Direct ovarian–uterine transfer of progesterone increases embryo survival in gilts
R. Z. Athorn A D , P. Stott A , E. G. Bouwman B , R. Ashman C , S. O’Leary C , M. Nottle C and P. Langendijk BA School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
B South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
C School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: rebecca.athorn@adelaide.edu.au
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 23(7) 921-928 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD10333
Submitted: 7 December 2010 Accepted: 11 April 2011 Published: 26 August 2011
Abstract
This study employed a unilateral ovariectomy model to investigate the relevance of the local supply of progesterone (ovary) compared with the systemic supply of progesterone, in terms of embryo survival in the ipsilateral uterine horn as opposed to the contralateral uterine horn. Thirty gilts were unilaterally ovariectomised (ULO) during the luteal stage of their first oestrous cycle. Half of the ULO gilts were fed at 1.2 maintenance requirement (M), while the other half were fed at 2.4 M. Across ULO gilts 0.8 more embryos survived in the ipsilateral horn compared with the contralateral horn at Day 35 of gestation (P < 0.05). In ULO gilts on the 2.4 M feed level the difference (+1.3; P < 0.05) between the ipsi- and contralateral horn was more pronounced than on the 1.2 M feed level (+0.4; NS). The higher feed level reduced circulating levels of systemic progesterone on Day 5 of pregnancy but not embryo survival at Day 35. However, post-implantation embryo survival was lower on the low feed level. In conclusion, these data indicate that local progesterone supply from the ovaries to the uterus contributes to the probability of embryo survival.
Additional keywords: feed level, post-implantation embryo survival, systemic progesterone, unilateral ovariectomy.
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