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Theriogenology May 2022A potential source of fertility loss in mares is oviductal dysfunction, potentially caused by masses or debris in the lumen, that may prevent either sperm from reaching...
A potential source of fertility loss in mares is oviductal dysfunction, potentially caused by masses or debris in the lumen, that may prevent either sperm from reaching the fertilization site or the embryo from reaching the uterus. Recently a novel therapeutic method leading to increased pregnancy results was described by infusing misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E, in the uterus of mares with unexplained fertility problems. In this study, we aimed, after examining the compatibility of misoprostol with semen, to evaluate the pregnancy rate after routine preovulatory deep uterine horn application of misoprostol in clinically normal oestrous mares, which were inseminated in the same cycle. In experiment 1, ejaculates of 10 stallions diluted with INRA 96™ were mixed with different concentrations of misoprostol (0.01 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL, 0.0001 mg/mL, and 0.00001 mg/mL) and total semen motility was evaluated immediately, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h later, and compared with a control sample (mixed with NaCl 0.9%). In experiments 2 and 3, 33 privately-owned clinically normal oestrous mares were each allocated to a treatment or control group. Ovulation was then induced with intramuscularly 2.25 mg deslorelin acetate. At the moment of ovulation induction (experiment 2) and 24 h earlier (experiment 3), 0.2 mg misoprostol diluted in 2 mL NaCl 0.9% were applied deep in the uterine horn (treatment groups) and pure 2 mL NaCl 0.9% in the mares of the control groups. Mares were then inseminated 24 h after deslorelin administration and prior to ovulation with commercial chilled-warmed or frozen-thawed semen, as well as immediately after ovulation detection (both types of semen) maximally 48 h after ovulation induction. In experiment 1, regardless of time and compared with the control groups, all solutions with different concentrations of misoprostol had a negative effect on total motility of semen, which was significant for the highest concentrations (0.01 mg/mL: 18.0% reduction, CI = 22-13%, p = < 0.01). We found no beneficial effect of preovulatory uterine treatment with misoprostol on pregnancy rate (OR = 0.45, CI = 0.15-1.31, p = 0.14): in experiment 2, 2/11 (18.2%) mares of the treatment group became pregnant vs. 12/22 (54.5%) mares in the control group (OR = 0.19, CI = 0.03-1.06, p = 0.07), in experiment 3, 5/14 (35.7%) mares in the treatment group vs. 7/19 (36.8%) mares in the control group (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.23-4.02, p = 0.95), respectively. In conclusion, pregnancy rate was not increased in reproductively normal mares with routine preovulatory deep uterine horn application of misoprostol.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Female; Horses; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Misoprostol; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Semen Preservation; Sodium Chloride; Uterus
PubMed: 35316732
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.005 -
Open Veterinary Journal 2022Regarding animal welfare and reversible suppression of reproduction the need for alternatives to surgical castration, like slow-release gonadotropin-releasing hormone...
BACKGROUND
Regarding animal welfare and reversible suppression of reproduction the need for alternatives to surgical castration, like slow-release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) implants, is increasing.
AIM
In this study, we evaluated whether the onset of puberty can be suppressed by implantation of a slow-release GnRH implant (4.7 mg deslorelin) in juvenile rams.
METHODS
Seven juvenile rams (3-5.5 months) were treated with the GnRH analog deslorelin to analyze the effects on testicular development, sonographic findings of testicular tissue, testosterone concentration in the blood, spermatogenesis, and sperm parameters from the epididymis after castration. Seven rams of the same age without an implant served as controls.
RESULTS
Follow-up examinations were conducted over 5 months, after which four rams per group were castrated. No significant group differences were found in the andrological parameters on the group level, but testicular development was suppressed in three rams in the treated group. Histological examination revealed spermatogenesis in the testicular tissue in three of four animals treated with a GnRH analog.
CONCLUSION
The onset of puberty in juvenile rams cannot be reliably suppressed by using the slow-release GnRH implant Suprelorin®.
Topics: Animals; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Male; Sheep; Sheep, Domestic; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Testosterone
PubMed: 35603069
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i2.3 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Feb 2021Sex-associated hormones such as testosterone have been demonstrated to modulate immune responses, which can result in different disease outcomes. The present study was...
Sex-associated hormones such as testosterone have been demonstrated to modulate immune responses, which can result in different disease outcomes. The present study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH agonist implant as deslorelin acetate in association with meglumine antimoniate plus allopurinol in dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Twenty-two dogs with CanL confirmed by clinical findings and laboratory tests were included in the study. Dogs were randomized into two groups. A control group (CTR, = 12) was treated with meglumine antimoniate 50 mg/kg SC q 12 h for 28 days plus allopurinol at 10 mg/kg PO q 12 h for the whole study period (six months). An experimental group was treated with allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate, plus an implant of 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate (DES, = 10). The animals were observed for three months, during which clinical evaluation, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) titre and testosterone assay were performed on time at day (D)0, 90 and 180. A significantly lower clinical score was recorded in DES than in CTR ( < 0.01) at D90 and D180 ( < 0.01). After 180 days of treatment (D180), a significant reduction of mean levels of IFAT was observed in the DES group ( = 0.03). A highly significant reduction of testosterone ( = 0.01) was observed in the DES group during the study. No statistical correlation between clinical scores, IFAT titres and testosterone within two groups was observed. Data suggested that the agonist of GnRH may be useful in the treatment of CanL.
PubMed: 33562362
DOI: 10.3390/ani11020432 -
Veterinary Sciences Dec 2022Ovarian leiomyomas are very rare in domestic cats and occasionally mentioned in studies reporting general pathological findings and neoplasm occurrence in non-domestic...
Ovarian leiomyomas are very rare in domestic cats and occasionally mentioned in studies reporting general pathological findings and neoplasm occurrence in non-domestic large felids. This report describes a case of ovarian leiomyoma in a 22-year-old white tiger (Panthera tiger), treated with deslorelin implants, detailing pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Gross examination revealed a markedly enlarged, firm, whitish right ovary with a multinodular appearance. On a cut surface, multiple brown-fluid-filled cysts interspersed with solid grey-to-white areas were observed. On histopathological examination, the ovary was enlarged and replaced by a densely cellular neoplasm composed of spindle cells arranged in fascicles, or occasionally in a herringbone pattern, embedded in a large stroma of collagenous connective tissue. Neoplastic cells showed mild nuclear atypia and pleomorphism and low mitotic rate. Immunohistochemistry confirmed smooth muscle origin of the neoplasm, and cells were positive for vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, and caldesmon. A low rate (<1%) of Ki-67-positive cells was observed. Although rare, ovarian leiomyoma should be considered when a mass is present in the ovary of a tiger with reproductive failure. Because cancer of the reproductive system impacts on species conservation by affecting reproduction, regular health monitoring is warranted to support wildlife conservation. Finally, the adverse effects associated with long-term treatment with synthetic GnRH analogues as contraceptives in non-domestic felids are worthy of future investigation.
PubMed: 36548863
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9120702 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jan 2023This study was performed to monitor estrous patterns and, more importantly, changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations during the peri-ovulatory period in...
This study was performed to monitor estrous patterns and, more importantly, changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations during the peri-ovulatory period in deslorelin-induced estrous bitches. Healthy anestrous bitches (n = 4) were used. Estrus and ovulation were monitored after deslorelin implantation. Blood samples were collected for analysis of progesterone, estradiol-17ß and AMH concentrations before implantation (day 0) and on days 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 after implantation. Six days following treatment, all bitches showed estrus signs. Ovulation took place between days 12 and 15. Circulating AMH concentrations varied among bitches from 0.12 to 3.08 ng/mL. However, no significant differences in AMH levels (mean ± SD) were observed between day 0 and days following post-implantation (p > 0.05). There were no significant correlations between AMH and estradiol or AMH and progesterone (p > 0.05). Ultrasonographically, the number of clearly identifiable ovarian follicles was higher before ovulation and the area of ovaries increased after ovulation (p < 0.05). Except for AMH, changes in vaginal cytology, estradiol-17ß and progesterone levels observed in our study were similar to naturally occurring estrus. Large intra- and inter-individual variation in AMH were observed suggesting that AMH is currently not suitable as a canine fertility marker to monitor ovarian response to deslorelin treatment for estrus induction.
PubMed: 36670799
DOI: 10.3390/ani13020258 -
Domestic Animal Endocrinology Jan 2021Behavior during the estrous cycle of mares can affect their performance and therefore inhibition of cyclical ovarian activity is indicated. We hypothesized that implants...
Behavior during the estrous cycle of mares can affect their performance and therefore inhibition of cyclical ovarian activity is indicated. We hypothesized that implants containing the GnRH analog deslorelin downregulate GnRH receptors and inhibit ovulation in mares. The estrous cycles of Shetland mares were synchronized with 2 injections of a PGF analog. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received 9.4 (group D1, n = 6) and 4.7 mg deslorelin (D2, n = 5) as slow-release implants or 1.25 mg short-acting deslorelin as a control (C, n = 5). Ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and ovaries and observation of estrous behavior and collection of blood samples for analysis of progesterone and LH concentrations were performed every second day until day 10 and thereafter at 5-d intervals. Stimulation tests with the GnRH-agonist buserelin were performed on days 10 and 45. Until day 50, there were less spontaneous ovulations in group D1 (P < 0.01) and estrous behavior was reduced in groups D1 and D2 compared with group C (P < 0.05). The time until first ovulation (D1 62.0 ± 8.6, D2 44.2 ± 14.1, C 22.2 ± 3.1 d, P < 0.05) and the number of days with estrous behavior (P < 0.05) differed among groups. On day 10 after treatment, a GnRH stimulation test revealed interactions between group and time (P < 0.001) in plasma LH concentration that were no longer detectable on day 45 after treatment. In conclusion, long-acting deslorelin implants result in a transient downregulation of pituitary GnRH receptors that is associated with inhibition of ovulation and estrous behavior in Shetland mares.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Breeding; Drug Implants; Estrous Cycle; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Horses; Luteinizing Hormone; Ovary; Ovulation; Progesterone; Receptors, LHRH; Triptorelin Pamoate
PubMed: 32846375
DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106505 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jan 2023Deslorelin is currently registered for the induction of temporary infertility in male dogs, male cats, male ferrets, and also prepubertal female dogs, but research has...
Deslorelin is currently registered for the induction of temporary infertility in male dogs, male cats, male ferrets, and also prepubertal female dogs, but research has shown its usefulness for other conditions requiring chronic treatment. This paper presents six cases of dogs chronically treated with deslorelin for indications such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, control of fertility, abnormal reproductive behavior and urinary incontinence. All animals were in good health during treatment. Treatment duration was 2-9 years. No short-term side effects were observed except for flare-up reactions, which were observed only in 1/4 intact males. Two dogs developed a neoplasia: a spayed bitch treated for urinary incontinence developed a pituitary carcinoma, and an intact male dog implanted for control of fertility developed a bladder carcinoma. While the pituitary carcinoma seems unlikely to be related to deslorelin, the bladder carcinoma could be due to the neutered condition of the dog (which was treated for 9 years) as urinary tract neoplasia is more common in dogs following gonadectomy. Chronic treatment with deslorelin is regarded as safe when an animal is being treated for life. The possibility that a pause in the treatment might be helpful for the animal should be investigated.
PubMed: 36670804
DOI: 10.3390/ani13020265 -
Journal of the American Association For... Nov 2023Hormonal contraception is an effective, reversible tool for managing birth rates in humans and nonhuman animals alike. However, manipulating reproductive hormones has...
Hormonal contraception is an effective, reversible tool for managing birth rates in humans and nonhuman animals alike. However, manipulating reproductive hormones has behavioral consequences that can impact social and sexual behavior between conspecifics. First, we studied 18 pairs of nonreproductive titi monkeys () to test the efficacy of a novel method of hormonal contraception (deslorelin acetate implants) on reproductive hormone cycling in females and found significant reductions in urinary estrogens and progestagens among treated females compared to untreated controls. We then studied 35 nonreproductive pairs of coppery titi monkeys () to ascertain whether treating females with one of 2 different forms of hormonal contraception (deslorelin acetate implants ( = 17) or medroxyprogesterone acetate injections ( = 9)) would influence the relationship between pair mates compared to the relationship between untreated females and their vasectomized male mates ( = 9). Over a 5-month period, we found no differences in affiliative behaviors between pairs containing untreated females compared to pairs in which the female was treated with either deslorelin acetate or medroxyprogesterone acetate. Similarly, we found no differences in affiliation between pairs in the 2 treatment groups. This study is the first to examine behavioral consequences of hormonal contraception in a pair-bonding species. The results are encouraging for captive, managed breeding colonies of such social animals, especially those used in behavioral research.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Animals; Contraceptive Agents; Callicebus; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; Social Behavior
PubMed: 37973152
DOI: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000017 -
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Aug 2023To successfully inseminate mares, precise detection of ovulation time is crucial, especially when using frozen-thawed semen. Monitoring body temperature, as has been...
To successfully inseminate mares, precise detection of ovulation time is crucial, especially when using frozen-thawed semen. Monitoring body temperature, as has been described in women, could be a noninvasive way to detect ovulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time of ovulation and the variation of body temperature in mares based on automatic continuous measurements during estrus. The experimental group included 21 mares for 70 analyzed estrous cycles. When the mares showed estrous behavior, they were administered intramuscular deslorelin acetate (2.25 mg) in the evening. At the same time, monitoring of body temperature using a sensor device fixed at the left lateral thorax was started and continued for over 60 hours. In 2-hour intervals, transrectal ultrasonography was performed to detect ovulation. Estimated body temperature in the 6 hours following ovulation detection was on average 0.06°C +/- 0.05°C (mean +/- SD) significantly higher when compared with body temperature at the same time on the preceding day (P = .01). In addition, a significant effect of PGF administration for estrus induction on the body temperature was found, being significantly higher until 6 hours before ovulation compared to that of uninduced cycles (P = .005). In conclusion, changes in body temperature during estrus in mares were related to ovulation. The increase in body temperature immediately after ovulation might be used in the future to establish automatized and noninvasive systems to detect ovulation. However, the identified temperature rise is relatively small on average and hardly identifiable in the individual mares.
Topics: Female; Horses; Animals; Body Temperature; Ovulation; Estrus; Estrous Cycle; Semen Preservation
PubMed: 37209788
DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104565 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Jun 2019The objective of this study was to assess duration of efficacy, side effects and return to fertility following use of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin 12;...
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to assess duration of efficacy, side effects and return to fertility following use of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin 12; Virbac) in cats, and test whether efficacy and duration of action are influenced by implantation site (interscapular vs periumbilical).
METHODS
Sixteen healthy adult tom cats were checked with (1) reproductive examination, (2) gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and (3) semen collection until achievement of sterility, then with (1) and (2) only at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter until treatment effect disappeared.
RESULTS
Serum testosterone reached basal levels by 7 days post-treatment. Semen quality improved initially then started to worsen by 1 month post-treatment and after 70 days post-treatment all cats were sterile. Early in the third month post-treatment there was a significant decrease in testicular volume and penile spikes. Testicular histology was normal upon neutering performed after resumption of fertility. No injection site lesions or treatment-related side effects were observed. There was no difference between periumbilical and interscapular placement for all criteria, but there was a trend for the decrease in testicular volume to last longer and for the regression of penile spikes to start sooner after interscapular administration. One of 16 cats did not respond to treatment. Six cats were lost at variable times during the study while fully responding to treatment. In the cats that completed the study, normal fertility was regained after 805 days, on average, but with a variable duration of effect from 750-850 days.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Treatment with a 9.4 mg deslorelin implant in male cats was effective for a period of 750-850 days, which is 1.5-2 times longer than the effect of the 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. Fertility (based on serum testosterone production and the presence of penile spikes) was regained at the end of the study. Placing implants in the intrascapular vs periumbilical location did not affect duration of suppression of testosterone production. The interscapular location may be characterised by a better efficacy, although further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Drug Implants; Fertility; Male; Scapula; Semen Analysis; Testis; Triptorelin Pamoate; Umbilicus
PubMed: 30056772
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X18788157