Comparison of follicular, luteal and uterine blood flow between young and old mares supplemented with L-arginine

• Grant number: 11/19290-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Marco Antonio Alvarenga
• Grantee: Marco Antonio Alvarenga
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The vascular perfusion of the pre-ovulatory follicle and pregnancy rate has been correlated in humans. Studies demonstrate that the most vascularized pre-ovulatory follicles are responsible for higher pregnancy rates, and the increase of vascular perfusion in the uterus can result in a higher fetal survival rate. Recent studies proved that the amino acid L-arginine increases uterine blood flow, accelerating uterine postpartum involution in mares. At the same time, Doppler ultrasound has shown to be an effective and practical technique for noninvasive and real-time vascular perfusion of the reproductive tract of large animals. In addition, the reproduction of older animals is a major challenge in equine medicine due to the achievement of low conception and embryo recovery rates. In human medicine, studies have been conducted mainly in order to understand the physiological processes that occur with aging of the reproductive tract, specifically in oocytes, and efforts are being made in search of obtain descendants of senile individuals. The main objective of this study is to compare the follicular, luteal and uterine vascularization between young and old mares to determine if there are differences in blood flow in animals of different ages. Moreover, evaluate the effect of supplementation with L-arginine on the follicular, luteal and uterine vascularization in young and old mares, based on the hypothesis that this amino acid may increase blood flow. (AU)