Endometrial Gene Expression in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Mares on Days 10 and 12 Post Ovulation

Early embryonic loss affects up to 15% of detected pregnancies, and causes significant economic loss in the equine industry. Understanding the mare ’s ability to recognize the presence of an embryo and block the luteolytic signal is key to reducing these losses. Important components of MRP include: prostaglandin F2α, a luteolysin whose secretion is stimulated by oxytocin and mediated by oxytocin receptors; prostaglandin synthase 2 (PTGS2), an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to endoperoxides, which increases at the time of luteolysis; and oxytocinase (OTase), an enzyme present in the endometrium that metabolizes oxytocin in mares.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research