Uterine-conceptus interactions and reproductive failure in cattle

Thatcher, W.W.; Güzeloğlu, Aydın; Mattos, R.C.; Binelli, Mário; Hansen, Thomas; Pru, James K.

doi:10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00645-8

Cited by 213 publications

(163 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Embryo mortality, during the pre-implantation period, is a key contributor to reduced fertility in cattle, with up to 40% of total embryo losses occurring between days 8 and 17 of pregnancy (Thatcher et al, 2001). This stage of embryonic loss coincides with the inhibitory effects of interferon-t, produced by trophectoderm cells of embryos, on prostaglandin release from the uterus (Flint, 1995).…”

Section: Embryo Development and Implantationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integration of physiological mechanisms that influence fertility in dairy cows

Garnsworthy

Sinclair

Webb

2008

Animal

100

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Fertility in dairy cows has been declining for the past three decades. Genetic selection for increased milk production has been associated with changes in key metabolic hormones (growth hormone, insulin, IGF and leptin) that regulate metabolism by homoeostasis and homeorhesis. These metabolic hormones, particularly insulin, provide signals to the reproductive system so that regulation of ovarian function is coordinated with changes in metabolic status. Studies have shown, for example, that increasing circulating insulin concentrations during the early post partum period can advance the resumption of oestrous cycles by enhancing follicular growth. However, high concentrations of insulin can be detrimental to the developmental competence of oocytes, which is also influenced by the supply of fatty acids at the systemic level and at the ovarian level. Insulin status is also associated with the incidence and characteristics of abnormal ovarian cycles. These changes can occur without significant variation in circulating gonadotrophin concentrations. This suggests that additional factors, such as peripheral metabolites, metabolic hormones and locally produced growth factors, may have a modulating role. Recent evidence has demonstrated that ovarian responses to metabolic signals and nutrient profile vary according to the stage of the reproductive cycle. Improved understanding of this multifactorial process enables nutrition to be matched to genotype and milk production, with a positive impact on pregnancy rate.

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Section: Embryo Development and Implantationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integration of physiological mechanisms that influence fertility in dairy cows

Garnsworthy

Sinclair

Webb

2008

Animal

100

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“…Pregnancy establishment in cattle is vulnerable during the period of maternal recognition of pregnancy prior to the establishment of the cotyledonary placenta (Sreenan and Diskin 1986;Thatcher et al 2001), with 24-28% of pregnancy failures occurring between 8 and 16 days after insemination . Previously, two groups of recipient cows were identified using serial transfer of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, as having either a high or low pregnancy rate at Day 35 of gestation .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the uterine environment early in pregnancy establishment to characterise cows with a potentially superior ability to support conceptus survival

Ledgard

Meier

Peterson

2011

Reprod. Fertil. Dev.

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Abstract. During previous investigations, the capacity of the cow to secrete prostaglandin in response to oxytocin has been linked with pregnancy outcome. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of prostaglandin release to identify groups of cows as potentially superior (SR, low prostaglandin release) or inferior (IR, high prostaglandin release) for pregnancy outcome and to utilise these cows to investigate factors that contribute to optimum uterine conditions for early pregnancy. Animals were synchronised and received an in vitro-derived blastocyst on Day 7 post-oestrus. Tissues (trophoblast and endometrial) and uterine luminal fluid (ULF) were recovered 10 days later. Pregnancy rates were 94 and 78% for SR and IR cows, respectively. Of the pregnant SR cows, 69% had larged conceptuses (.24 cm) in contrast to 43% IR of cows. IR cows with small conceptuses (,12 cm) had significantly lower mean Day 3 and 5 post-oestrous progesterone concentrations than cows with large conceptuses. The expression of factors involved in the prostaglandin pathway, pregnancy and conceptus development were analysed via quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Investigation of 16 endometrial gene transcripts indicated no differences between IR and SR cows except for osteopontin expression which, in uteri with large conceptuses, was 2-fold greater in SR than IR cows (P ¼ 0.02). There was greater expression of CTGF, OXTR, PGES, PGHS2 and UTMP mRNA in uteri of SR and IR cows that had large compared with small conceptuses (P , 0.05). More IFNT protein was recovered in SR compared with IR ULF (P , 0.03). SR cows with large conceptuses had less TIMP2 and legumain protein in their gravid, compared with their non-gravid horns (P # 0.02) whereas IR cows did not. The predictive value of prostaglandin release in response to oxytocin challenge does not appear to be an effective indicator of subsequent pregnancy rates in cows. Differences between the two groups appear to be associated with subtle differences in progesterone and uterine protein concentrations that may be related to differences in conceptus size.

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“…Bovine IFNT is secreted between days 12 and 38 of pregnancy and activates mechanisms that prevent uterine secretion of luteolytic pulses of PGF (see Thatcher et al, 2001). Similar to ewes, neither exogenous E2 nor OXT stimulate uterine release of PGF in cows receiving intra-uterine ovine IFNT.…”

Section: Cowsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pregnancy recognition signals in mammals: the roles of interferons and estrogens

Bazer

Johnson

2017

Anim Reprod

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Reproduction is a highly complex biological process requiring a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus which must be established during the peri-implantation period for pregnancy recognition signaling and regulation of gene expression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells. The uterus provide a microenvironment in which molecules secreted by uterine epithelia or transported into the uterine lumen represent histotroph or the secretome required for growth and development of the conceptus and receptivity of the uterus to implantation by the conceptus. Pregnancy recognition signaling as related to sustaining the functional lifespan of the corpora lutea (CL) which produce progesterone; the hormone of pregnancy essential for uterine functions that support implantation and placentation required for successful outcomes of pregnancy. It is within the periimplantation period that most embryonic deaths occur in mammals due to deficiencies attributed to uterine functions or failure of the conceptus to develop appropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/or undergo implantation and placentation. The endocrine status of the pregnant female and her nutritional status are critical for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The challenge is to understand the complexity of key mechanisms that are characteristic of successful reproduction and to use that knowledge to enhance fertility and reproductive health of animals including nonhuman primates. It is important to translate knowledge gained from studies of animals to address issues of fertility and reproductive health in humans.

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Uterine-conceptus interactions and reproductive failure in cattle

Cited by 213 publications

References 47 publications

Integration of physiological mechanisms that influence fertility in dairy cows

Integration of physiological mechanisms that influence fertility in dairy cows

Evaluation of the uterine environment early in pregnancy establishment to characterise cows with a potentially superior ability to support conceptus survival

Pregnancy recognition signals in mammals: the roles of interferons and estrogens

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