Physiological Function Of Prostaglandins And Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins In Late Embryonic Mortality In Cattle
Grant
Overview
Affiliation
View All
Overview
abstract
Mechanisms associated with late embryonic mortality (LEM), which primarily occurs during placentation, have not been elucidated. We have previously determined hormones that have significantly different secretion patterns in cows undergoing LEM compared to those that maintain pregnancy. Long-term goals are to elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms that cause LEM in cattle and use this fundamental knowledge to develop management strategies to decrease loss. The central hypothesis is that LEM in cattle between days 28-40 is due to a deficiency in placental and(or) endometrial function leading to compromised placental formation and function. This hypothesis will be addressed by accomplishing the following aims: 1)Examine the physiological effect of inhibiting specific hormones (i.e. prostaglandins) and the subsequent addition of hormones during the period of late embryonic development and 2)Examine morphological, endocrine and molecular responses during the period of late embryonic development after ablation of a subset of genes from bovine embryos. Successful completion is expected to provide foundational information on the physiological and molecular mechanisms associated with embryonic survival and mortality. Gaining knowledge in this area will lead to a better understanding of the causes and potential strategies to prevent such reproductive loss, which is providing major economic problems for the beef and dairy industries.
