoso Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Bianca Reis Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Emilly Oliveira Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara da Silva Galrão Cunha
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Paola Pereira das Neves Snoeck
- Hospital Veterinário, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Mário Sérgio Lima de Lavor
- Hospital Veterinário, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil.
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7
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Niewiadomska Z, Adib-Lesaux A, Reyes-Gomez E, Gandoin C, Bouillin C, Gaillard V, Fontbonne A. Uterine issues in infertile queens: nine cases. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 251:107225. [PMID: 37003062 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
This prospective case series investigated potential uterine causes of infertility in queens. Purebred queens with infertility (failure to conceive, embryonic death, or failure to maintain pregnancy and produce viable kittens), but no other reproductive disorders were examined approximately 1-8 weeks before mating (Visit 1), 21 days after mating (Visit 2), and 45 days after mating (Visit 3) if pregnant at Visit 2. Investigations included vaginal cytology and bacteriology, urine bacteriology, and ultrasonography. At Visit 2 or 3, uterine biopsy or ovariohysterectomy was performed for histology. Of nine eligible queens, seven were non-pregnant by ultrasound at Visit 2 and two had lost pregnancies by Visit 3. Ovulation was confirmed by serum progesterone concentration in all queens. Ultrasonic appearance of the ovaries and uterus was compatible with a healthy status except for one queen with signs of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra, a follicular cyst in another, and fetal resorptions in two queens. Six cats had histologic lesions of endometrial hyperplasia, including CEH (n=1). Only one cat had no histologic uterine lesions. Bacteria were cultured from vaginal samples in seven queens at Visit 1, (two were non-evaluable), and in five of seven queens sampled at Visit 2. Uterine cultures were negative except for the cat with pyometra. All urine cultures were negative. In summary, the most frequent pathology observed in these infertile queens was histologic endometrial hyperplasia, which can potentially inhibit embryo implantation and healthy placental development. This suggests that uterine disease might contribute substantially to infertility in purebred queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Niewiadomska
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Achraf Adib-Lesaux
- Royal Canin Research Center, 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470 Aimargues, France
| | - Edouard Reyes-Gomez
- Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, Laboratoire d'Anatomo-Cytopathologie, Biopôle Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christelle Gandoin
- Unité de Bactériologie, Biopôle Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Corinne Bouillin
- Unité de Bactériologie, Biopôle Alfort, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Gaillard
- Royal Canin Research Center, 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470 Aimargues, France.
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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8
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Praderio RG, Rearte R, Stornelli MC, Mitacek MCG, de la Sota RL, Stornelli MA. The importance of the diestrus stages (early, middle, late) to the diagnosis of the endometrial disease in the bitch. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-022-00589-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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9
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Gaillard V, Chastant S, England G, Forman O, German AJ, Suchodolski JS, Villaverde C, Chavatte-Palmer P, Péron F. Environmental risk factors in puppies and kittens for developing chronic disorders in adulthood: A call for research on developmental programming. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:944821. [PMID: 36619947 PMCID: PMC9816871 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.944821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many dogs and cats are affected by chronic diseases that significantly impact their health and welfare and relationships with humans. Some of these diseases can be challenging to treat, and a better understanding of early-life risk factors for diseases occurring in adulthood is key to improving preventive veterinary care and husbandry practices. This article reviews early-life risk factors for obesity and chronic enteropathy, and for chronic behavioral problems, which can also be intractable with life-changing consequences. Aspects of early life in puppies and kittens that can impact the risk of adult disorders include maternal nutrition, establishment of the gut microbiome, maternal behavior, weaning, nutrition during growth, growth rate, socialization with conspecifics and humans, rehoming and neutering. Despite evidence in some species that the disorders reviewed here reflect the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), developmental programming has rarely been studied in dogs and cats. Priorities and strategies to increase knowledge of early-life risk factors and DOHaD in dogs and cats are discussed. Critical windows of development are proposed: preconception, gestation, the suckling period, early growth pre-neutering or pre-puberty, and growth post-neutering or post-puberty to adult size, the durations of which depend upon species and breed. Challenges to DOHaD research in these species include a large number of breeds with wide genetic and phenotypic variability, and the existence of many mixed-breed individuals. Moreover, difficulties in conducting prospective lifelong cohort studies are exacerbated by discontinuity in pet husbandry between breeders and subsequent owners, and by the dispersed nature of pet ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gaillard
- Research and Development Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France,*Correspondence: Virginie Gaillard ✉
| | - Sylvie Chastant
- NeoCare, Université de Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Gary England
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Forman
- Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences of Small Animal Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Biologie de la Reproduction, Environnement, Epigénétique et Développement (BREED), Jouy-en-Josas, France,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Franck Péron
- Research and Development Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France
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Flock U, Reese S, Otzdorff C, Klein R, Walter B. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in queens throughout the estrous cycle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106749. [PMID: 35834880 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Studies in cats and dogs have proven the usefulness of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a diagnostic tool to determine the castration status or to diagnose ovarian remnant syndrome. Yet the secretion pattern of AMH over the estrous cycle in queens has not been investigated so far. Seven healthy sexually intact female cats were examined daily for signs of estrous behavior over a trial period of 4 months. Five queens showed regular estrous behavior, 1 queen was mated in her first heat and 1 queen never showed any signs of heat. To distinguish between inter-estrus and metestrus progesterone levels were determined. Serum samples for AMH and progesterone measurement were collected from the regular cycling queens in late anestrus, at several times during heat, inter-estrus and metestrus, from the mated queen during her first heat and during pregnancy, and in the acycling queen at various times during the trial period. The measured AMH values in anestrus were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in heat (P < 0.001), metestrus (P = 0.12) and inter-estrus (P = 0.449). In anestrus the median AMH levels were 10.26 ng/ml (range 4.96 to 22.90 ng/ml), in heat 5.97 ng/ml (range 3.32- 22.96 ng/ml), in inter-estrus 10.47 (range 3.35-22.96 ng/ml) and in metestrus 6.38 ng/ml (range 4.50-10.75 ng/ml. The pregnant cat showed median AMH concentrations of 6.47 ng/ml (range 5.60-9.80 ng/ml) during her pregnancy. The acycling queen had solely low AMH values with a median concentration of 0.39 ng/ml. In conclusion there were high variations of the AMH levels among and within the individual cats and between heat cycles in the single cat. Remarkable high AMH concentrations were measured in the younger queens of the study in their first estrous cycles and also in anestrus, when less ovarian activity is expected. Further studies are necessary to emphasize the reasons for these high AMH concentrations especially in young queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Flock
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Christiane Otzdorff
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Ruth Klein
- Laboklin GmbH and Co.KG, Steubenstr. 4, Bad Kissingen 97688, Germany
| | - Beate Walter
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
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11
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Flock U, Fischer S, Weeger J, Reese S, Walter B. Anti-Müllerian hormone as a diagnostic tool to identify queens with ovarian remnant syndrome. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e168-e174. [PMID: 35635063 PMCID: PMC9315174 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221099195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is suspected when heat signs occur in spayed individuals, but further diagnostic procedures are necessary to exclude other possible oestrogen sources, such as the adrenal gland or exogenous supplementation. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), secreted by granulosa cells or Sertoli cells, serves to differentiate sexually intact from gonadectomised animals and has been described in dogs as a tool for diagnosing ORS. The aim of this study was to evaluate if AMH determination can be used to diagnose ORS in cats. METHODS AMH was measured with a chemiluminescence immunoassay in serum samples of 15 sexually intact, 9 spayed and 16 cats with a history of heat signs after spaying. Abdominal ultrasound (n = 13), vaginal smears (n = 7), progesterone measurement (n = 5) and laparotomy (n = 14) were used to determine the presence of ovarian tissue. After surgery, a histological examination of the obtained tissue was performed in the cats with suspected ORS. RESULTS In 15 cats with ORS the AMH serum concentrations were significantly higher than in spayed cats (n = 10; P = 0.025) and significantly lower than in sexually intact cats (n = 15; P = 0.001). Among the cats with ORS, the highest AMH serum concentrations were measured in the queens with cystic ovarian alterations and in one cat from which a whole ovary was obtained. The cat with the lowest AMH serum concentration had a simultaneous high progesterone serum concentration. Cats with ORS did not show any heat signs after surgical removal of the ovarian tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A single determination of AMH in blood serum is a useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of ORS in cats, regardless of the hormonal activity of the remnant ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Flock
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stine Fischer
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jasmin Weeger
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Chair of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Walter
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they exhibit multiple estrous cycles within a season, followed by a period of non-cyclicity. Cats cycle when the day length is long but can be induced to cycle year-round with 14 h of continuous artificial lighting. The feline estrous cycle includes the following stages: proestrus, estrus, interestrus and, if ovulation occurs, diestrus. Cats are induced ovulators and ovulate in response to multiple natural matings. Successful breeding in a cattery requires knowledge of the female's reproductive cycle, behavior and management, and often improper management can be the sole cause of infertility. AIM The aim of this review is to provide readers with an overview of normal anatomy, cyclicity, management and behavior of the queen. It includes a series of questions veterinarians can ask to obtain a baseline knowledge of the management of the specific breeding set-up. EVIDENCE BASE The information in this article is based on the author's experience, as well as drawing on historical and current literature, and provides the most up-to-date review as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aime K Johnson
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
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13
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Binder C, Reifinger M, Aurich J, Aurich C. Histopathological findings in the uteri and ovaries of clinically healthy cats presented for routine spaying. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:770-776. [PMID: 33241965 PMCID: PMC10812184 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20975376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the histopathological findings in the uteri and ovaries from clinically healthy queens presented for elective spaying. METHODS Ovaries and distal uterine horns or complete uteri from 106 female cats were evaluated for pathological alterations. RESULTS Pathological alterations of the uterus and/or ovaries were evident in 29 cats; of these, corpora lutea were present on the ovaries of 15 cats. Ovarian cysts were found in 15 cats and were classified as cysts of the Wolffian or Muellerian ducts (n = 4), follicular cysts (n = 4), luteal cysts (n = 1), cystic rete ovarii (n = 2), combinations of different cysts (n = 2) and non-classifiable cysts (n = 2). In 21/106 cats, cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was present. The incidence of CEH increased with the age of the cat. Six cats had purulent endometritis with or without distension of the uterine lumen. Hyperplastic lesions of the endometrium were detected in two cats. In one cat, a uterine horn malformation with duplication of one uterine horn lumen was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Whereas the majority of ovarian cysts and slight-to-moderate CEH are unlikely to interfere with an animal's wellbeing, endometritis must be considered a serious health problem that requires veterinary attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Binder
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Reifinger
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Binder C, Aurich J, Scarlet D, Reichart U, Walter I, Aurich C. Expression of nuclear progesterone receptor, progesterone receptor membrane components 1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 in the endometrium and oviduct of spontaneously ovulating cats. Theriogenology 2021; 172:200-206. [PMID: 34271496 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although ovulations not followed by pregnancy occur regularly in cats, differences in endometrial function between cats in the luteal and non-luteal phase have not been studied so far. Progesterone exerts its effects through a nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and via cell-membrane bound receptors referred to as progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2. Progesterone receptor expression is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones and therefore may change throughout the oestrous cycle. Protein expression of PGR, PGRMC-1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was analysed in the endometrium and oviduct of non-pregnant female cats in the follicular (n = 8) and luteal phase (n = 9). We hypothesized that the presence of corpora lutea (CL) is associated with downregulation of progesterone receptors and PTGS2. Cells of the luminal endometrial epithelium, endometrial stroma and oviductal epithelium were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The PGR protein expression was more pronounced in the endometrial epithelium than stroma (p < 0.001) and less pronounced in cats with a CL than without CL (p < 0.001) but did not differ between groups in the oviduct. The PTGS2 was localized only in the endometrial and oviductal epithelium and its expression was reduced in cats with CL (p = 0.001). In the endometrial epithelium, PGRMC-1 expression was reduced in cats with CL (p < 0.05). Expression of PGRMC-2 was highest in the endometrial epithelium and lowest in the endometrial stroma (p = 0.01) but did not differ between cats with and without CL. In conclusion, progesterone receptor and PTGS2 downregulation in the female cat closely resembles findings in other spontaneously ovulating domestic animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Binder
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - J Aurich
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Scarlet
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Reichart
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Nuñez Favre R, García MF, Ratto MH, Rearte R, Stornelli MC, de la Sota RL, Stornelli MA. Effect of cat seminal plasma and purified llama ovulation-inducing factor (β-NGF) on ovarian function in queens. Theriogenology 2021; 169:29-35. [PMID: 33932649 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effect of cat seminal plasma and purified llama ovulation-inducing factor (β-NGF) on ovarian activity in queens. Queens (n = 6) were used for all the treatments in a crossover design with an interval time between treatments of three interestrus intervals. Forty-eight hours after the detection of an estrus vaginal cytology, queens were given cat seminal plasma (subcutaneous or intramuscular), purified llama ovulation-inducing factor (15 or 35 μg), hCG (75 UI), saline, or were mated with a male. A total of 192 estrous cycles were observed. Estrus length and serum estradiol concentration were 6 ± 1 days (range 2-10 d) and 38 pg/mL (range 10-75 pg/mL), respectively. Queens mated and given hCG showed higher serum progesterone concentration and longer interestrus interval (47 ± 5 d) than that of controls (10 ± 3 d). Sixty-seven percent of queens (4/6) treated with subcutaneous cat seminal plasma, and 17% of those treated with purified llama β-NGF showed high serum progesterone concentrations along with prolonged interestrus. However, intramuscular administration of cat seminal plasma produced interestrus intervals similar to controls (15 ± 5 d) and basal serum progesterone concentration (<0.50 ng/mL). This study demonstrates that the subcutaneous administration of cat seminal plasma induced ovulation in queens. Therefore, molecules present in cat seminal plasma, contribute to the induction of ovulation in queens. Identifying those molecules will improve the knowledge of queen's reproductive physiology. Also, it could offer a physiologic alternative to induce ovulation in queens when reproductive biotechnologies are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nuñez Favre
- CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, C1425FQB, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproduccion Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - M F García
- CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, C1425FQB, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproduccion Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M H Ratto
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Los Ríos, Chile
| | - R Rearte
- CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, C1425FQB, Argentina; Cátedra de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Stornelli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproduccion Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R L de la Sota
- CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, C1425FQB, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproduccion Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M A Stornelli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproduccion Animal (INIRA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, La Plata, B1900AVW, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Fontbonne A, Prochowska S, Niewiadomska Z. Infertility in purebred cats - A review of the potential causes. Theriogenology 2020; 158:339-345. [PMID: 33038819 PMCID: PMC7521919 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although purebred cat breeding is growing in popularity in European countries, most research and publications concern dog reproduction. Infertility in queens has been poorly studied. It may not come as a surprise as common domestic shorthair cats are well known for their excellent fertility. However, even in the latter, the infertility rate is around 20%. Only recently, published articles have analyzed the reproductive performances in different breeds, for example in UK, Sweden, France and Italy, and found similar figures. In cats, infertility may arise from many factors such as mismating, prolonged anestrus or silent heats, hormonal, nutritional, genetical or chromosomal causes. Also, infectious diseases, probably frequent in breeding facilities, include pathological agents that are well recognized as having a negative effect on pregnancy or other pathogens for which the involvement in fertility problems is unclear. However, analyzing the literature, it appears that the most prevalent causes of infertility in pedigree cats may well be, in females, uterine pathology (sub-clinical endometritis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, or mucometra), and in males, teratospermia, which may be "permanent" and linked to reduced heterozygosity or "transient" in tomcats that present normal quantitative spermatogenic parameters. The influence of the breed is unknown. There is an urgent need to study the origin of infertility in purebred cats in order to improve the diagnosis and to develop treatments that may restore normal fertility in subfertile or infertile animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Fontbonne
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Niewiadomska
- Unité de Médecine de L'Elevage et du Sport (UMES), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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17
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Ferré-Dolcet L, Yeste M, Vendrell M, Rigau T, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Del Alamo MMR. Uterine and placental specific localization of AQP2 and AQP8 is related with changes of serum progesterone levels in pregnant queens. Theriogenology 2019; 142:149-157. [PMID: 31593882 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins play vital roles in reproductive physiology. This study evaluates the expression and localization dynamics of AQP1, AQP2, AQP3 and AQP8 in the endometrium and placental transference zone during pregnancy in queens by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Animals were distributed into six groups: non-pregnant queens with low levels of serum progesterone (P4), non-pregnant animals with high P4 levels, and queens at 30, 40, 50 and 60 days of pregnancy. All AQPs were present in glandular and luminal epithelia and myometrium. AQP1 was also present in the endometrial endothelia. AQP2, AQP3 and AQP8 were found in trophoblast. In endometrial samples with P4 above 2 ng/mL, AQP2 and AQP8 were distributed across plasma membrane and cytoplasm, whereas progesterone levels under 1 ng/mL kept both AQPs confined to the plasma membrane. Western blot showed no significant changes in AQPs expression among the stages. In conclusion, our results indicate that the distribution of AQP2 and AQP8 in the queen reproductive tract is related to P4 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Ferré-Dolcet
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), E-08193, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Vendrell
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), E-08193, Spain
| | - Teresa Rigau
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), E-08193, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), E-08193, Spain
| | - Maria Montserrat Rivera Del Alamo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), E-08193, Spain.
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