Biomedical subjects

W T Bosu

Publications and source records attributed to W T Bosu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1989

Suppression of preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges in heifers after intrauterine infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin.

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that high cortisol concentrations associated with products of infections (endotoxin) cause derangement in the neuroendocrine mechanism controlling ovulation in heifers. Eight Holstein heifers were given 2 injections of prostaglandin (PG), 11 days apart, to synchronize estrus. Starting from 25 hours after the second injection of PG (PG-2), the uterus of each heifer was infused with 5 ml of pyrogen-free water (control, n = 3) or Escherichia coli endotoxin (5 micrograms/kg of body weight) in 5 ml of pyrogen-free water (treated, n = 5), once every 6 hours for 10 treatments. Blood samples were obtained every 15 minutes via indwelling jugular catheter for an hour before and 2 hours after each infusion, then hourly until an hour before the next infusion. Ultrasonography of the ovaries was performed every 12 hours, starting 24 hours after PG-2 injection until 96 hours after PG-2 injection. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone and cortisol were determined by validated radioimmunoassays. Changes in cortisol concentrations were not detected in control heifers with preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges at 60 to 66 hours after PG-2 injection, followed by ovulations 72 to 96 hours after PG-2 was injected. None of the treated heifers ovulated, and the resulting follicular cysts (14 to 18 mm diameter) persisted for 7 to 21 days. In all treated heifers, serum cortisol concentrations increased (4- to 10-fold) during the first 2 hours after each infusion and then decreased gradually until the next infusion. Luteinizing hormone concentrations remained at baseline values throughout the treatment period in all treated heifers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Relationship of uterine infections and folliculogenesis in dairy cows during early puerperium.

Postpartum uterine infections have been associated with reduced fertility in dairy cows; however, the mechanism by which uterine infections limit reproductive function has not been clearly determined. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between uterine infections in the early puerperium and the onset of folliculogenesis in dairy cows. The pattern and intensity of uterine infections and follicular dynamics were studied in cows that shed fetal membranes (n = 18), and in those that retained fetal membranes after parturition (n = 18). Endometrial swabs collected aseptically from each animal on Days 4, 8 and 12 after parturition were cultured. Ultrasound scanning of the ovaries was carried out on Days 4, B and 12 using a B mode, real-time, linear array ultrasound scanner. The total number of follicles was recorded, and the follicles were classified according to size as small (2 to 4 mm) or medium (5 to 7 mm). The severity of infection was higher (P<0.05) in retained placenta cows on Days 4, 8 and 12 compared to nonretained placenta cows. The total number of follicles was larger (P<0.05) in nonretained placenta cows on Days 4, 8 and 12 than in retained placenta cows. The distribution of different sizes of follicles on all days of observations was similar in both groups of cows (P>0.05). These data support the hypothesis that uterine infection may delay the initiation of folliculogenesis and suppress the rate of follicular growth in dairy cows in the immediate postpartum period.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1988

Reproductive physiology of the nonpregnant mare. An overview and update.

This article reviews the reproductive events in the nonpregnant mare with emphasis on recent advances. The discussion is restricted to the salient features of puberty (prenatal and prepubertal events), seasonality (gonadotropins, photoperiod, and other modifying factors), and the estrous cycle (hormones, estrus, diestrus, and the control of cyclicity) in the nonpregnant mare.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Short-term changes in serum luteinizing hormone, ovarian response and reproductive performance following gonadotrophin releasing hormone treatment in postpartum dairy cows with retained placenta.

Thirty-six postpartum Holstein cows consisting of eighteen cows that shed the placenta soon after calving (NRP) and eighteen cows that retained placenta greater than 24 h (RP) were used. There were four treatment groups. Group I consisted of 9 NRP cows which received intramuscular injection of sterile saline on day 15 postpartum. The second group consisted of 9 NRPN cows which received 100 micrograms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on day 15 postpartum (NRPT). The third group consisted of 9 RP cows which received saline on day 15 postpartum (RPN) and the fourth group consisted of 9 RP cows which received 100 micrograms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on day 15 postpartum (RPT). Blood samples were collected once daily during the first month and once every other day during the second month postpartum. In addition fourteen cows (RPT, n = 7; NRPT, n = 7), were used to study short-term changes in serum luteinizing hormone concentrations following gonadotrophin releasing hormone treatment on day 15 postpartum. Blood samples were obtained from these cows every 15 min during 1 h before and 6 h after gonadotrophin releasing hormone administration. Sera from all samples were assayed for progesterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations. Starting from four days after calving rectal palpations and ultrasound examinations of the ovaries were carried out once every four days until day 28 postpartum in order to monitor ovarian changes. All cows were inseminated on the first estrus after day 60 postpartum and examined for pregnancy between 35 and 42 days after insemination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Plasma endotoxin and concentrations of stable metabolites of prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, and prostaglandin E2 in postpartum dairy cows.

The presence of endotoxin in plasma and patterns of stable metabolites of prostacyclin (PC), thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined during the first postpartum estrous cycles in sixteen dairy cows. These included 8 cows with uterine infections which exhibited shortened luteal phases (SC) and 8 cows which had normal luteal phases (NC) after the first post partum ovulations. Endotoxin was consistently detected in all SC cows during the abbreviated estrous cycles while plasma samples of NC cows were free of endotoxin. Plasma concentrations of TXA2 metabolite was higher in SC cows (p less than 0.05) (1785-3452 pg/ml) compared to NC cows (723-1240 pg/ml). Similarly, plasma concentrations of PC metabolite was higher in SC cows (p less than 0.07) (423-1847 pg/ml) compared to NC cows (159-325 pg/ml). In contrast, plasma concentrations of PGE2 metabolite was higher in NC cows (p less than 0.05) (850-2219 pg/ml) compared to SC cows (455-628 pg/ml). The results of this study suggest that postpartum uterine infections mediate the release of prostaglandins from the uteri by means of the endotoxin and endotoxin appears to stimulate selectively the production of PC and TXA2 favoring early demise of corpora lutea formed after first postpartum ovulations in dairy cows.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Peripartal endocrine changes associated with retained placenta in dairy cows.

Peripheral serum concentrations of prostaglandin F(2)alpha metabolite (PGFM), cortisol, and progesterone (P(4)) were determined in cows that retained placentae (RP; n = 18) and cows that did not retain placentae after parturition (NRP; n = 28). Blood samples collected from Day 15 before until Day 15 after parturition were assayed. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in PGFM concentrations occurred in RP cows between Days 7 and 6 before parturition compared with NRP cows. There were no differences in the interval required to attain peak concentrations of PGFM and the interval required to reach basal concentrations after parturition in both groups. However, the amount of PGFM secreted during the peripartum period was significantly higher in RP cows (P < 0.01). Starting from Day 6 before parturition, serum cortisol concentrations in RP cows increased significantly to peak levels 3 d before parturition (P < 0.05). Cortisol levels decreased to basal concentrations in RP cows on Day 1 postpartum. The peripartal serum P(4) concentrations in RP and NRP cows did not differ. The results indicate that prepartal PGFM and cortisol increases may constitute reliable indicators of retained placenta in dairy cows.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1987

Effects of intrauterine infection on the function of the corpora lutea formed after first postpartum ovulations in dairy cows.

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between postpartum intrauterine infections, endocrine patterns and the function of corpora lutea formed following the first postpartum ovulations in dairy cows. Blood samples were collected daily starting from the day of parturition until 30 d after parturition or until the second postpartum estrus, whichever occurred first. Sera were assayed for progesterone (P4), prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite (PGFM), and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. Palpations per rectum and real-time ultrasound scanning of the reproductive tracts were carried out in all cows once every 4 d for 1 mo, starting from Day 4 after parturition. In addition, endometrial swabs were collected aseptically from each cow once every 4 d during the first month postpartum. The swabs were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Twelve cows (60%) exhibited short estrous cycles (SC; 6 to 14 d long) following first postpartum ovulations. The mean preovulatory LH surges and LH patterns during the first postpartum cycles were similar in both groups, leading us to believe that lack of luteotrophic stimulation was not a factor in the occurrence of SC. Bacterial isolations were frequent in SC cows. The occurrence of moderate to heavy bacterial growth patterns and the repeated isolations of the similar organisms during postpartum suggests the persistence of uterine infections in SC cows. Increases in PGFM concentrations prior to luteolysis in SC cows were associated with moderate to heavy infection. Thus, postpartum uterine infections do not appear to affect ovulations, but prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) released in response to uterine infection may contribute to early demise of the corpus luteum formed after the first postpartum ovulation.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1987

Evidence for a role of intrauterine infections in the pathogenesis of cystic ovaries in postpartum dairy cows.

Patterns of uterine microbial recovery and serum concentrations of prostaglandin F(2alpha) metabolite (PGFM), cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P4) were determined in normal postpartum dairy cows (n = 12) and in postpartum cows that developed cystic ovaries (n = 12). Palpation per rectum, ultrasound examinations of the reproductive tract and endometrial swab harvest were carried out once every 4 d during the first month postpartum. Daily blood samples were collected during the first 30 d postpartum and every other day until Day 60 postpartum for hormone assay. Bacterial growth densities of cultures of uterine swabs were high in cows that developed cystic ovaries. Cysts were detected between Day 8 and 16 postpartum and persisted for a period of 18.6 +/- 9.9 d (range 8 to 41 d), followed by spontaneous regression and ovulations. Serum PGFM and cortisol were elevated for several days prior to detection of cystic ovaries but not prior to first postpartum ovulations. Serum LH concentrations in cystic cows were at basal concentrations prior to discovery of cysts. The results suggest that postpartum intrauterine infections may provoke increased secretion of prostaglandin F(2alpha) and cortisol associated with the formation of cystic ovaries in dairy cows.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1987

Histology of the normal and retained equine testis.

Abdominal, inguinal and scrotal testes of horses were examined grossly and by light microscopy. An average of 1.5, 2.3 and 4.6 layers of spermatogenic cells, and mean seminiferous tubule diameters of approximately 66.2, 83.6 and 146.6 micron in the abdominal, inguinal and scrotal testes, respectively, were recorded. The interstitial spaces and the number of interstitial cells (of Leydig) seemed to be increased while spermatogenesis appeared to be arrested in the retained testes. Early spermatocytes were the most mature stages of the spermatogenic cells in the retained testes. An extensive vacuolation of spermatogenic cells was evident in these testes. The changes may result due to a high temperature of the abdominal environment in concert with the altered production of androgens.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Peripartal changes in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity in dairy cows.

Peripartal serum alkaline phosphatase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity were measured in 30 dairy cows in order to examine the association between retained fetal membranes and enzyme activity. Daily blood samples were obtained from pregnant cows, starting 15 days before the expected day of calving until eight days after parturition. Sera from 15 cows which retained fetal membranes longer than 24 hours and 15 cows which shed fetal membranes within six hours after parturition were analyzed for alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities. Mean alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities ranged from 15.93 to 32.6 U/L in retained and nonretained placenta cows. There was a trend towards higher serum alkaline phosphatase activities in retained placenta cows but the differences were not significant among the groups (P greater than 0.05). Mean lactate dehydrogenase activities ranged from 307.2 to 438.86 U/L in nonretained and retained placenta cows. Lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities in nonretained and retained placenta cows were similar (P greater than 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities peaked at the time of parturition in both groups. However, the differences in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities on different days within non-retained and retained placenta cows were significant (P less than 0.05). Results indicate that prepartal changes in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities are not predictive of placental retention postpartum.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1986

Postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows: Correlation between behavioral estrus, pedometer measurements and ovulations.

The efficacy of pedometers as estrus detection aids was tested in a group of 47 Holstein cows during the postpartum period. Pedometers were strapped on the left front leg of each cow on the day of parturition and pedometer measurements were recorded twice daily for 60 days. The cows were also observed twice a day for behavioral signs of estrus. Daily blood samples were collected during Days 1-30, and thereafter once every two days from Days 30-60 after parturition for progesterone assay. Rectal palpations of the ovaries were carried out once every four days during the first month after parturition. Based on the progesterone profiles and rectal palpation findings, 91 ovulations were recorded in 42 cows and 5 cows remained acyclic during the observation period. Seventy-six percent (69 91 ) of the ovulations were associated with pedometer indications of estrus, while only 35% (32 91 ) of the ovulations were associated with observed estrus. Fifty-seven percent (24 42 ) of the first postpartum ovulations were associated with pedometer measurements, but only 19% (8 42 ) of the first postpartum ovulations were associated with behavioral signs of estrus. Similarly, pedometers were superior to observations as a method of detection of estrus associated with the second and third postpartum ovulations (91% vs 37%, 92% vs 78% respectively). It is concluded that pedometers are useful aids for estrus detection, particularly in the immediate postpartum.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1986

The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone administration four days after insemination on first-service conception rates and corpus luteum function in dairy cows.

One hundred and eighty-five Holstein-Friesian dairy cows received either sterile water or 250 micrograms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone intramuscularly on the fourth day after the first service postpartum. Heparinized blood samples were taken immediately prior to treatment (day 4) and on day 8 postinsemination for analysis of plasma progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by rectal palpation at 42 days postinsemination and reconfirmed after 60 days postbreeding. The pregnancy rates after first, second or third service were not significantly different between gonadotrophin releasing hormone-treated and control cows. Plasma progesterone concentrations on day 4 and day 8 postinsemination, as well as the change in plasma progesterone concentration from day 4 to day 8, were similar for gonadotrophin releasing hormone-treated and control cows. The plasma progesterone concentrations on day 8 postbreeding were significantly higher (p less than 0.005) and the change in progesterone concentrations between days 4 and 8 were significantly greater (p less than 0.002) in pregnant cows compared to nonpregnant cows.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

The maternal to fetal transfer of immunoglobulins associated with placental lesions in sheep.

In this study we evaluated maternofetal transmission of immunoglobulins in ewes under conditions of altered placental morphology. Intravenous injection of human red blood cells was used to induce immunoglobulins in pregnant ewes. The hemagglutination test was used to detect antibody in maternal serum, fetal and placental fluids. Placental injury was induced by intravenous inoculation of Escherichia coli endotoxin or spores of Aspergillus fumigatus into pregnant ewes at days 99 or 100 of gestation respectively. Placental infarction, thrombosis of maternal placental vessels and variable neutrophil infiltrate characterized lesions produced by A. fumigatus. Endotoxin treated ewes developed marked placental edema, congestion, hemorrhage and focal loss of uterine epithelium. Human red blood cell agglutinating antibody was not detected in placental or fetal fluids obtained from ewes with either of the above placental lesions. Placentitis of undetermined etiology was observed in seven ewes. Two ewes had received A. fumigatus, two had received endotoxin and three were untreated ewes. Histological examination of their placentas revealed trophoblastic and endometrial epithelial necrosis and necrotizing vasculitis of the chorioallantois. Human red blood cell agglutinating antibody was detected only in the fetal and placental fluids of the seven ewes with these placental lesions. The nature of these lesions would have produced a functional confluence of the maternal and fetal circulations. Antibody transfer from dam to fetus was observed only in association with placental lesions which produced this confluence of circulations. The character of the placental lesions, rather than the mere presence of placental lesions apparently determined the transfer of immunoglobulins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1986

Serum progesterone concentrations associated with superovulation and premature corpus luteum failure in dairy goats.

The incidence and cause of premature corpora lutea failure and the response to luteinizing hormone treatment was investigated in superovulated dairy goats. Does were treated with 1000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin intramuscularly, followed by either luteinizing hormone (treated group) or saline (control group). Serum progesterone concentrations were used to monitor corpus luteum function. The dose of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin used induced superovulation in a majority of the does, but the responses varied depending on the time of year. Premature regression of the corpora lutea occurred in 4 of 18 does after pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatment, but there was no difference in the incidence of corpora lutea failure between treated and control groups. Decreases in serum progesterone concentrations were evident by day 3 after ovulation in does that experienced corpora lutea failure indicating this to be the critical time for premature regression of the corpora lutea in superovulated does.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Interrelationships between postpartum events, hormonal therapy, reproductive abnormalities and reproductive performance in dairy cows: a path analysis.

Path analysis was used to determine the interrelationships between postpartum administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and cloprostenol and the occurrence of reproductive disease and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The data analysed were those collected on 226 Holstein-Friesian cows calving in a commercial dairy herd during a 17 month period (May 1, 1981 to October 1, 1982). Cows administered gonadotrophin releasing hormone at day 15 postpartum experienced an improved rate of uterine involution as determined by rectal palpation nine days later. Although this improved rate of uterine involution reduced the risk of pyometritis, it actually directly delayed conception. Also, gonadotrophin releasing hormone therapy directly resulted in an increased incidence of pyometritis which in turn resulted in an increase incidence of cystic ovarian disease and anestrus. The occurrence of these abnormalities resulted in increased intervals from calving to first observed estrus, first service and conception. In addition to this effect, the administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone was also associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations at days 24 and 28 postpartum which delayed conception. Cloprostenol therapy at day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased plasma progesterone concentration at day 28 postpartum which was directly and indirectly associated with a decrease in the calving to conception interval. The indirect effects were mediated by a reduction in days to first estrus. Cloprostenol therapy also directly resulted in a decreased calving to first observed estrus interval for reasons not attributable to the level of progesterone at day 28.

Anestrus↗

PubMed1985

Interrelationships between ambient temperature, age at calving, postpartum reproductive events and reproductive performance in dairy cows: a path analysis.

Path analysis was used to determine the interrelationships between ambient temperature, age at calving, postpartum reproductive events and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The data used in the analysis were collected on 226 Holstein-Friesian cows calving in a commercial dairy herd during a 17 month period (May 1, 1981 to October 1, 1982). The data were obtained from a double blind study evaluating the effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and cloprostenol in postpartum cows. Rectal palpation to assess uterine involution and ovarian activity was performed on each cow on days 15, 24 and 28 postpartum. At the same time, blood samples were collected for subsequent progesterone assay. Data were recorded on the occurrence of reproductive diseases and events from the time of parturition until the diagnosis of pregnancy or until the cow left the herd in the case of culled cows. There was an increase in the incidence of retained placenta, in the percentage of cows with abnormal vaginal discharge in the early postpartum period as well as a delay in uterine involution during the winter months. In addition, cows calving during the winter had prolonged intervals to first estrus, first service and conception compared to cows calving during the summer. (Cows calving during the warmest months, on average, were seen in estrus 24 days sooner, received first service 42 days sooner and conceived 27 days sooner than cows calving during the coldest months of the year).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗

PubMed1984

Reproductive performance in dairy cows following postpartum treatment with gonadotrophin releasing hormone and/or prostaglandin: a field trial.

Three hundred and five Holstein Friesian cows were given either 250 micrograms gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) or saline on day 15 postpartum followed by 500 micrograms cloprostenol or saline on day 24 postpartum. Four treatment groups were formed using random allocation: Group I -- placebo (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group II -- GnRH (Day 15)/placebo (Day 24), Group III -- placebo (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24), Group IV -- GnRH (Day 15)/cloprostenol (Day 24). Double blind techniques were used during the follow-up period. Rectal palpation, to assess uterine involution and ovarian activity was performed just prior to each treatment and again at 28 days postpartum. In addition blood samples were collected at 15, 24 and 28 days postpartum for measurement of plasma progesterone. There were no significant differences among treatment groups with respect to services per conception, number of heats detected before first service and culling for infertility. Cows treated only with GnRH had an increased calving to first estrus and calving to first breeding interval, and tended to have an increased calving to conception interval. Treatment with cloprostenol significantly decreased calving to conception and calving to first observed estrus intervals. Treatment with GnRH on day 15 postpartum resulted in a significant increase in the subsequent incidence of pyometra and prebreeding anestrus. On the other hand, cloprostenol treatment on day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased incidence of pyometra, regardless of GnRH treatment and a decreased incidence of prebreeding anestrus in GnRH treated cows compared to cows receiving only GnRH at day 15 postpartum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1984

Effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone on reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta.

The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive performance of dairy cows with retained placenta were studied. Three hundred and seventy-eight cows diagnosed as having retained placenta received intramuscular injections of either 2 mL sterile water or 200 micrograms of GnRH in 2 mL sterile water between day 8 and day 14 postpartum. Rectal palpation was performed at the time of treatment and ten to 20 days after treatment in order to determine the rate of uterine involution. Thereafter, monthly rectal examinations were carried out until insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was made by rectal palpation at 40 days or more after breeding. Using the entire experimental population, there were no significant differences between GnRH-treated and control cows for the rate of uterine involution, the occurrence of reproductive problems, the interval from parturition to first observed estrus, the interval from parturition to first insemination, the interval from parturition to conception, the number of services per conception, the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and the incidence of culling for infertility. When the data for herds in which breeding began earlier in the postpartum period (herds having a mean less than or equal to 80 days from parturition to first service for retained placenta cows) were considered, the GnRH treatment resulted in a significantly shorter (p less than or equal to 0.01) calving to conception interval as compared to control cows. Also, there was a significant reduction (p less than or equal to 0.05) in the total number of services per cow regardless of conception and a significant reduction in the interval from parturition to first service.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗