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Prostaglandins in swine blastocysts
Biology of Reproduction
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and prostaglandin (PG) levels in swine blastocysts increase with embryonic development. These findings suggest PGs may play a role in early pregnancy recognition in pigs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Embryology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostaglandins (PGs) are crucial signaling molecules in reproduction.
- Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme involved in PG synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity of PLA2 and the content of PGs (PGF and PGE-A) in swine blastocysts during early gestation.
- To determine the relationship between embryonic age and these biochemical factors.
Main Methods:
- Radioenzymatic and radioimmunoassay techniques were employed.
- Measurements were taken on swine blastocysts from Day 7 to Day 14 of gestation.
Main Results:
- Both PLA2 activity and PG content increased significantly with blastocyst age.
- PLA2 activity peaked on Day 14, while PG content peaked on Day 12.
- PGE-A levels were consistently higher than PGF levels, with a significant difference noted from Day 11 onwards.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic production of PGs is associated with blastocyst elongation and migration.
- PGs of embryonic origin may be involved in the crucial process of early pregnancy recognition in pigs.