The morphometric parameters of adrenal cortex in sows: in normal condition and after prolactin infusion

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of experimental hyperprolactinemia on the sterological parameters of porcine adrenal cortex. In cyclic sows, after preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak, porcine prolactin (PRL, 0.3 mg) or saline were administered iv. for 48 h at 2 h intervals. Next sows were slaughtered and adrenal glands were dissected. Stereological analysis of the left adrenal gland did not reveal any significant differences between control and PRL-treated sows. Experimental hyperprolactinemia did not affect the volume of particular cortical zones, the number and the volume of adrenocortical cells or the average volume of their cell nuclei. Moreover, we present for the first time a detailed stereological description of adrenal cortex in sows

A Critical Overview on Prostaglandin Inhibitors and Their Influence on Pregnancy Results after Insemination and Embryo Transfer in Cows

Assisted reproductive techniques in cattle, such as artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), are widely used. Despite many years of methodological improvements, the pregnancy rate (PR) in cows has not increased in direct proportion with their development. Among the possibilities to increase the PR is the use of certain steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The antiluteolytic effect of NSAIDs is achieved by blocking cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. This article compares the PRs obtained after treatment with the commonly used NSAIDs in cattle, including flunixin meglumine, carprofen, meloxicam, ibuprofen, aspirin, and sildenafil. Studies on the effectiveness of certain steroid drugs on the PR have also been described. The results were not always consistent, and so comparisons between studies were made. In conclusion, flunixin meglumine seems to be an option, and can be recommended for improving ET results, especially in situations of high exposure or susceptibility to stress. Its administration under all circumstances, however, might be pointless and will not lead to the desired effect