Zn-triggered self-assembly of Gonadorelin [6-D-Phe] to produce nanostructures and fibrils.

A synthetic derivative, GnRH [6-D-Phe], stable against enzymatic degradation, self-assembles and forms nanostructures and fibrils upon a pH shift in the presence of different concentrations of Zn in vitro. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed the existence of higher order assembly of Zn: GnRH [6-D-Phe]. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) indicated a weak interaction between Zn and GnRH [6-D-Phe].

Synchronization of estrus and ovulation in sows not conceiving in a scheduled fixed-time insemination program.

A field study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a treatment with altrenogest, eCG and hCG or the GnRH-analogue D-Phe(6)-LHRH to synchronize estrus and ovulation of sows diagnosed as non-pregnant in order to reintegrate them back into a scheduled fixed-time insemination program. Sows (n=531) diagnosed as non-pregnant by ultrasonography on days 21-35 after insemination were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) 16 mg altrenogest/day/animal orally for 15 days to block follicular growth, followed by injection of 1000 IU eCG intramuscularly (i.m.