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Luteogenesis in Cyclic Ewes: Echotextural, Histological, and Functional Correlates¹

Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences,³ WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences,⁴ College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0W8

To date, it has not been possible to detect corpus luteum (CL) by ultrasonography, immediately following ovulation, in the ewe. Early CL detection is essential to be able to relate luteal outcome to the developmental pattern of the ovulated follicle and to confirm ovulation. Image analysis of the CL may be useful in providing a noninvasive picture of CL differentiation and function. The present study was designed to use high-resolution ultrasonography to monitor and to correlate the echotextural, histological, and functional attributes of the developing ovine CL from Days 1 to 3 after ovulation. Ten ewes underwent twice-daily transrectal ultrasonography and blood sampling from the day of synchronized estrus. Ewes were ovariectomized at 12–24, 36–48, and 60–72 h after ovulation. Ovaries collected were scanned in a water bath before processing for histology. Ultrasonographic images of CL were analyzed for echotexture. Histological sections were analyzed for the percentage area of the CL occupied by blood clot or luteal tissue. Serum samples were analyzed for progesterone concentration. Numerical pixel value, heterogeneity, and percentage of the CL occupied by blood clot declined (P < 0.05) from 12–24 to 60–72 h after ovulation. Luteal area and serum progesterone concentration increased (P < 0.05) from 12–24 to 60–72 h. The results indicated that it was possible to visualize developing CL as early as 12–24 h after ovulation in the ewe. Echotexture of the CL was closely associated with its morphological and functional characteristics; image analysis holds promise for noninvasive monitoring of CL differentiation and growth.

¹ This study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (N.C.R.). The original work in ultrasound image analysis was supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (R.A.P.). R.D. was supported by a University of Saskatchewan graduate student scholarship; P.M.B. was supported by a Health Services Utilization and Research Commission postdoctoral fellowship.

² Correspondence: N.C. Rawlings, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5B4. FAX: 306 966 7376; norman.rawlings{at}usask.ca

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