Role of Eicosanoids in the Regulation of the Periparturient Period in Cattle |
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| Authors: | Marta Kankofer Martina Hoedemaker |
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| Institution: | Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Gynäkologie des Rides, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Contents: In this review, the role of eicosanoids in regulation of parturition and the postpartum period was described with special emphasis on the bovine species. The metabolism of arachidonic acid and the production of eicosanoids during the peripartum period was discussed. Prostaglandin E2 and F2α (PGE2, PGF2α) play an important role in mechanisms controlling parturition. They are involved in luteolysis, uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix. Eicosanoids also seem to influence the loosening processes of the fetal membranes. However, in the literature, conflicting results were found. Many investigations suggested that retained placental membranes could be related to low PGF2α production and/ or an imbalance of arachidonic acid metabolism in the uterus. The possible role of the lipoxygenase pathway metabolite 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in expulsion of the fetal membranes was also discussed. As far as the postpartum period is concerned, a relationship between postpartum PGF2α release and the involution of the uterus was found. Cows with undisturbed uterine involution had higher PGF2α production than cows with delayed involution. In contrast to the positive effect of PGF2α on uterine involution, PGE2 seems to delay the involution processes. Further experiments are necessary in order to study the function of eicosanoids in mechanisms regulating parturition, release of the fetal placental membranes and involution of the uterus. |
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| Keywords: | Eicosanoids pregnancy parturition retained placenta uterine involution |
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