Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

07:07
Endoscopy Guided Photoablation of Endometrial Cysts using a 980 nm Laser with a Contact Fiber in Mares
Published on: July 16, 2020
Uterine involution and endometrial function in postpartum pony mares.
Susanne Jischa1, Ingrid Walter, Norbert Nowotny
1Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|November 5, 2008
Summary
Postpartum mare endometrial regeneration involves initial cell death followed by proliferation, with changing lectin binding and increased hormone receptor expression preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Postpartum uterine involution is crucial for subsequent fertility in mares.
- Understanding endometrial regeneration mechanisms is key to improving reproductive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endometrial regeneration in postpartum mares.
- Analyze histologic features, cell apoptosis and proliferation markers, lectin binding, cytokines, and hormone receptors.
Main Methods:
- Examined 9 postpartum mares on days 1, 9, and 16.
- Performed histologic examination, immunohistochemistry (Ki-67, caspase 3), and quantitative real-time PCR for gene expression.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils initially predominated, replaced by lymphocytes/macrophages by day 9.
- Apoptosis markers (caspase 3) decreased, while proliferation markers (Ki-67) increased from day 1 to 9.
- Estrogen and progesterone receptor expression increased significantly by day 9.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum endometrial regeneration is characterized by initial apoptosis followed by cell proliferation.
- Changes in lectin binding reflect alterations in the endometrial glycocalyx.
- Upregulation of estrogen and progesterone receptors enables the endometrium to respond to hormonal cues for potential pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

