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Induction of parturition in dairy cows with dexamethasone.

Sixty Holstein cows were paired by parity and sire, and one of each pair was allocated at random to treatment or control; 17 cows were injected with 7.5 mg/100 kg dexamethasone trioxa undecanoate 14 days before the predicted date of calving, 13 cows received the same dose five days before term and 30 cows were left untreated. The treatment significantly advanced parturition and 29 of the 30 induced cows calved within 72 hours of the injection. Induction at day 14 before term was safe for calf and dam, the calves were 3.2 kg lighter than control calves and there was a high incidence of retained placenta. Treatment for this condition resulted in increased veterinary costs of 14.50 pounds per cow exclusive of dexamethasone treatment. Treatment at this stage was also associated with low pregnancy rates in the next breeding season. Calves born after induction at five days before term were not significantly lighter than calves from control cows, the problem of retained placenta was less marked and there were no subsequent effects on fertility. There were no significant effects of induction on milk yield or milk quality up to 200 days of lactation.

Animals↗

Oxytocin-induced parturition in copper-deficient guinea pigs.

Dietary copper-deficient guinea pig dams (0.8 microgram Cu/g diet) were administered oxytocin to induce delivery of pups, whereas dietary copper-sufficient guinea pig dams (5.8 micrograms Cu/g diet) had uneventful deliveries with 79% surviving pups. The copper-deficient dams carried the fully-formed fetuses to term but did not go into labor unless 0.5 to 6.2 U oxytocin was administered (i.m.). Birth of live pups from copper-deficient dams increased from 28% overall, to 50% if oxytocin was administered in a timely manner. Many pups died of internal hemorrhages probably the result of defective connective tissue crosslinks requiring copper as a co-factor for lysyl oxidase activity. Dietary copper deficiency may be a factor in depressed parturition in the copper-deficient guinea pig dam that responds to administration of exogenous oxytocin for delivery of pups.

Animals↗

[Sonography during the pregnancy of sheep. I. Fetometry for the determination of the stage of gestation and prediction of the time of parturition].

Transrectal and transcutaneous ultrasonography was performed on 187 pregnant Merino ewes to measure the growth of fetal parameters (fetometry) such as the diameters of the eye, braincase and trunk, the width of one rib with its intercostal space and the crown-rump-length (CRL). In the ewes, cross and longitudinal diameters of the intrauterine lumen around the embryo and fetus were determined. Trunk diameter and crown-rump-length of embryos and fetuses were sonographically determined from Day 26 and size of eyes, braincase and ribs were measured from Day 52 to 66 of gestation. Embryonic resp. fetal parameters and uterine diameters showed almost linear growth rate. Relationship between the measured parameters and days of pregnancy is described by regressions and correlation coefficients. Correlation coefficient between gestational stage and the diameter of the trunk was very narrow (r = 0.98) and between gestational stage and the crown-rump-length resp. eye diameter equalled 89% (r = 0.89). These fetal parameters are appropriate to assess gestational age and growth of ovine fetuses. It can be concluded that sonographic fetometry in the ovine can be valuable for the evaluation of fetal development, the estimation of gestational age and the prediction of parturition dates.

Animals↗

[Gaubius' description of the first parturition of Wilhelmina of Prussia in 1769; 'The unlucky birth of the princess mijne gemaelinne'].

In the archives of the Dutch royal family there is a hitherto unknown report of a childbirth by the Leiden court physician Prof. H.D. Gaubius, in which he provides a detailed description, in French, of the first, prolonged and unfortunate parturition, in 1769, of Wilhelmina of Prussia, the wife of the hereditary stadholder Willem V. There was apparently a discrepancy between the presenting head and the size of the birth canal. Initially, an expectant policy was followed in the hope that the natural course of events would prevail, but ultimately and after due consideration it was decided to terminate the expulsion by means of a Van Roonhuysen lever, the vectis; this procedure was carried out by the Amsterdam obstetrician Albertus Titsingh. It turned out that the infant had died during delivery. Following the spontaneous delivery of the placenta, the puerperium proceeded without complications.

Adult↗

Prepartal lactose concentration in the mammary glands of Uje: WIST rats as a simple indicator of approaching parturition.

Immediately after delivery, lactose was reliably detectable in rat mammary glands (mean concentration 6.49 +/- 0.57 mg/g tissue). The concentrations were not influenced by prepartal biopsy of contralateral mammary tissue. In the morning of the 21st day of gestation (= expected day of labor), lactose was evident in the mammary glands of dams delivering at that day (mean concentration 2.39 +/- 0.17 mg/g tissue). In the tissue of dams delivering on day 22 of gestation, lactose was undetectable. A correlation between prepartal lactose concentration of mammary gland and time remaining up to beginning of delivery (r = -0.96) qualifies this parameter as a rough indicator of term of parturition.

Animals↗

Pharmacology of parturition.

Uterine contractions in labour are influenced by endogenous substances such as oestrogens, progesterone, cortisol, oxytocin, prostaglandins, relaxin, adrenergic and cholinergic secretions, cyclic nucleotides and calcium ions. Effects of progesterone and oestrogens are complimentary as well as antagonistic to each other. They regulate formation of gap junctions, influx of calcium ions, synthesis of oxytocin, adrenergic receptors and of prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides. Cortisol shares a role in a more complex endocrine trigger but is ineffective alone in the initiation of human labour. Adrenaline inhibits and noradrenaline promotes uterine contractions. Cholinergic stimulation increases cyclic GMP promoting uterine contractions. Calcium ions play a key role in uterine contractility. Oxytocin, prostaglandins E and F are powerful stimulants of uterine contractions. Prostaglandins stimulate pregnant uterus from early gestation unlike oxytocin which has little effect in the first and second trimester. They are extensively used for initiating labour and to arrest intractable atonic postpartum haemorrhage. In experiments and in vivo, their effects are modulated by other hormones and substances. With discovery of new drugs, knowledge of how they act on the uterus becomes important. The pharmacology of parturition that may help to understand the interaction of various agents on the pregnant uterus has been discussed.

Calcium↗

[Prevention of anestrus in sows after the 1st and 2d parturition].

The procedure of prevention of anoestria after the weaning of piglets was verified in 389 experimental and 332 control sows of the Prestice breed. The set of animals under study included 77 experimental and 122 control primiparae, 68 experimental and 71 control secundiparae, and 244 experimental and 139 control multiparae (i.e. sows with three or more parturitions). The experimental sows were treated with 1000 IU of serum gonadotropin ad usum vet.-Bioveta-(PMSG) the first day after the weaning of piglets and with 300 IU of chorion gonadotropin (HCG) in the Praedyn inj. Spofa preparation together with 1 ml of Dirigestran inj. Spofa (40 micrograms LHRH) 72 hours later. Control sows were not treated with hormones. The treated primiparae and secundiparae respectively, had a significantly higher percentage of oestrus onset within 10 days after weaning and lower occurrence of anoestria over 10 days after weaning by 31.25 per cent (P less than 0.001), and 21.36 per cent (P less than 0.02) respectively as compared with untreated controls. In the set of secundiparae, the studied hormonal treatment speeded oestrus onset by a significant (P less than 0.01) shortening of the interval from weaning to the first insemination by 0.79 day and by a more frequent onset of oestrus within only 5 days after weaning of piglets. The values of the other criteria of reproduction studies, i.e. percentage of pregnancies after the first insemination, total number of born piglets and number of liveborn piglets converted per one litter in treated primiparae and secundiparae did not differ significantly (P greater than 0.05) from the control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anestrus↗

Use of a uterine pessary to prevent infection of the uterus of the cow after parturition.

A uterine pessary containing penicillin, streptomycin, formosulphathiazole and ethinyloestradiol, was assessed for its efficacy in reducing the frequency and severity of uterine infections in cows after parturition. Fifteen pluriparous Holstein Friesian cows had pessaries inserted into the uterus within 24 hours after calving. Compared with 14 similar untreated cows there were significant reductions in the number infected by Actinomyces pyogenes and in the number exhibiting abnormal uterine discharges.

Animals↗

[Daily and seasonal variations in olfactory sensitivity of mothers after parturition and their capacity to discriminate the body odor of their newborn. Preliminary findings].

The present study describes daily and seasonal variations in the discrimination capacities of mothers in relation to their newborn's odour and olfactory detection thresholds of a non specific molecule (thiophene) by mothers. The tests are carried out during the 2nd, 4th and 6th days after the parturition. The results show that the abilities of the mothers to discriminate the odours of their newborn increase gradually from the morning to evening, with the exception of the second part of the 4th day when the mother's performances decrease between 05:30 P.M. and 08:00 P.M. This daily variation is not observed in olfactory thresholds of mothers in relation to thiophene as they decrease between 08:00 A.M. and 01:30 P.M. and increase between 01:30 P.M. and 08:00 P.M. for the three days of test. Nevertheless, seasons, seem to have the same effect about the two types of mothers' performances. The results suggest that the variations in the abilities of the mothers to discriminate the corporal odour of their newborn and the variations of their olfactory thresholds for a non specific odour are based on different biological and psychobiological mechanisms.

Adult↗

Colostral and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in Standardbred mares and their foals at parturition.

Immunoglobulin G, IgM, and IgA concentrations were measured in serum collected from 36 Standardbred mares within 12 hours of foaling, in colostrum collected within 6 hours of foaling, and in serum collected from foals 24 to 48 hours after birth. In serum collected from mares after parturition, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 2,463.9 +/- 1,337.3 mg/dl, 136.4 +/- 218 mg/dl, and 305.2 +/- 237.5 mg/dl, respectively. In serum from foals, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 1,953.3 +/- 1,635 mg/dl, 33.8 +/- 30.4 mg/dl, and 58.4 +/- 42.2 mg/dl, respectively. In colostrum, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 8,911.9 +/- 6,282.2 mg/dl, 957 +/- 1088.1 mg/dl, and 122.9 +/- 77.3 mg/dl, respectively. The IgG concentrations in foal serum were poorly correlated with IgG concentrations in colostrum (r = 0.462, P less than 0.01). Correlations of IgM or IgA concentrations in serum from foals with IgM or IgA concentrations in colostrum and correlations of IgG concentrations in serum from mares with those in colostrum were not significant (P less than 0.01). Of 36 foals, 1 (2.8%) had a serum IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl. Of 36 foals monitored for 4 months, 6 developed infectious respiratory tract disease requiring antimicrobial therapy at ages varying from 55 to 113 days; these infections were probably not related to failure or partial failure of passive transfer of antibody.

Animals↗

The role of the fetal gonads and placenta in steroid production, maintenance of pregnancy and parturition in the mare.

The effects of fetal gonadectomy on steroid production and the maintenance of pregnancy in the mare were studied. Removal of the fetal gonads resulted in an immediate fall in maternal plasma concentrations of conjugated and unconjugated oestrogens whereas progestagen levels remained unchanged. Hormone profiles in mares carrying sham-operated fetuses remained similar to those in unoperated control mares. Plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-PGF-2 alpha (PGFM) were much lower, and uterine contractions weaker, during labour in mares carrying gonadectomized foals than in control mares. Pregnancy was maintained until parturition at term in the mares carrying gonadectomized fetuses. However, 3 of the 4 gonadectomized foals were dysmature and died during or soon after birth. The biosynthetic pathways involved in the production of oestrogens by the feto-placental unit and the possible role of oestrogens in fetal development in the pregnant mare are discussed.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural studies of the equine uterus and placenta following parturition.

Post-partum placentae and uterine biopsy samples from mares after normal and abnormal foalings are described. After normal delivery there is little damage to fetal or maternal tissues. The villous epitheliochorial palcenta separates cleanly at the maternal-fetal interface and the afterbirth consists almost exclusively of fetal tissue. Uterine involution is well advanced by the 3rd and 4th days post partum and the changes are usually complete by the oestrus 7--10 days after parturition. Placental separation and involution of the uterus appear to proceed normally in malpresented foals and in otherwise viable foals with musculoskeletal defects. In aborted, stillborn or dysmature foals there are obvious signs of damage to both fetal and maternal tissues. It is generally accepted that the growth and development of the fetus is dependent upon a placenta of adequate functional capabilities. The observations suggest that the placenta is similarly dependent upon its association with a normal healthy fetus.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Endorphins and parturition.

Endorphins and beta-lipotropin have been implicated as the modulators of pain during the labor process. To investigate their possible role during parturition, the present study was undertaken to determine the levels of beta-endorphin, beta-endorphinlike immunoactivity, and beta-lipotropin during labor and delivery. Fourteen patients were evaluated at 4 cm dilatation, complete dilatation, at the time of delivery, and immediately postpartum. In addition, samples were obtained from nine nonpregnant control subjects. The venous levels of beta-endorphinlike immunoactivity and beta-lipotropin were determined, and the beta-endorphin level was calculated. The maternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels and the newborn umbilical venous level also were determined in the delivery room. A gradual rise was noted in the beta-endorphin, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphinlike immunoactivity values up to the time of delivery. There was noted to be a modest decrease in their levels in the immediate postpartum period. These levels were significantly elevated over control samples for both beta-endorphinlike immunoactivity and beta-lipotropin (P less than .05). Values for beta-endorphin were not significantly different from control levels. In addition, maternal CSF levels were found to show modest elevations above the simultaneously drawn venous specimens. The umbilical cord venous samples drawn at delivery were also higher than the simultaneous maternal venous levels. These values, although elevated over control values, were not statistically different from simultaneously drawn maternal venous levels.

Endorphins↗

Frequency of ovarian follicular cysts, reasons for culling, and fertility in Holstein-Friesian cows given gonadotropin-releasing hormone at two weeks after parturition.

Holstein-Friesian cows (n=204) were given saline solution or 200 microgram of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by intramuscular injection at 8 to 23 days after parturition. Of cows culled, fewer GnRH-treated cows were culled for infertility, compared with number of cows given saline solution (26 vs 57%; P less than 0.05). Frequency of ovarian follicular cysts was reduced from 15.2% in controls to 5.7% for cows given GnRH (P less than 0.01). The interval to 1st insemination, interval to conception, and inseminations per conception did not differ among saline solution or GnRH-treated cows which remained in the herds. These data provide evidence for reduction in infertility and reproductive disorders in early postpartum dairy cows given GnRH as a prophylactic.

Animals↗

Electromyographic properties of the myometrium correlated with the endocrinology of the pre-partum and post-partum periods and parturition in pony mares.

A complete set of electromyographic recordings, plasma samples and behavioural observations were collected from 2 mares beginning 7 days pre partum, through parturition and into the early post-partum period. During the week pre partum, EMG activity was elevated, occurring 26-73% of the time. Activity was least during the day and greatest at night with no significant difference for the hours of the day or between days pre partum. During the 24 h before delivery, EMG activity was increased for 7-13 h (55-80%) during the daylight hours. EMG activity decreased 2-4 h immediately preceding delivery of the foal, with an abrupt increase at rupture of the chorioallantois. At delivery, EMG activity consisted of events containing a series of 10-13 discrete bursts of increasing amplitude occurring in rapid succession. After fetal delivery there was a reduction in activity until placental delivery followed by very long (2-22 min) trains of potentials.

Animals↗

Scanning electron microscopy of the wall of the ovine cervix uteri in relation to tensile strength at parturition.

There was a progressive loosening of the collagenous fibre bundles in the stroma of the ovine cervix during spontaneous parturition. The change from an organ with predominantly thick collagen fibre bundles to one with a loose network of collagen fibrils was associated in time with a threefold increase in softness as measured by the Stretch modulus. Infusion of oestradiol 17 beta (E2 beta) for 18 hours elicited similar changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the cervix. Infusion of sodium meclofenamate for 18 hours significantly (P less than 0.005) reduced the effect of E2 beta administered simultaneously.

Animals↗

Increased concentrations of arachidonic acid lipoxygenase metabolites in amniotic fluid during parturition.

This study was undertaken to examine whether spontaneous labor at term is associated with changes in the amniotic fluid concentrations of arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites. Amniotic fluid was obtained from 15 women at term in active labor (with cervical dilatation of at least 6 cm) and from 15 nonlaboring control women matched for maternal age, parity, and gestational age. Cultures of amniotic fluid for bacteria and mycoplasma were negative. Products of arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolism--12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), and leukotriene B4--were measured by radioimmunoassay. The median concentrations of 12-HETE, 15-HETE, and leukotriene B4 in the amniotic fluid of nonlaboring women were 11.50 ng/mL, 0.45 ng/mL, and 21 pg/mL, respectively, and in the amniotic fluid of laboring women, 24.63 ng/mL, 4.34 ng/mL, and 96 pg/mL, respectively. The differences between labor and nonlabor amniotic fluid concentrations of all three lipoxygenase products were significant (P less than .05, Wilcoxon test). These observations are consistent with involvement of products of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in the mechanism of human parturition.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Fetal sympatho-adrenal mediated metabolic responses to parturition.

Plasma cortisol and noradrenaline were measured in 15 mothers and babies following vaginal delivery and in 17 following elective caesarean section and related to blood concentration of glucose and glycerol. Significant elevations in umbilical artery cortisol and noradrenaline concentration were found in the vaginal delivery group. Blood glucose and glycerol concentrations were significantly higher in the vaginal delivery group for maternal venous, umbilical artery and vein samples. However, when allowances were made for placental transfer of these substances, little evidence was found to support sympatho-adrenal mediated mobilization of glycerol and glucose in the fetus. The possible explanation for the apparent dissociation between marked sympatho-adrenal activity and metabolic responsiveness during parturition in the fetus is discussed.

Adrenal Glands↗