Activity of Enzymes in the Endometrium, Caruncles, and Uterine Rinsings of Progestogen-Treated and Naturally Cycling Ewes

Abstract

The activity of several enzymes has been measured in the endometrium, caruncles, and uterine rinsings of ewes at various stages of the oestrous cycle. Ewes were either allowed to cycle naturally or were synchronized by progestogenimpregnated sponges inserted into the vagina. Most (86%) of the progestogentreated ewes came into oestrus 2 or 3 days after removal of the sponges, and the uterus contained higher levels of amylase and alkaline phosphatase than did naturally cycling ewes. Amylase, succinate dehydrogenase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were maximal during the luteal phase of the cycle. Endometrial alkaline phosphatase activity followed the growth and retrogression of the corpus luteum more closely than that of the other enzymes studied.