Effects of High and Low Progestin Concentration during the Early Luteal Phase on Endometrial Function in Early Pregnant Mares

Progesterone prepares the endometrium for pregnancy. This paradoxically requires down-regulation of progesterone receptors in endometrial epithelia as prerequisite for the expression of pregnancy-associated proteins (Spencer and Bazer, Frontiers in Bioscience. 2002;7:1879-98). We investigated effects of altered peripheral progestin concentration in early luteal phase mares on endometrial function on day 14 of pregnancy. Genitally healthy oestrous mares (n=8; age 4 to 14 years) were inseminated with 500 million progressively motile spermatozoa at 48h-intervals until ovulation.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research