Defining basic reproductive physiology, including reproductive anatomy, reproductive endocrinology and estrus induction of captive delphinids /
Development of artificial insemination (Al) would improve the
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739363671&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Development of artificial insemination (Al) would improve the ability of marine mammal managers to regulate the captive gene pool. Before Al can be developed, an improved understanding of anatomy and reproductive physiology of these animals is necessary. The objectives of this dissertation research were to: 1) describe female reproductive tract gross and ultrasonographic anatomy; 2) develop uterine and cervical catheterization techniques; 3) Develop and/or validate RIA for urinary luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) and estrone conjugates (EC); 4) determine seasonality and estrous cycle length-, and 5) evaluate current methods of ovulation induction. The dolphin reproductive tract was described by gross and monographic analysis. Ultrasonographically bottlenose dolphin ovaries were found 6.3 to 7.8 cm caudal to the right and left kidney, respectively and were identifiable only when active. The bottlenose dolphin uterus exhibits ultrasonographically detectable changes from edematous to hypertrophied homogeneous to homogeneous, when exposed to estrogens, progesterone or during anestrus, respectively. Using PdG immunoreactivity and EC, the follicular and luteal phase were found to range from 6.5 to 16.7 days and 9.7 to 28 days, respectively. The mean estrous cycle length was 41 days. It was demonstrated that LH can be detected in killer whale urine. With this ability it was determined that Peak LH levels occur a mean of 7.8 days prior to peak EC concentrations, and that peak EC concentrations correlate with the greatest density of copulations and vaginal mucus secretions. The killer whales exhibited variable periods of anestrus. Most of these anestrus periods were observed in females with suckling calves. However, anestrus periods did occur in non-lactating females. Periods of pseudopregnancy, retained corpora lutea and one instance of insufficient progesterone production during pregnancy were identified. Finally, it was demonstrated that exogenous doses of gonadotropins can cause multiple follicular recruitment, followed by the formation of luteal cysts. Thus, without further research, these hormones should not be used for ovulation induction protocols. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Veterinary Physiology". |
| Physical Description: | xvi, 221 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 125-218. |