Effects of follicular ablation and induced luteolysis on LH and follicular fluid factors during the periovulatory period in mares

ABSTRACT Haemorrhagic anovulatory follicles (HAFs) are the most common pathological anovulatory condition in the mare. To enhance understanding of the physiopathology of HAFs, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of an induced-follicular wave on LH concentrations and follicular fluid factors relevant to the ovulatory process. Mares were allocated to treatment or control groups (n = 7/group) in a crossed over design during 14 oestrous cycles with a period of one cycle occurring when there were no treatments between the times when treatments were administered. In the treatment group, all antral follicles ≥8 mm were ablated on Day 10 after ovulation followed by administration of a luteolytic dose of PGF2α. All mares of both groups were treated with 1500 IU of hCG when a follicle ≥32 mm was detected (Hour 0), and follicular fluid was aspirated 35 h later. Blood samples were collected every 48 h from Day 10 until Hour 0 from all mares. Follicular fluid was assayed for PGE2, estradiol and progesterone. Plasma was assayed for LH concentrations. A follicular wave followed follicle ablation in the treated mares. Concentrations of LH were greater (P =  0.05) in mares ot the treatment compared with control group. Concentrations of PGE2, estradiol and progesterone in follicular fluid did not differ between groups (P >  0.05). Treatment resulted in an earlier increase in circulating LH, however, there was no effect on concentrations of intra-follicular PGE2, estradiol or progesterone in hCG-stimulated preovulatory follicles.