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Estrus synchronization in microminipig using estradiol dipropionate and prostaglandin F2α
Michiko Noguchi1, Tomonobu Ikedo, Hiroaki Kawaguchi
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.
Abstract:
The induction of pseudopregnancy by the exogenous administration of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) was investigated in cyclic Microminipigs (MMpigs) and the effects of exogenous administration of prostaglandin (PG) F2α on estrus exhibition were assessed in pseudopregnant MMpigs. In experiment 1, ovariectomized MMpigs were given a single intramuscular injection of 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 mg of EDP. The estradiol-17β level at each of these doses was significantly higher 1 to 3 days after EDP administration than on the day of the injection. In experiment 2, animals were given 1.5 mg of EDP once at 9 to 12 days after the end of estrus (D0) and then no (1.5 mg × 1 group), one (D0 and D4; 1.5 mg × 2 group), or two (D0, D4 and D7; 1.5 mg × 3 group) additional treatments. The pseudopregnancy rate was significantly higher in the 1.5 mg × 3 than in the 1.5 mg × 1 group. In experiment 3, PGF2α was administered twice between 26 and 28 days after EDP treatment to five pseudopregnant gilts with a 24-h interval between the two injections. Estrus after PGF2α treatment and LH surge were observed in 100% and 80% pseudopregnant MMpigs, respectively. The interval from the day of the first PGF2α treatment to the onset of estrus was 6.5 ± 0.2 days. These results indicate that multiple EDP treatments are required for induction of pseudopregnancy in MMpigs and estrus exhibition can be controlled in MMpigs by treatment with EDP and PGF2α.
Insights
Multiple estradiol dipropionate (EDP) treatments are necessary for pseudopregnancy induction in Microminipigs (MMpigs). Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) administration effectively controls estrus exhibition in these animals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Swine Reproduction
- Animal Models
Background:
- Microminipigs (MMpigs) are utilized as models for human reproductive studies.
- Inducing and controlling reproductive cycles in MMpigs is crucial for experimental design.
- Estradiol dipropionate (EDP) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) are hormones with known reproductive effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of pseudopregnancy in cyclic MMpigs using exogenous estradiol dipropionate (EDP).
- To assess the effects of prostaglandin (PG) F2α on estrus exhibition in pseudopregnant MMpigs.
- To establish protocols for controlled reproductive manipulation in MMpigs.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Ovariectomized MMpigs received single intramuscular injections of varying doses of EDP (0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 mg).
- Experiment 2: Pseudopregnancy induction was tested with different frequencies of EDP administration (1, 2, or 3 treatments) starting at 9-12 days post-estrus.
- Experiment 3: Pseudopregnant MMpigs received two PGF2α injections 24 hours apart to assess estrus induction and LH surge.
Main Results:
- EDP administration significantly increased estradiol-17β levels in MMpigs.
- Multiple EDP treatments (3 injections) significantly improved pseudopregnancy rates compared to single treatments.
- PGF2α treatment induced estrus in 100% of pseudopregnant MMpigs, with an LH surge observed in 80%.
Conclusions:
- Multiple administrations of EDP are required to reliably induce pseudopregnancy in Microminipigs.
- Estrus exhibition in MMpigs can be effectively controlled using a combination of EDP and PGF2α treatments.
- This study provides a method for manipulating reproductive cycles in MMpigs for research purposes.
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