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Jugular and ovarian venous profiles of progesterone and associated endometrial progesterone concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. A. Abecia
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
S. M. Rhind
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
P. J. Goddard
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
S. R. McMillen
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
S. Ahmadi
Affiliation:
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
D. A. Elston
Affiliation:
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
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Abstract

Jugular and ovarian venous profiles of progesterone and endometrial progesterone concentrations were measured in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. Mean jugular concentrations were not significantly different (3·12v.2·39 μg/l). The incidence of progesterone concentrations above a chosen threshold was significantly greater in the ovarian vein than in the jugular vein (P < 0·05) and was greater (P > 0·05) in the ovarian venous plasma of pregnant than of non-pregnant ewes. Mean endometrial progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant ewes (T < 0·05). It is suggested that the lower progesterone concentrations in the ovarian veins of non-pregnant ewes may have a rôle in pregnancy failure and that ovarian venous concentrations may influence endometrial progesterone concentrations.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1996

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