ANASTOMOSIS OF THE UTERO—OVARIAN AND ANTERIOR MAMMARY VEINS FOR COLLECTION OF UTERO—OVARIAN VENOUS BLOOD: PROGESTERONE SECRETION RATES IN CYCLIC EWES

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
G. D. THORBURN
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P. E. MATTNER
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SUMMARY

The ovarian and part of the uterine venous drainage was diverted through the superficial anterior mammary vein leaving the ovary in its normal position and preserving utero—ovarian relationships. The operation has been performed successfully in 18 pregnant Merino ewes (70–120 days' gestation). Blood samples were collected by direct puncture of the mammary and jugular veins during the latter half of pregnancy and the subsequent breeding season. All ewes lambed normally after a gestation period of 146–151 days. Twelve of the 16 surviving ewes resumed cyclic oestrous behaviour. Plasma progesterone concentration was measured by a competitive proteinbinding assay. Utero—ovarian venous blood flow and rates of ovarian progesterone secretion were measured throughout the oestrous cycle. Progesterone secretion during the luteal phase of the cycle was in the range of 4·5–6·0 mg/day. The progesterone concentrations in peripheral plasma were similar to those found in normal ewes.

 

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