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Uterine response to progesterone in prepubertal gilts
P G Groothuis1, R M Blair, R C Simmen
1Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
|July 1, 1997
Summary
The prepubertal gilt uterus develops responsiveness to progesterone between 20 and 90 days of age. Uterine mass responds to progesterone earlier than secretory functions like protein and prostaglandin production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental physiology
Background:
- Progesterone is crucial for early pregnancy by stimulating uterine secretions that support the conceptus.
- Some gilts can support conceptus development by 110 days of age, indicating potential early uterine receptivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the onset of uterine responsiveness to progesterone in prepubertal gilts.
- To investigate age-related changes in uterine mass and luminal secretions following progesterone treatment.
Main Methods:
- Thirty gilts received daily progesterone or corn oil for 14 days, starting at various ages (6, 46, 76, 106, 136 days).
- Hysterectomies were performed post-treatment; uterine horns were weighed and flushed.
- Uterine flushings were analyzed for total protein, retinol binding protein, uteroferrin, prostaglandin E, and prostaglandin F.
Main Results:
- Progesterone increased uterine wet mass in gilts older than 20 days, indicating early responsiveness.
- Progesterone significantly increased total luminal protein, retinol binding protein, and uteroferrin starting around 90 days of age.
- Progesterone stimulated prostaglandin E and F production in gilts from 90 to 150 days of age, with peak response at 120 days.
Conclusions:
- Uterine responsiveness to progesterone develops between 20 and 90 days postpartum in gilts.
- Uterine mass exhibits earlier responsiveness to progesterone compared to the development of secretory functions.