Sources of progesterone during gestation in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
A. P. F. Flint
Search for other papers by A. P. F. Flint in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
R. D. Burton
Search for other papers by R. D. Burton in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
R. B. Heap
Search for other papers by R. B. Heap in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access
Rent on DeepDyve

Sign up for journal news

Concentrations of progesterone in arterial and ovarian, uterine and jugular venous plasma were determined in four Barbary sheep at various stages of pregnancy. The results, together with ovarian histology, show that the corpus luteum regresses before term in Barbary sheep, as in most breeds of domestic ewes. Uterine synthesis of progesterone was demonstrated in late pregnancy in two animals in which uterine venous levels of progesterone were increased two- to fourfold above arterial concentrations. The placenta contained 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Barbary sheep (diploid chromosome number, 2N = 58) therefore resemble the domestic sheep (2N = 54) rather than the goat (2N = 60) from the point of view of the source of the progesterone required for maintenance of pregnancy.

 

  • Collapse
  • Expand