Testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations in pregnant Spanish Purebred mare

Abstract Androgens modulate maternal ovarian activity, embryo implantation and correct placental development. The objective of this study was to establish reference values for testosterone (T), androstenedione (A 4 ) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations in pregnant mares. A total of 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares with an age range of 9.33 ± 3.31 years, were studied during the 11 months of gestation. T, A 4 and DHEA concentrations were determined using EIA validated specifically for equines. T increased in the 2nd and 3rd month (P  4 increased in the 2nd month (P  4 and DHEA were positive and significantly correlated (P