Giovani Casanova Camozzato

Early Embryo Development in Mares: Proteomics of Uterine Fluid

The expression and regulation of endometrial proteins is crucial for conceptus implantation and development. However, little is known about site-specific proteomic profiles of the mammalian endometrium during the peri-implantation period [1]. The conceptus-derived signals used for pregnancy recognition have been identified in nearly all of the important domestic animal species; one notable exception is the horse [2]. Proteomic descriptions of the uterine fluid of early pregnant mares are scant. The aim of this study was to compare the proteomic profile of uterine fluid on days 7, 10 and 13 after ovulation in pregnant and cyclic mares.

Do Therapeutic Doses of Phenilbutazone Affect Ovulation Processes in Mares

Ovulation is the unique process by which mature (preovulatory) ovarian follicles respond to the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and rupture to release fertilizable oocytes [1]. LH initiates and synchronizes a series of biochemical events that culminate in the breakdown of the follicle wall and extrusion of the oocyte. However, ovulation is associated with an inflammatory type reaction with an increase in the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and cortisol in the ovulatory follicle, and the rupture of the follicle wall that requires the presence of proteolytic enzymes degrading the extracellular matrix [2]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are probably the most frequently used analgesic agents in horses worldwide, primarily because many of the commonly occurring causes of pain are mediated by inflammation [3]. The primary mechanism of action of NSAIDs is inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes which are involved in the production of prostaglandins [4]. Phenylbutazone (PB), flunixin-meglumine (FM) and ketoprofen remain the most commonly used NSAIDs in equine medicine [4]. Nevertheless, one study showed that systemic intravenous administration of high doses of FM to mares during the periovulatory period blocked ovulation and induced luteinized unruptured follicles (LUF) in 83% of treated mares [5]. The aim of this study was to determine if different treatments with therapeutic doses of PB affect ovulation processes in mares.

Equine Sperm Selection by Synthetic Membrane Filter

&NA; To improve the quality of artificial insemination doses, the selection of spermatozoa that are most likely to achieve fertilization from the rest of the ejaculate is an alternative approach. The present study aimed to determine the kinetics and plasma membrane integrity and functionality after sperm selection with a synthetic membrane filter in polyvinyl chloride chambers with two different diameters and two filtrations times. Twelve ejaculates from three stallions were used. Immediately after collection, semen was diluted (T0) and analyzed. Two different chambers were made with two elbows connected with a pipe divided by a 5‐&mgr;m pore synthetic membrane filter. One chamber had an inner diameter of 26 mm and the other, 36 mm. Skim milk at 37°C was placed in a side of the chamber (A). In the other side of the chamber (B), a sample of the extended semen, with known number of spermatozoa, was deposited. After 7 and 15 minutes, a sample was obtained from the “A” side of each chamber, and sperm concentration was calculated, semen analyzed by computer‐assisted motility analysis, and plasma membrane functionality and integrity evaluated. Total motility, progressive motility, and plasma membrane integrity were improved (P < .05) after filtration in both devices and filtration times. Concentration was lower (P < .05) in both chambers at all times in relation to T0 semen. The filtration device demonstrates to be a practical and easy alternative for sperm selection. Selection using the chambers allows an increase in kinetics and membrane integrity and functionality independent of time and device diameter. HighlightsSperm selection using a 5‐&mgr;m pore synthetic membrane.Chamber diameter and filtration times evaluated.Both devices increased sperm quality.