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Animals
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Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare
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Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 25400

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Katiuska Satué

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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain
Interests: endocrinology; pregnancy; estrous cycle; mare; equine physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Esterina Fazio

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, 98168 Messina, Italy
Interests: endocrinology; metabolism; exercise physiology; animal physiology; equine performance; transport animals
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Prof. Dr. Pietro Medica

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, 98168 Messina, Italy
Interests: endocrinology; metabolism; exercise physiology; stress; animal physiology; transport animals
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Dr. Cristina Cravana

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Messina, Italy
Interests: endocrinology; metabolism; exercise physiology; animal physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive success is a very important objective to ensure the evolution of animal species. In this sense, many interesting studies have been carried out to clarify various aspects of reproduction in the horse. Recent advances in the knowledge of biology, endocrinological and biotechnology developed in mares have been key to improving efficiency. This Special Issue is focused on “Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the mare” and therefore welcomes novel research or insightful reviews on these aspects in this species.

Physiological control and hormonal synchronization of the estrous cycle is pivotal in guaranteeing fertilization and pregnancy. The ability to produce a viable foal is critical to the broodmare. The interaction and coordination between the ovary, the placenta, and the fetus guarantee the hormonal secretion necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy. Maternal–fetal interaction is mediated by the fetoplacental unit, the necessary interface for the production and secretion of these steroid hormones. In equine clinical practice, the evaluation of hormonal profiles during pregnancy is one of the main determinants of fetal and/or placental involvement. Consequently, progestogens and estrogens, among others, are useful in monitoring the health status of the placenta and fetal viability. Since placental and/or compromised pathologies or death lead to alterations in the profiles of these hormones, hormonal diagnosis allows the timing and detection of early pathological conditions to establish the appropriate treatment for the maintenance of pregnancy and to reduce the loss of foals.

Prof. Dr. Katiuska Satué
Prof. Dr. Esterina Fazio
Dr. Pietro Medica
Dr. Cristina Cravana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • reproductive physiology
  • endocrinology
  • mare
  • pregnancy
  • autocrine and paracrine factors
  • hormonal fetomaternal interaction

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 5434 KiB  
Article
Effect of Overfeeding Shetland Pony Mares on Embryonic Glucose and Lipid Accumulation, and Expression of Imprinted Genes
by Nicky M. M. D’ Fonseca, Charlotte M. E. Gibson, David A. van Doorn, Ellen Roelfsema, Marta de Ruijter-Villani and Tom A. E. Stout
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092504 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3058
Abstract
Maternal overfeeding is associated with disturbances in early embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, leading to altered expression of imprinted genes and nutrient transporters, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal [...] Read more.
Maternal overfeeding is associated with disturbances in early embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, leading to altered expression of imprinted genes and nutrient transporters, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal overfeeding affects the equine embryo, Shetland pony mares were fed either a high-energy (HE: 200% of net energy requirements) or maintenance (control) diet. Mares from both groups were inseminated, and day-seven embryos were recovered and transferred to recipients from the same or the alternate group. The expression of a panel of imprinted genes, glucose and amino acid transporters, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were determined in conceptus membranes after recovery on day 28 of gestation (late pre-implantation phase). The expression of nutrient transporters was also assessed in endometrium recovered from recipient mares immediately after conceptus removal. In addition, glucose uptake by day-28 extra-embryonic membranes, and lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven blastocysts were assessed. Maternal overfeeding resulted in elevated expression of imprinted genes (IGF2, IGF2R, H19, GRB10, PEG10 and SNRPN), DNMTs (DNMT1 and DNMT3B), glucose (SLC2A1), fructose (SLC2A5) and amino acid (SLC7A2) transporters following ET from an HE to a control mare. Expression of amino acid transporters (SLC1A5 and SLC7A1) was also elevated in the endometrium after ET from HE to control. Maternal overfeeding did not affect lipid droplet accumulation in blastocysts, or glucose uptake by day-28 membranes. It remains to be seen whether the alterations in gene expression are maintained throughout gestation and into postnatal life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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12 pages, 3019 KiB  
Article
Physiological Correlation between Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis, Leptin, UCP1 and Lipid Panel in Mares during Late Pregnancy and Early Postpartum Period
by Francesca Arfuso, Claudia Giannetto, Marilena Bazzano, Anna Assenza and Giuseppe Piccione
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072051 - 9 Jul 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3541
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the dynamic change of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, leptin, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), lipids and lipoproteins in mares during late pregnancy and the postpartum period. A total of 20 mares (10 pregnant mares, monitored from 14 ± [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the dynamic change of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, leptin, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), lipids and lipoproteins in mares during late pregnancy and the postpartum period. A total of 20 mares (10 pregnant mares, monitored from 14 ± 2 days before expected foaling until 14 days after foaling, Group A; 10 non-pregnant and non-lactating mares, Group B) were enrolled in the study. Body Condition Score (BCS) and body weight (BW) values were recorded from each animal. In Group A, blood samples were collected on days 14 ± 2 and 7 ± 2 before foaling (T−14; T−7), and on days 7 and 14 after foaling (T+7; T+14). From mares of Group B, blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study. The levels of ACTH, cortisol, leptin, UCP1, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were investigated. While BCS showed no statistical change throughout the monitoring period (p > 0.05), all the other studied parameters displayed statistically significant variations in Group A over the peripartum period (p < 0.0001). A significant effect of pregnancy was found on all studied parameters (p < 0.001). The ACTH and cortisol levels measured in mares belonged to Group A showed a significant positive correlation with the values of leptin, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs, whereas they were negatively correlated with the serum UCP1 and NEFAs values. Together, the findings gathered in this study highlight a dynamic change of serum leptin, UCP1 and lipid parameters in peripartum mares and suggest an interaction of the HPA axis with lipid metabolism and mobilization in mares during the peripartum period in order to deal with metabolic and energy demand and maintain energy homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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17 pages, 4593 KiB  
Article
Association between the Area of the Highest Flank Temperature and Concentrations of Reproductive Hormones during Pregnancy in Polish Konik Horses—A Preliminary Study
by Małgorzata Maśko, Łukasz Zdrojkowski, Małgorzata Wierzbicka and Małgorzata Domino
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061517 - 23 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
Determination of the pregnancy status is one of the most important factors for effective pregnancy management. Knowledge of the stage of pregnancy is important to interpret many of the reproductive hormones’ concentrations, including progesterone (P4), estrone sulfate (E1S), 17-ß estradiol (E2), and relaxin [...] Read more.
Determination of the pregnancy status is one of the most important factors for effective pregnancy management. Knowledge of the stage of pregnancy is important to interpret many of the reproductive hormones’ concentrations, including progesterone (P4), estrone sulfate (E1S), 17-ß estradiol (E2), and relaxin (REL). However, it is limited in wildlife or captive equids that cannot be handled. Reproductive hormones affect regional blood flow, the proliferation of tissues, and local metabolism intensity. Therefore, this preliminary study aimed to assess changes in thermal features of the abdomen lateral surface and concentrations of reproductive hormones in Polish native pregnant mares. The study was carried out on 14 non-pregnant and 26 pregnant Polish Konik mares during eleven months of pregnancy. Infrared thermography was conducted to image the lateral surface of mares’ abdomen (Px1) and flank area (Px2); P4, E1S, E2, and REL concentrations in serum were also determined. The evidence of the association between the area with the highest temperatures (Area of Tmax) and serum concentrations of P4 (the slope = 1.373; p = 0.9245) and REL (the slope = 1.342; p = 0.4324) were noted dependent across months of pregnancy. Measures of superficial body temperatures were found to change monthly, similarly to ambient temperatures, with no evidence of coincidence with changes in reproductive hormone concentrations. Individual thermal characteristics of the lateral surface of the abdomen differed between pregnant and non-pregnant mares in other periods. Differences in maximal and average temperature and Area of Tmax were observed from the sixth month of pregnancy, and those in minimal temperature were observed from the eighth month. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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12 pages, 693 KiB  
Article
Endocrine and Electrolyte Balances during Periovulatory Period in Cycling Mares
by Katiuska Satué, Esterina Fazio, Ana Muñoz and Pietro Medica
Animals 2021, 11(2), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020520 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2995
Abstract
In cycling females, the periovulatory period is characterized by stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of present study was to analyze the pattern and interrelationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and electrolytes (sodium—Na+, potassium—K [...] Read more.
In cycling females, the periovulatory period is characterized by stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of present study was to analyze the pattern and interrelationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and electrolytes (sodium—Na+, potassium—K+ and chloride—Cl−) during periovulatory period in cycling mares. Venous blood samples were obtained daily from a total of 23 Purebred Spanish broodmares, aged 7.09 ± 2.5 years, from day −5 to day +5 of estrous cycle, considering day 0, the day of ovulation. Plasma ACTH was measured by a fluorescent immunoassay kit, serum CORT and ALD by means of a competitive ELISA immunoassay, and plasma Na+, K+ and Cl− were quantified by an analyzer with selective electrodes for the three ions. ACTH showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −1 and +1 to +3 (p < 0.05). CORT showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 and +1 to +5 (p < 0.05). ALD showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 (p < 0.05) and +2 (p < 0.05). Na+ and Cl− showed higher concentrations at day 0, compared to day −5 and +5. K+ showed lower concentrations at day 0 compared to day +1 (p < 0.05). The significant correlations obtained between ACTH and CORT (r = 0.20) and between ACTH and ALD (r = 0.32) suggest that although ACTH may have an effect both on CORT and ALD, there are other very important determinants that could be considered. Hence, it is possible to presume that the pituitary adrenocortical response and ALD may be involved in the ovulatory mechanisms without a direct relation with electrolyte pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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8 pages, 212 KiB  
Article
Effects of Leaving Amputated Ovaries Intra-Abdominally during Elective Bilateral Standing Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Equids
by Ian F. Devick and Dean A. Hendrickson
Animals 2021, 11(1), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010232 - 18 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2752
Abstract
There is risk of dropping an amputated ovary within the abdomen during standing laparoscopic ovariectomies in mares. If the ovary can no longer be directly visualized with the laparoscope, the procedure is then converted to a flank laparotomy for manual retrieval of the [...] Read more.
There is risk of dropping an amputated ovary within the abdomen during standing laparoscopic ovariectomies in mares. If the ovary can no longer be directly visualized with the laparoscope, the procedure is then converted to a flank laparotomy for manual retrieval of the ovary which negates the minimally invasive nature of the laparoscopic procedure. The objective was to identify if ovaries left in the abdomen after amputation would atrophy or if they re-vascularize. Standing bilateral ovariectomies were performed in mature mares, but after transection of the ovarian pedicle, the ovaries were intentionally dropped and left within the abdomen. Post-operative endocrine values were at basal levels and an improvement in all mare’s behavior and general herd dynamics was observed. While this study does not encourage to leave ovaries in the abdomen after amputation, we report no complication related to their voluntary release into the abdomen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
14 pages, 2039 KiB  
Article
Vaginal Microbiota Is Stable throughout the Estrous Cycle in Arabian Mares
by Marta Barba, Rebeca Martínez-Boví, Juan José Quereda, María Lorena Mocé, María Plaza-Dávila, Estrella Jiménez-Trigos, Ángel Gómez-Martín, Pedro González-Torres, Belén Carbonetto and Empar García-Roselló
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112020 - 3 Nov 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4836
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominate human vaginal microbiota and inhibit pathogen proliferation. In other mammals, LAB do not dominate vaginal microbiota, however shifts of dominant microorganisms occur during ovarian cycle. The study objectives were to characterize equine vaginal microbiota in mares by culture-dependent [...] Read more.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominate human vaginal microbiota and inhibit pathogen proliferation. In other mammals, LAB do not dominate vaginal microbiota, however shifts of dominant microorganisms occur during ovarian cycle. The study objectives were to characterize equine vaginal microbiota in mares by culture-dependent and independent methods and to describe its variation in estrus and diestrus. Vaginal swabs from 8 healthy adult Arabian mares were obtained in estrus and diestrus. For culture-dependent processing, bacteria were isolated on Columbia blood agar (BA) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar. LAB comprised only 2% of total bacterial isolates and were not related to ovarian phases. For culture-independent processing, V3/V4 variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene were amplified and sequenced using Illumina Miseq. The diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota did not change during the estrous cycle. Core equine vaginal microbiome consisted of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level it was defined by Porphyromonas, Campylobacter, Arcanobacterium, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, uncultured Kiritimatiaellae and Akkermansia. Lactobacillus comprised only 0.18% of the taxonomic composition in estrus and 0.37% in diestrus. No differences in the relative abundance of the most abundant phylum or genera were observed between estrus and diestrus samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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9 pages, 385 KiB  
Article
Intrafollicular and Systemic Dopamine, Noradrenaline and Adrenaline Concentrations in Cycling Mares
by Katiuska Satué, Esterina Fazio, Maria Dolores Rubio, Cristina Cravana and Pietro Medica
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101896 - 16 Oct 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2456
Abstract
In some species, catecholamines in follicular fluid (FF) are related to local physiological events responsible for the regulation of ovarian functions and oocyte maturation. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare intrafollicular and systemic concentrations of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline [...] Read more.
In some species, catecholamines in follicular fluid (FF) are related to local physiological events responsible for the regulation of ovarian functions and oocyte maturation. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare intrafollicular and systemic concentrations of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (AD) in cycling mares. Sixty ovaries were collected during breeding season from 30 mares raised for slaughterhouse meat production, with clinically normal reproductive tracts, were evaluated. Blood samples were collected prior to slaughter. Follicles were classified into three categories in relation to size: small (20–30 mm; n = 20), medium (≥31–40 mm; n = 20) and large (≥41 mm; n = 20). Follicular fluid (FF) samples were extracted from each follicle. Intrafollicular DA, NA and AD concentrations were significantly higher than the systemic concentrations (p < 0.05). Intrafollicular DA concentrations were higher in medium than small and large follicles (p < 0.05). Intrafollicular NA concentrations were higher in small than medium and large follicles (p < 0.05). Intrafollicular AD concentrations were higher in large than small and medium follicles (p < 0.05). Follicle diameter was significantly and negatively correlated with NA and AD (p < 0.05). A significant correlation of the same hormone concentration in FF and in systemic fluid was observed (p < 0.05). In summary, the FF can serve as an intraovarian catecholamine-storing compartment, with the ability to release neurotransmitters in a regulated way. These results provide novel insights into the neuronal nature of the follicle, suggesting the involvement of catecholamines in normal ovarian functions in mares. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Endocrinology and Reproduction in the Mare)
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