Thesis
Effect of exogenous oxytocin on alpaca luteal function
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101339
Abstract
Pregnancy maintenance depends on the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), a physiological process by which the lifespan of the corpus luteum is prolonged. This mechanism is not well characterized in camelids. The objectives of the research present here were to determine if exogenous oxytocin prolongs the corpus luteum activity in alpacas and to evaluate expression and localization of oxytocin receptors within the endometrium at 9 and 14 days post-mating. In the oxytocin studies plasma progesterone profile were determined after ovulation in the same alpacas on 2 cycles: one cycle without oxytocin treatment and one cycle with oxytocin treatment. Oxytocin was administered daily by intramuscular injections at a dose of 20 IU (experiment 1, n=6) or 60 IU (experiment 2, n=8) from day 3 through day 10 after induction of ovulation with GnRH IM. There was no significant difference in the length of the luteal phase (i.e. corpus luteum lifespan) between the treated and control cycle using either dose of oxytocin. In the final experiment, uteri from open and pregnant alpacas (n=4 per group) at 9 and 14 days post-mating were evaluated for expressions of oxytocin receptors by immunohistochemistry. No significant difference (P≤0.05) in the expression of oxytocin receptors was observed between open and pregnant animals in either staining intensity or tissue localization. We conclude that oxytocin is not involved in luteolysis and early MRP in alpacas.
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Details
- Title
- Effect of exogenous oxytocin on alpaca luteal function
- Creators
- Michela Ciccarelli
- Contributors
- A. Tibary (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Veterinary Medicine, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525195101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis