Plasma Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) concentration correlates positively with age, and negatively with self-rated health in women, and optimal MIF concentration may promote proper reproductive function. This study was conducted to evaluate the hypotheses that plasma MIF concentration changes with parturition or postpartum first ovulation, and that age in months and parity correla...

Changes in brain oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding sites during the course of pregnancy may influence the sudden onset of maternal behavior in female rats at parturition. In situ hybridization was used to identify changes in OTR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression during pregnancy and parturition. Two patterns of mRNA regulation were observed. Relative to diestrus virgin control females,...

The aim of the study was to establish differences in energetic, protein, and enzymatic profiles in ewes bearing single or twin lambs. Blood samples were collected from 40 ewes of improved Wallachian breed at the beginning of pregnancy, one month before parturition, shortly after parturition, and one month after parturition. Significantly (P<0.01) lower glucose levels (2.13 vs. 2.59 mmol.l) in t...

At parturition, dairy cows experience a 70% reduction in plasma IGF-I. This reduction coincides with decreased abundance of GHR1A, the liver-specific transcript of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene, suggesting impaired growth hormone-dependent synthesis of IGF-I. It is not immediately obvious that the periparturient reduction in GHR1A is sufficient to reduce hepatic GHR abundance. This is ...

Human parturition is an inflammatory process that involves both fetal and maternal compartments. The precise immune cell interactions have not been well delineated in human uterine tissues during parturition, but insights into human labor initiation have been informed by studies in animal models. Unfortunately, the timing of parturition relative to fetal maturation varies among viviparous speci...

Objectives were to investigate effects of nutritional plane and Se supply during gestation on visceral organ mass and intestinal growth and vascularization in ewes at parturition and during early lactation. Primiparous Rambouillet ewes (n = 84) were allocated to 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included dietary Se [adequate Se (ASe, 11.5 μg/kg BW) or high Se (HSe, 77.0 μg/...

The effect of parity (multiparous vs primiparous) and body condition score (BCS; <3.0 or > or =3.0, lean vs fat) at parturition on metabolic and endocrine profiles from 1 month before to 2 months after parturition were studied in 42 Holstein cows grazing on improved pastures. BCS and milk production were determined every 2 weeks. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), i...

The objectives of this study was to investigate whether consuming of protected glutamine (PG) before parturition in close up period would affect dry matter intake (DMIkg/d), blood urea nitrogen (BUNmg/dl), body condition score (BCS) and biomarkers of oxidative stress, glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX units/ml PCV) and Total Antioxidant Status (TASmmol/L). Thirty six pregnant Holstein dairy ...

The progesterone receptor (PR) has three isoforms, PR-A, PR-B, and PR-C, which have different physiological effects. PR-A may inhibit PR-B-mediated transcription. Parturition requires withdrawal of progesterone (P4). This could occur through decreased P4 concentrations and/or a change in PR isoforms to diminish the effect of P4. We measured mRNA for PR isoforms in rat uterine tissues through la...

The clinical and pathological manifestations of a disease occurring in the late stages of pregnancy or following parturition in the guinea pig are described. The similarity of this disease to toxemia of pregnancy in the rabbit is discussed. The disease appears to be of endogenous origin and is in some way associated with a disordered metabolism occurring at about the time of parturition.