ergoline and Fetal-Death

Although spontaneous and medically induced canine embryonic or fetal death and "resorption" are clinically well documented, morphological studies of these processes are still missing. The objective of this study was therefore a detailed morphological investigation of canine placental sites after embryonic or fetal death. In five pregnant beagle bitches, embryonic or fetal death was induced by cloprostenol and cabergoline or by aglepristone. Two dogs served as untreated controls. Between Days 30 and 33 of gestation, the bitches were ovariohysterectomized, placental sites were fixed and examined by different methods. Morphological features of placental sites after both treatments were similar, finally leading to a complete disappearance of the placental labyrinth. Although there was an increase in the number of cells in the glandular chambers (superficial endometrial glands) expressing lysozyme after induced fetal death, signs of phagocytosis were absent in these cells, and no increased infiltration of maternal stroma by macrophages (compared to normal placental sites at the same time of gestation) occurred. We inferred that fetal and placental tissues were lysed, but no phagocytosis by genuine or "functional" macrophages was detectable. Further investigations are needed for a more detailed understanding of the morphological processes occurring after embryonic or fetal death in the dog.

Topics: Animals; Cabergoline; Cloprostenol; Dogs; Embryo Loss; Ergolines; Estrenes; Female; Fetal Death; Immunohistochemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Placenta; Pregnancy

The relationship was investigated of the hormones associated with pregnancy and lactation and the termination of pregnancy that occurs when rats mated at the post-partum oestrus are allowed to suckle a large litter after implantation. The primary cause for pregnancy termination was found to be an insufficient level of progesterone with the possible need for a primary or synergistic dose of oestrogen. The progesterone deficiency was not due to the high levels of prolactin present in nursing rats, since pregnancy termination could not be produced by prolactin administration in the absence of accelerated lactation, and could not be prevented by blocking prolactin secretion after accelerated lactation. Administration of LH to rats after accelerated lactation did prevent termination of pregnancy.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Embryo Loss; Embryonic Development; Ergolines; Estradiol; Estrus; Female; Fetal Death; Hormones; Lactation; Luteinizing Hormone; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Prolactin; Rats

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Animals; Ergolines; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Fetal Death; Fetal Resorption; Hot Temperature; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Mice; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Ribs; Stress, Physiological; Teratogens; Thoracic Vertebrae

Ergocryptine (ECR) terminated pregnancy in hamsters when administered on Day 5; when ECR was given on Day 6 the response was diminished, and pregnancy continued after ECR treatment on Day 7. The abortifacient action of ECR in Day 5 pregnant hamsters was overcome by exogenous prolactin but not FSH and LH. When sera collected from hamsters on different days of gestation were examined for their ability to neutralize the effect of ECR in Day 5 pregnant hamsters, a peak of luteotrophic activity was observed in sera collected on Days 10 and 11. The results of these studies suggest that in hamsters the role of hypophyseal prolactin in luteal support is diminished by Day 7 of pregnancy, and the appearance of luteotrophic activity in sera collected on Days 10 and 11 may be indicative of a placental luteotrophin.

Topics: Animals; Cricetinae; Ergolines; Female; Fetal Death; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Injections, Subcutaneous; Luteinizing Hormone; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Maintenance; Pregnancy, Animal; Prolactin; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Contraceptive Agents; Depression, Chemical; Ergolines; Female; Fertilization; Fetal Death; Intubation, Gastrointestinal; Pregnancy; Rats