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Summary
This study measured plasma relaxin activity in domestic cats using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Relaxin was not detected during the estrous cycle or early pregnancy, but appeared around day 25 of gestation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Relaxin is a key hormone in mammalian pregnancy.
- Its role and secretion patterns in domestic cats (Felis catus) are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma relaxin activity in domestic cats throughout the reproductive cycle and gestation.
- To characterize the temporal secretion profile of relaxin during feline pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from domestic cats during the estrous cycle, pseudopregnancy, and various stages of gestation.
- Relaxin immunoactivity was quantified using radioimmunoassay (RIA) with two distinct antisera (5858 and R6) raised against porcine relaxin.
Main Results:
- Relaxin activity was undetectable during the estrous cycle and pseudopregnancy.
- Plasma relaxin immunoactivity was first detected around day 25 of gestation, increasing rapidly thereafter.
- A plateau in relaxin levels was observed between days 30-35, maintained until 10-15 days prepartum, followed by a gradual decline until parturition.
Conclusions:
- Plasma relaxin is a marker of pregnancy in domestic cats, with a distinct secretion pattern during gestation.
- The findings provide insights into the endocrinology of feline reproduction and pregnancy maintenance.