• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.1257-1262
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• 2002

The objective was to identify the appropriate form of progesterone, which exhibits compact reproductive responses in Awassi ewes during mid to late seasonal anestrous period. Forty-eight Awassi ewes were randomly allocated into four groups to be treated with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP), 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA), 40 mg FGA, or 600 mg progesterone sponges. After a 12 day period, sponges were removed and ewes were administered i.m. with 600 IU PMSG (d 0, 0 h). Five harnessed Awassi rams were turned-in with the ewes to detect heat. Ewes were checked for breeding marks at 6 h intervals for 5 days. Blood samples were collected from all ewes for analysis of progesterone concentrations. Pretreatment (d -13 and -12) progesterone concentrations were ${\leq}0.2ng/mL$ among all ewes and were indicative of seasonal anestrous period. On d 0, progesterone concentrations were elevated to $1.4{\pm}0.1ng/mL$ in ewes received progesterone sponges only and were higher (p<0.0001) than those (${\leq}0.2ng/mL$) administered MAP or FGA sponges. Progesterone concentrations returned to their basal values of <0.2 ng/mL within 24 h of sponge removal and were similar (p>0.1) among all ewes. Incidence of estrus was similar (p>0.1) among the four groups and occurred in 75% (9/12), 82% (9/11), 67% (8/12) and 58% (7/12) of the ewes receiving MAP, 30 mg FGA, 40 mg FGA and progesterone sponges, respectively. Estrous responses occurred 14.7, 20 and 13.6 h earlier in progesterone-sponge-treated ewes than those of MAP- (p<0.04), 30 mg FGA- (p<0.01) and 40 mg FGA-treated (p=0.06) ewes, respectively. Induced estrus conception rates were 50% (6/12), 55% (6/11), 50% (6/12) and 42% (5/12), out of which 4/6, 4/6, 3/6 and 3/5 lambed 151 days following d 0, and were similar (p>0.1) among ewes of the four treatment groups. Ewes that returned to estrus 16 to 20 days following d 0 were 5/12, 5/11, 6/12 and 4/12 ewes treated with MAP, 30 mg FGA, 40 mg FGA and progesterone sponges, respectively, and all lambed 169 days later. Overall lambing rates were 75% (9/12), 82% (9/11), 75% (9/12) and 58% (7/12) ewes treated with MAP, 30 mg FGA, 40 mg FGA and progesterone sponges, respectively. Results demonstrate that applications of MAP, 30 mg FGA, 40 mg FGA and progesterone sponges Awassi ewes were equally effective in induction of estrus and tended to favor both types of FGA and MAP in overall lambing rates over progesterone sponges during the seasonal anestrous period.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.363-371
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• 1997

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of gonadotropin administration on blood ovarian steroid hormone in angora rabbit. Mature angora rabbits were primed for superovulation with PMSG 100IU. Eighty hours later, the rabbit were induced to ovulate with HCG 100IU. In exp 1, blood progesterone and estradiol of superovulated does were measured by radiommunoassay. Blood progesterone concentration at 93, 99, 102 and 114 hours after HCG injection were 12.9$\pm$0.5, 34.8$\pm$5.1, 12.2$\pm$2.7 and 43.4$\pm$5.8ng/ml, respectively. Mean progesterone concentration of blood collected at 99 and 114 hours after HCG injection(p<0.05). However, mean blood estradiol concentration was not changed. In exp 2, superovulated does were unilaterally ovariectomized at 96 hours after HCG injection. Blood progesterone concentration was tend to be decreased after ovariectomy. Nosignificant changes in blood estradiol concentration was observed after ovariectomy. In exp 3, superovulated does were bilaterally ovariectomized at 96 hours after HCG injection Ovariectomized does were treated with progesterone. Blood progesterone level in the rabbits treated, twice daily, with 5mg progesterone after ovariectomy was similiar to that in the superovulated intact rabbits. Blood estradiol concentration of the rabbits after bilateral ovariectomy was beyond detection range. Blood progesterone concentration was significantly decreased to 7.6$\pm$3.0ng/ml wi thin 3 hours after ovriectomy(p<0.05). However, that value was increased to 34.8$\pm$8.2ng/ml by 5 mg progesterone treatment and this elevated level was significatnly decreased to 7.3$\pm$2.4ng/ml at 12 hours after progesterone administration(p<0.05).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.12.1-12.7
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• 2017

Background: Despite the widespread use of dexamethasone in veterinary and human medicine, it is reported to cause some severe pregnancy related side effects like abortion in some animals. The mechanism of the response is not clear but seems to be related to interspecies and/or breed difference in response which may involve alterations in the concentrations of some reproductive hormones. Methods: Twenty Sahel goats comprising 18 does and 2 bucks were used for this study. Pregnancies were achieved by natural mating after synchronization. Repeated dexamethasone injections were given at 0.25 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected biweekly for hormonal assay. Uterine biopsies were harvested at days 28 and day 78 of gestation through caesarean section for immunohistochemical analysis using 3 pregnant does randomly selected from each group at each instant. Data were expressed as Means ${\pm}$ Standard Deviations and analyzed using statistical soft ware package, GraphPad Instant, version 3.0 (2003) and progesterone receptor (PR) were scored semi-quantitatively. Results: Dexamethasone treatments had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on progesterone and estrogen concentrations in pregnant Sahel goats but up regulated PR from 2+ to 3+ in second trimester. Conclusion: As dexamethasone adverse effect on placenta is an established fact, the lack of effect on progesterone level in this study may be due to the fact that unlike other species whose progesterone production during pregnancy is placenta - dependent, in goats is corpus luteum - dependent. Consequently dexamethasone adverse effect on placenta reported in literatures did not influence progesterone levels during pregnancy in Sahel goat. The up regulation of progesterone receptor (PR) in Sahel goat gravid uterus is a beneficial effects and that dexamethasone can safely be used in corpus luteum - dependent progesterone secreting pregnant animal species like Sahel goat and camel. Therefore source of progesterone secretions during pregnancy should be considered in clinical application of dexamethasone in pregnancy.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.459-467
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• 2002

The sex steroid hormone progesterone is essential for normal development and maturation of the endometrium in preparation for the embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system that is composed of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) is also involved in the maintenance of pregnancy. In addition, liver, kidney, and uterus is a target tissue for IGF system. However, the effect of exogenous progesterone on IGF system was not elucidated in female rats. Therefore, we investigated the effect of progesterone on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins in serum, liver, kidney, and uterus in female ovariectomized rats. IGFs concentration was measured by radioimmuoassay (RIA) and IGFBPs levels by western ligand blotting(WLB). IGF-I concentration was increased in serum, liver, and uterus, but not in kidney of progesterone-treated ovariectomized rats, compared to control (P<0.05). IGF-II concentration was decreased in liver, but not in serum, kidney, and uterus of progesterone-treated rats, compared to control (P<0.05). IGFBP-3 was increased in serum, but not in liver of progesterone-treated rats, compared to control. IGFBP-2 was decreased in kidney, but not in others tissues of progesterone-treated rats, compared to control. These results suggest that progesterone may exert diverse physiological functions via the tissue-specific regulation of IGFs/IGFBPs system in female rats.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.515-523
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• 1990

Plasma progesterone concentrations in 44 suckling Korean native cows were determined to monitor ovarian activity postpartum by radioimmunoassay. Blood samples were collected in 3 day intervals from 15 to 80 days postpartum. The ovaries and uterus were examined in 6 day intervals by rectal palpation. Results are summaried as follows: 1. The cows were qualified into four categories; Type I(normal): cyclic changes in plasma progesterone concentrations appear within 45 days postpartum(35 cows, 79.5%), Type II(cycle delayed): delayed resumption of ovarian activity by 55 days postpartum(5 cows, 11. 4%), Type III(cycle ceased with low progesterone): plasma progesterone concentrations remained low(${\leq}1ng/ml$) until 80 days postpartum(3 cows, 6.8%), Type IV(cycle ceased with high progesterone): plasma progesterone concentrations after 30 days remained high(${\geq}4.0ng/ml$) until 80 days postpartum(1 cow, 2.3%). 2. Out of the cows classified Type II and III, 7 cows had inactive ovaries and a cow had follicular cyst by rectal palpation. The cow of Type IV was diagnosed as bearing persistent corpus luteum by rectal palpation. 3. About 82% of the cows showed significant rises in plasma progesterone concentrations prior to 50 days postpartum and the cows of Type II and III resumed cycles in 31. 6(range 17~55) days after calving. However, 43.2% resumed cycles in 50 days postpartum by estrus signs. These results indicated that plasma progesterone concentrations assessed by radioimmunoassay can be utilized for monitoring postpartum ovarian activity and would be helpful for the early detection of ovarian dysfunction in the Korean native cow.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.141-145
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• 1995

The effect of splenectomy on the concentration of progesterone in pregnant wistar rats showing 4-day regular estrous cycles more than two cycles were investigated. The day after mating with the same male animal was designated day 0 of pregnancy. Splenectomy was conducted on day 0 (early-S), 6 (middle-S) and 13 (late-S) of pregnant rat, respectively. Blood sample were collected at day 1, 7, 14 and 21 of pregnancy. Concentraton of serum progesterone was determined by emzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using specific antibodies and emzyme conjugate(progesterone peroxidase labeled). In normal pregnant rats, serum progesterone concentrations were increased significantly (P<0.05) on day 7 and 14 of pregnancy compared with on day 1 of pregnancy and then dramatically decreased on day 21. However in early and middle splenectomized rats, progesterone concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) decreased on day 7 and 14 of pregnancy compared with same day of normal rats. These observations indicate that luteotropic action and steroidogenesis by corpus luteum of ovary may be regulated by splenocytes in rat.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.53-57
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• 1981

The estrogen and progesterone receptors which are bound to the cytoplasmic protein of cancer cells were measured in 20 patients with the early breast cancer by means of radioimmunoassay using charcoal. 1. The Patients with estrogen receptor positive were 13 (65%) of 20 cases and with progestrone receptor positive were 7 cases (35%) in the early breast cancer. 2. Coexistence of estrogen and progesterone receptor positive was noted in 7 cases (35%). The cases of estrogen receptor positive and progesterone receptor negative were 6 cases (33.3%), while there were no cases of estrogen receptor negative with progestrone receptor positive. 3. Coincidence of estrogen and progesterone negative was notied in 7 cases(35%). Conclusively, it is considered that the measurement of estrogen and progesterone receptors has relevance as predictive value, in the response to hormonal manipulations and chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.525-530
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• 1993

Studies were conducted in 13 Korean native heifers to determine the puberty based on plasma progesterone profiles and estrus observations. Blood samples for determination of progesterone profiles were collected from jugular vein twice a week from 8 to 24 months of age, and all heifers werce observed for estrous behaviours twice a day. Heifers attained puberty at 11.3 months of age and 188.5kg body weight as determined by progesterone profiles, whereas the first estrous behaviours were observed at 14.2 months of age and 215.4kg body weight. This result indicates that determination of plasma progesterone profiles could be utilized for monitoring the puberty in Korean native heifers, and one or more ovulations occurred before pubertal heifers showed overt estrous behaviours.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.151-160
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction of progesterone with various cyclodextrins (CDs) in the aqueous solution and in solid state, and finally to formulate a parenteral aqueous formulation. CDs used were ${\alpha}-$, ${\beta}-$, and ${\gamma}-CD$, $2-hydroxypropyl-{\beta}-CD$ (HPCD), sulfobutyl $ether-{\beta}-CD$ (SBCD), $dimethyl-{\beta}-CD$ (DMCD) and $trimethyl-{\beta}-CD$ (TMCD). The solubility studies of progesterone were performed in the presence of various CDs as a function of concentration or temperature. The solubility of progesterone increased in the rank order of ${\alpha}-CD$ < ${\beta}-CD$ < ${\gamma}-CD$ < TMCD$ < HPCD < DMCD < SBCD. Addition of SBCD (200 mg/ml) in water increased the aqueous solubility $(9.36\;{\mu}g/ml)$ about 3,200 times, and lowering the temperature facilitated the solubilization of progesterone. However, the addition of HPCD and SBCD in 20:80 (v/v) polyethylene glycol 300-water and propylene glycol-water cosolvents markedly decreased the solubility of progesterone, compared with solubilizing effects in water. Physical mixtures and solid dispersions of progesterone with HPCD or SBCD were prepared, and evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), near IR spectroscopy and dissolution studies. By DSC and IR studies, it was found that progesterone was dispersed in HPCD in monotectic state and dissolved rapidly from both solid dispersions. Based on solubility studies, new aqueous progesterone fonnulations (5 mg/ml) containing SBCD (200 mg/ml) could be prepared and did not form precipitates even after 2 months at $4^{\circ}C$. The solution was transparent when mixed with normal saline and 5% dextrose injection at 1: 1, 1:10 and 1:20 (v/v) even after 7 days. Permeation rates of progesterone through a cellulose membrane from 20% PEG 300 solution $(50\;{\mu}g/ml)$ containing HPCD or SBCD were compared with oily formulation. Permeation of progesterone from oily formulation did not occur up to 8 hr, but aqueous formulations showed fast permeation rates from early stage of permeation study. The addition of HPCD or SBCD retarded the permeation rates of progesterone with the increase of CD concentrations, suggesting the possibility of a controlled absorption from the site administered intramuscularly. These results demonstrate that it is feasible to develop a new progesterone parenteral aqueous injection (5 mg/ml) using SBCD.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2008

For estimating the ovulation time in Miniature Schnauzer dogs during the estrous cycle, radioimmunoassay of plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ and progesterone concentrations was conducted on blood samples in 21 pregnant and 13 non pregnant dogs. When Day 0 was that plasma progesterone concentrations exceeded 4.0 ng/ml, on Day 64, parturition day, progesterone declined below 1.0 ng/ml with $0.92\;{\pm}\;0.29\;ng/ml$ and when Day 0 was that plasma progesterone concentrations declined below 1.0 ng/ml, on Day -64, progesterone increased above 4.0 ng/ml with $4.56\;{\pm}\;0.87\;ng/ml$. Gestational length was $63.71\;{\pm}\;1.35$ (Mean${\pm}$S.D.) days from plasma progesterone concentrations exceeded 4.0 ng/ml and was $66.29\;{\pm}\;1.98$ days from first male acceptance. The plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations reached maximum value with $28.20\;{\pm}\;2.86\;pg/ml$ on Day .2, and plasma progesterone concentrations reached $5.90\;{\pm}\;0.36 ng/ml, 5.18\;{\pm}\;0.32 ng/ml on Day 0, and the maximum of 61.58\;{\pm}\;10.47 ng/ml on Day 19 and 56.05\;{\pm}\;8.86\;ng/ml$ on Day 16 in pregnant and non pregnant dogs, respectively. Afterward, plasma progesterone concentrations declined below 1.0 ng/ml on Day 64 with $0.92\;{\pm}\;0.29\;ng/ml$ in pregnant cycles and on Day 58 with $0.95\;{\pm}\;0.63\;ng/ml$ in non pregnant dogs. No difference were found pregnant and non pregnant dogs in plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ and progesterone concentrations (p<0.01). Based on first male acceptance (Day 0), the maximum of plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations ($29.31\;{\pm}\;3.61\;pg/ml$) occurred on Day -1 and plasma progesterone concentrations exceeded 4.0 ng/ml on Day 2 in pregnant ($5.37\;{\pm}\;0.76\;ng/ml$) and non pregnant ($4.25\;{\pm}\;0.80\;ng/ml$) dogs. These results suggest that in Miniature Schnauzers, the ovulation occurred when plasma progesterone concentrations exceeded 4.0 ng/ml, 3 days after plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ peak and 2 days after first male acceptance.