Influence of hCG on inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in ram testicular arteries.

Unlabelled: Background. Experimental evidence suggests a relationship between the vasodilatory effect of hCG and the NOS system in the testis. The influence of hCG administration on testicular vascular NOS gene expression has not been fully investigated.

In vitro effects of L-arginine on spontaneous and homocysteine-induced contractility of pregnant canine uteri.

The L-Arginine-Nitric Oxide Synthase-Nitric Oxide (L-Arg-NOS-NO) system exerts a pivotal role in the maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy, whereas Homocysteine (Hcy) promotes uterine contractility. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro effects of L-Arg on spontaneous and Hcy-induced contractions of uteri excised from pregnant bitches. 104 strips cut from pregnant uteri were mounted in an organ bath.

Epidural vs intramuscular administration of lecirelin, a GnRH analogue, for the resolution of follicular cysts in dairy cows.

Bovine follicular cysts are an ovarian disorder of dairy cows associated with abnormal estrous behaviour and infertility. The treatment of choice is intramuscular administration of a GnRH analogue, which acts by triggering pituitary release of LH. However, the presence of GnRH and GnRH receptors on spinal cord and ovary in some species, and the kind of innervation of the ovary, let us hypothesize that GnRH and its analogues may also act when administered by epidural route, as happens for other drugs.

Update on anesthesia and the immune response in newborns delivered by cesarian section.

In infants delivered by cesarian section, the immune system could be influenced by anesthetic drugs that may cross the placenta and reach the fetal circulation. Factors that determine placental transfer of anesthetics and their distribution into and ultimate removal from fetal tissue include physiochemical properties of the compound; the anatomic features of the maternal circulation, placenta, and fetus; and the hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic events that occur within them. Because the anesthetic agents can interfere with many neonatal function, the aim of this manuscript is to review the interference of regional or general anesthesia on neonatal immune response.

In vitro activity of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on myometrium contractility.

LH/hCG receptor has been found in extragonadal tissues in human and animals. The myometrium presents such receptors but their functional role is still not clear. Aim of our study was to test the activity of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on bovine uterine contractility.

Uterine contractility is strongly influenced by steroids and glucose metabolism: an in vitro study on bovine myometrium.

Background: Energetic substrates and hormonal phase are important for uterine contractions. Etomoxir a muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibitor, able to diverge uterine metabolic pathways towards glycolysis, facilitates glucose utilisation. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effect on uterine contractility in different hormonal situations.

Bovine ovarian follicular cysts: in vitro effects of lecirelin, a GnRH analogue.

This study investigates the mechanisms of action by which a GnRH analogue may modulate the contractility of the bovine ovarian follicular wall. The in vitro evaluation of the spontaneous basal contractility of bovine preovulatory and cystic follicles was performed, followed by testing the effects of lecirelin, a GnRH analogue, on their basal contractility. Strips of tissue in isolated organ bath were employed.

Peritoneal adhesions in human and veterinary medicine: from pathogenesis to therapy. A review.

Any peritoneal inflammatory process consequent to infections or surgical injuries may induce abdominal adhesion formation. Peritoneal adhesions are connective laciniae that develop among abdomino-pelvic organs that limit physiologic visceral motion. Consequently, fertility may be impaired, and intestinal obstruction and pelvic pain may develop, mainly in subjects that had undergone gynaecological surgery.

Effects of antibiotics on biochemical parameters, leukocytes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bitches after ovariectomy.

It is well known that following surgical procedures, a variety of patho-physiological alterations occurs in the host, such as changes in haemodynamic, endocrine and immune functions, as well as increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Antibiotic administration, a common practice used in surgery, affects immune functions and ROS generation. Our study was aimed to investigate the effect of five different antibiotic regimens: amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin/dihydrostreptomycin, sulfametazine/sulfamerazine/ sulfathiazole, enrofloxacin, lincomycin/spectinomycin, administered twice (2 hours before skin incision and 6 hours after the end of the surgical suture), on biochemical parameters, leukocytes and ROS concentrations, in bitches undergoing open laparotomic ovariectomy.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): involvement in bovine follicular cysts etiopathogenesis.

Ovulation is compared to an acute inflammatory process during which vasoactive agents, prostanoids, leukotrienes and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) develop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of ROS in cystic and follicular fluid, in order to establish their involvement in the etiopathogenesis of Cystic Ovarian Follicle (COF) in dairy cows. The study was conducted in 30 healthy cows (group C) and 30 cows affected by COF (group COF).

Follicular development in pregnant cows after the administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG): a new insight.

The follicular development in the cow occurs in a wave-like pattern, and it takes place also during pregnancy. In the cow, Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) is used for superovulation, but a decrease in total fertility has been reported, likely because of its immunogenic properties in species other than equine. In this regard, immune response has been implicated in follicular growth, ovulation, and placental development.

Thyreotropic effect of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in mares at estrus.

The beta-subunits of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) share a high homology, just like the ectodomains of their receptors, do. As a consequence, hCG was shown to exert a thyrotropic action in humans and hamsters. This study aimed to investigate whether hCG, used to induce ovulation, displays a thyrotropic effect in the equine species too.

Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bitch.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the different phases of the estrous cycle in the bitch, in order to establish their physiological values. 56 healthy mixed-breed bitches were enrolled at this purpose and divided into 4 groups, standing on the different phases of the estrus cycle. Blood samples were collected in all groups and serum ROS concentrations were determined.

First demonstration of an increased serum level of reactive oxygen species during the peripartal period in the ewes.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are produced during oxidative metabolism, and regulate many biological processes. The acute inflammation characterizing parturition induces many physiological changes. Among them, there is evidence that ROS affect the synthesis of many factors involved in parturition.