Study summary · research use only
The effects of the prostaglandin E analogue Misoprostol and follicle-stimulating hormone on cervical penetrability in ewes during the peri-ovulatory period
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
In this sheep study, two experiments in parous Welsh Mountain ewes examined natural cervical relaxation over the peri-ovulatory period and tested ovine FSH (Ovagen) and the prostaglandin E1 analogue Misoprostol as cervical relaxants to aid transcervical passage of an insemination pipette. After oestrus synchronization with progestagen sponges and PMSG (500 IU), cervical penetration depth was measured. The authors report that penetration was least at sponge removal, peaked at 72 h, then declined; that intra-cervical Ovagen (2mg) or Misoprostol (1mg) facilitated penetration, each allowing transcervical intrauterine penetration in 100% of ewes at 54 h; and that combining them was not more so than either alone. They note FSH remained biologically active after intracervical application.
Abstract
Two experiments in parous Welsh Mountain ewes determined the pattern of natural cervical relaxation over the peri-ovulatory period and investigated FSH and Misoprostol as cervical relaxants to facilitate transcervical passage of an insemination pipette into the uterine cavity. Following synchronisation of oestrus using progestagen sponges and PMSG (500 IU) the depth of cervical penetration was determined using a modified cattle insemination pipette as a measuring device. Penetration of the cervix was least at the time of sponge removal and increased to a maximum at 72 h after sponge removal and then declined. Intra-cervical administrations of either ovine FSH (Ovagen; 2mg) or Misoprostol (1mg; a Prostaglandin E(1) analogue) facilitated cervical penetration. Ovagen given 24h after sponge removal allowed transcervical intrauterine penetration in 100% of ewes at 54 and 60 h after sponge removal while Misoprostol given 48 h after sponge removal allowed trans-cervical penetration in 100% of ewes at 54 h. A combination of Ovagen and Misoprostol was as effective but not more so than Ovagen or Misoprostol alone. These results show that there is natural relaxation of the cervix at oestrus and that maximum relaxation occurs 72 h after sponge removal, which is too late for the correct timing of insemination. The intra-cervical administration of FSH or Misoprostol enhanced relaxation of the cervix and both were able to relax the cervix to allow intrauterine penetration 54 h after sponge removal, the optimum time for insemination. The results also show that FSH is biologically active after intracervical, topical application.
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