Prostaglandin F2α treatment concurrent with artificial insemination does not affect bovine embryo production

Abstract

Treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) induces ovulation and increases conception rates in cows, while improving embryo production in buffalos. However, its effect on superovulated cows is unknown. This study verified whether single PGF administration concurrent with artificial insemination (AI) improves fertilization and embryo production rates in superovulated cows. In each replicate, embryo donor cows were equally allocated to two groups: the untreated control and PGF groups. The latter of which received 482 µg of cloprostenol concurrent with the first AI. Each cow (n = 35) was subjected to two superovulations (SOV) in a crossover design (total = 70 embryo collections). In the control and PGF groups, respectively, the observed responses were [median (95% CI)]: 12 (10-18) and 15 (12-18) total structures, 9 (7-11) and 7 (6-10) viable embryos, 1 (0-1) and 1 (1-3) degenerated embryos, and 1 (0-3) and 2 (0-5) oocytes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, single PGF treatment concurrent with the first AI did not affect embryo production in superovulated cows. Key words: embryo transfer; fecundation; reproduction; cow; superovulation

Induction of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) contributes to the dissemination of superior genetics. Even though such techniques are efficient, the number of ovulatory follicles is variable after superovulation (SOV), and the recovery of non-fertilized oocytes may correspond to nearly 20% of the total collected structures (LIMA et al., unpublished data). The recovery of such a proportion of non-fertilized oocytes may reflect the ovulation of oocytes with low viability due to the dispersion of the ovulations, and/or alteration in gamete transport (MAPLETOFT et al., 2015), leading to negative effects on the production of transferable embryos; consequently, increasing the costs related to the preparation of unused embryo recipients.

Protocols for fixed-time AI (FTAI) in cows require ovulation induction, which can be accomplished with the use of estradiol (E2) or analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). For SOV, GnRH analogs such as gonadorelin, buserelin, and lecirelin are preferred, allowing adequate fertility rates. Additionally, PGF is apparently capable of inducing ovulation in cows (LEONARDI et al., 2012). In superovulated cows, there is a drastic increase in the concentration of PGF and prostaglandin E2 (PGE) in the follicular fluid prior to ovulation. This suggests that both hormones may act on follicle rupture (BERISHA et al., 2019). In addition, prostaglandins are involved in capturing and transporting gametes in many species and in oviduct contraction in cows (WIJAYAGUNAWARDANE et al., 2001). Although such mechanisms are unknown, PGF has been used as a replacement for E2 in FTAI protocols for cows, with satisfactory results (CASTRO et al., 2018). Recently, the use of PGF during the periovulatory period has been associated with increased fecundation rates and embryo development in superovulated buffalos (CARVALHO et al., 2020). Despite its well-known luteolytic effect in cows (PHILLIPPO & ROWSON, 1975), the use of PGF during the peri-ovulatory period under basal progesterone concentrations has not yet been elucidated. The present study evaluated the effect of administering PGF after SOV in cows concurrent with the first AI on fecundation rates and embryo production. Our hypothesis was that treatment with PGF during the peri-ovulatory period increases the number of transferable embryos in superovulated cows.

Bos taurus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus (n=35) embryo donor cows allocated to the Biotec Embryo Collection and Processing Center (Protásio Alves, RS) were subjected to SOV after estrus synchronization (Figure 1). Synchronization occurred eleven days prior to estrus (D -11) through the insertion of an intravaginal device (IVD) containing 1 g progesterone (P4) plus the administration of 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB). At D -4, the cows received 482 µg of cloprostenol (PGF, Estron, Agener União). The IVDs were removed on D -2, to allow the cows to show estrus. Between 9 and 11 days after estrus, cows presenting a corpus luteum (CL) with a diameter greater than 1 cm were selected. The ablation of follicles greater than 8 mm was conducted on D0 (LIMA et al., 2007) and the SOV started one day after follicular ablation. For each cow, the FSH dose (160-260 mg; Folltropin, Vetoquinol) was determined individually, according to their breed and performance in previous programs. The FSH treatment started on the first day of SOV, at 12 hour-intervals (M/A), in eight decreasing doses (20% M/A, 15% M/A, 10% M/A, and 5% M/A). Simultaneously with the sixth and seventh doses (at D3 and D4, respectively), 482 µg of cloprostenol (PGF) was administered to induce luteolysis and decrease circulating P4 levels. On the morning after the last FSH treatment (D5), all cows detected in estrus were treated with 50 µg gonadorelin acetate (GnRH; Gestran Plus, Agener União) to synchronize ovulation, whereas cows that did not show estrus were treated with GnRH in the afternoon. Cows in the PGF group received 482 µg sodium cloprostenol (Estron; Tecnopec) immediately after the first AI (12 h after GnRH), whereas the control cows remained untreated. The two groups were compared simultaneously in each replicate. As each cow was subjected to two SOVs, all cows were included in both groups, totaling 70 embryo collections. After collection (at D12; 7 days after estrus), the number, stage of development, and quality of recovered structures were recorded. As the data did not present normality, between-group comparisons were performed through the Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data, using Prism 8 software, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

No evaluated parameters differed (P > 0.05) between the treatments (Figure 2). The median (95% CI) for the control and PGF groups, respectively, were 12 (10-18) and 15 (12-18) for total structures, and 9 (7-11) and 7 (6-10) for viable embryos. The rates of embryo production also did not differ (P > 0.05): 78% (61-85%) for the control and 61% (43-83%) for PGF, which are similar to those reported in previous studies (LIMA et al., 2007; GUERRA et al., 2012; WILEY et al., 2019).The number of freezable embryos for the control (8; 5-9) and PGF (6; 2-10) cows did not differ (P > 0.05) and were similar to those reported by Wiley et al. (2019). The number of degenerated embryos for the control (1, 0-1) and PGF (1, 1-3) groups were also similar (P > 0.05). In previous studies, the number of oocytes varied from 5.6 to 5.8 (GUERRA et al., 2012; WILEY et al., 2019).However, in our study, those numbers were inferior: 1 (0-3) for control and 2 (0-5) for PGF. This may reflect differences in methodology, especially those related to the protocols used for SOV and ovulation induction. There was no difference in the percentage of oocytes: 9% (0-23%) for the control and 9% (0-43%) for PGF (P > 0.05). Although there are no data on the effect of PGF treatment concurrent with AI in superovulated cows, in buffalos, such treatment resulted in an increase in fecundation rates and in the number of viable embryos (CARVALHO et al., 2020). However, as the rate of embryo recovery in buffalos is lower than that in cattle, the lack of effect observed in the present study may be because most structures were fertilized, even in the control group. Furthermore, in a study by CARVALHO et al. (2020), buffalos received four doses of PGF every 12 h from the moment of ovulation induction, which likely prolonged the PGF action. In the present study, PGF was administered during the first AI session. Thus, it is possible that a greater number of administrations could be effective.

Based on our hypothesis, it was expected that the cows in the PGF group would present greater ovulation synchrony and/or a positive effect on the transport of gametes, resulting in a lower proportion of non-fertilized oocytes and more viable embryos. However, Morrison et al. (1988) also did not report positive effects of PGF treatment concurrent with AI, on the number of spermatozoa present in the oviduct and on pregnancy rates in cows. Taken together with our results, it contradicted the initial hypothesis. A recent study conducted with superovulated cows reported that, although PGF is related to ovulation in cows, the level of PGE in the follicular fluid immediately before ovulation (484.21 ng/mL) was greater than the concentration of PGF (101.01 ng/mL). This suggested that PGE may be the main paracrine mediator of the LH peak in cows, playing a relevant role in ovulation and in the formation of CL (BERISHA et al., 2019).

Ambrose et al. (2015) reported an increase in the conception of cows treated with PGF concurrent with FTAI at the beginning of lactation (possibly facing a negative energy balance); however, no subsequent effect was observed after mid-lactation. Additionally, the rates of pregnancy and gestation maintenance did not differ in dairy cows treated with PGF, GnRH, or PGF plus GnRH concurrent with FTAI (MOHAMMADI et al., 2019).Therefore, PGF treatment concurrent with AI may be efficient for cows subjected to stressful conditions that may impair ovulation (such as negative energy balance and heat stress) but would not benefit cows with adequate reproductive performance (LOPEZ-GATIUS et al., 2004), as observed in the present study. In conclusion, a single PGF administration concurrent with the first AI had no effect on embryo production in superovulated cows.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) (Edital PRONEX 12/2014, 16/2551-0000494-3). This study was supported by CNPq (Chamada Universal MCTIC/CNPq: 424308/2018-5) and was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brasil - Finance code 001.

References

AMBROSE, D. J., et al. Low-dose natural prostaglandin F2alpha (dinoprost) at timed insemination improves conception rate in dairy cattle. Theriogenology, v.83, n.4, p.529-34, 2015. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25434776 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.034. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25434776

BERISHA, B., et al. Prostaglandins in superovulation induced bovine follicles during the preovulatory period and early corpus luteum. Frontiers in Endocrinology (Lausanne), v.10, p.467, 2019. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31354631 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00467. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31354631

CARVALHO, J. G. S., et al. Administration of PGF2alpha during the periovulatory period increased fertilization rate in superovulated buffaloes. Theriogenology, v.145, p.138-143, 2020. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31757482 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.010. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31757482

CASTRO, N. A., et al. Use of prostaglandin F2alpha as ovulatory stimulus for synchronizing dairy cattle. Research in Veterinaty Science, v.118, p.151-154, 2018. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29453074 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.01.010. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29453074

GUERRA, A. G., et al. Lengthening the superstimulatory treatment protocol increases ovarian response and number of transferable embryos in beef cows. Theriogenology, v.78, n.2, p.353-60, 2012. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22494674 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.010. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22494674

LEONARDI, C. E., et al. Prostaglandin F2alpha promotes ovulation in prepubertal heifers. Theriogenology, v.78, n.7, p.1578-82, 2012. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22925644 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.030. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22925644

LIMA, W. M., et al. Improved superovulatory response in beef cattle following ovarian follicular ablation using a simplified transvaginal device. Animal Reproduction Science, v.100, n.3-4, p.364-70, 2007. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17156950 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.10.023. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17156950

LOPEZ-GATIUS, F., et al. Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows treated with cloprostenol at the time of insemination. Theriogenology, v.62, n.3-4, p.677-89, 2004. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15226022 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.11.014. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15226022

MAPLETOFT, R., et al. In vitro and in vivo embryo production in cattle superstimulated with FSH for 7 days. Animal Reproduction, v.12, n.3, p.383-388, 2015. Accessed: Jun. 01, 2021.

MOHAMMADI, A., et al. Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha and GnRH administration at the time of artificial insemination on reproductive performance of dairy cows. Veterinary Research Forum, v.10, n.2, p.153-158, 2019. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31338149 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.30466/vrf.2018.87502.2136. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31338149

MORRISON, D. G., et al. Effect of prostaglandin F2α at insemination on sperm cell numbers and pregnancy rate in beef cattle. Theriogenology, v.30, n.1, p.109-118, 1988. Available from: <Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0093691X88902683 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/0093-691x(88)90268-3. » https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0093691X88902683

PHILLIPPO, M.; L. E. A. ROWSON. Prostaglandins and superovulation in the bovine. Annales de biologie animale, biochimie, biophysique, v.15, p.233-240, 1975. Accessed: Jun. 01, 2021.

WIJAYAGUNAWARDANE, M., et al. In vitro regulation of local secretion and contraction of the bovine oviduct: stimulation by luteinizing hormone, endothelin-1 and prostaglandins, and inhibition by oxytocin. Journal of Endocrinology, v.168, n.1, p.117-130, 2001. Available from: <Available from: https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/168/1/117.xml >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1680117. » https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/168/1/117.xml

WILEY, C., et al. Effects of endogenous progesterone during ovarian follicle superstimulation on embryo quality and quantity in beef cows. Theriogenology, v.129, p.54-60, 2019. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30818252 >. Accessed Jun. 01, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.024. » https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30818252