LH profile and advancement of ovulation after transcervical infusion of seminal plasma at different stages of oestrus in gilts

Abstract

The influence of a transcervical infusion of seminal plasma on preovulatory LH profiles and the advancement of ovulation after seminal plasma infusion for different times during oestrus were investigated using the single uterine horn infusion technique (Mariensee model), in combination with transcutaneous sonographic monitoring of the ovaries. Preparative surgery in 23 German Landrace gilts comprised the detachment of the left uterine horn from the corpus, leaving the caudal end open to the peritoneal cavity but sealing the corpus wound. In six gilts fitted with a permanent jugular vein catheter the patent horns were administered a transcervical infusion of seminal plasma (n = 5 cycles) or PBS (n = 4 cycles) immediately after the detection of oestrus by a teaser boar. In addition, 17 non-catheterized gilts received infusions of seminal plasma either 0 h (n = 3 gilts), 16 h (n = 7 gilts) or 24 h (n = 7 gilts) after the detection of oestrus. Seminal plasma infusion at the onset of oestrus provoked ovulation in the ipsilateral ovary of the treated horn 8.5 +/- 0.9 h earlier than in the contralateral (control) ovary. Seminal plasma did not influence the LH profile compared with PBS (P > 0.05), but shortened the interval between the LH peak and ipsilateral ovulation to 23.4 +/- 4.0 h compared with 31.8 +/- 3.4 h in the contralateral ovulation (P < or = 0.01). Infusion 16 h after the onset of oestrus reduced the effect to 4.6 +/- 3.8 h with a wide range of 0-8 h (P < 0.01). The effect was more pronounced in gilts with long intervals between the onset of oestrus and contralateral ovulation compared with earlier ovulation on the control ovary. Seminal plasma infusion less than 16 h before contralateral ovulation and 24 h after the detection of oestrus had no effect. It is concluded that transcervical infusion of seminal plasma early in oestrus synchronizes the variable intervals between the onset of oestrus and ovulation in sows by a locally active mechanism.

Seminal Fluid Signalling in the Female Reproductive Tract: Implications for Reproductive Success and Offspring Health

“…Additional studies showing that OIF can induce ovulation in prepubertal mice (Bogle et al 2011 ) and alter ovarian follicular wave dynamics in cows (Tanco et al 2012 ) imply this factor may have broader relevance than originally thought . Seminal plasma-mediated effects on ovarian function are clearly demonstrated in pigs, where a reduction in the interval between LH surge and ovulation, followed by elevated plasma progesterone concentration over the pre-implantation phase, occurs when seminal plasma is instilled into the uterus just prior to ovulation (Waberski et al 1997 ;O'Leary et al 2001 ).…”

Seminal plasma and male factor signalling in the female reproductive tract

“…In mice, macrophage populations in the corpora lutea are augmented by exposure of the female tract to seminal plasma constituents (Gangnuss et al 2004). Oestrous pigs exhibit a reduction in the interval between the surge of luteinising hormone and ovulation in response to seminal factors (Waberski et al 1997). The effects appear to be mediated by the local transport of seminal constituents or semen-induced effector molecules originating in proximal parts of the tract, since the effect is seen only in ovaries ipsilateral to uterine horns receiving the seminal stimulus.…”

Seminal Plasma Regulates Corpora Lutea Macrophage Populations During Early Pregnancy in Mice1

“…The additional possibilities of seminal fluid efflux via the oviduct to exert local effects in the ovary, or lymphatic connections between the uterus and ovary allowing trafficking of inflammatory cells, also remain to be explored. The finding in pigs that seminal plasma influences the ovary ipsilateral but not contralateral to a uterine horn exposed to seminal plasma [12] supports a local, direct communication rather than a systemic endocrine effect.…”

“…That seminal plasma exposure of the uterus (or lack thereof) can influence the anatomically distant ovary is a novel finding, and has only previously been shown with regard to advancing the timing of ovulation in pigs [12]. The mechanism and route of signal transfer from the uterus to the ovary has not been established.…”

“…Indeed, exposure to seminal plasma at mating induces an inflammatory response within the uterus of mice, resulting in local production of cytokines and recruitment of leukocytes into the endometrium [11]. That seminal plasma exposure of the uterus can influence the ovary has been demonstrated in estrous pigs in which a reduction in the interval between the LH surge and ovulation occurred for the ovary adjacent to the uterine horn receiving infusion of seminal plasma [12]. It has also been shown that seminal plasma exposure of uterine horns in pigs increases the concentration of plasma progesterone [13].…”