RESUMEN

Avian brood parasitism is an evolutionarily derived behavior for which the neurobiological mechanisms are mostly unexplored. We aimed to identify brain regions that have diverged in the brood-parasitic brain using relative transcript abundance of social neuropeptides and receptors. We compared behavioral responses and transcript abundance in three brain regions in the brown-headed cowbird (BHCO), a brood parasite, and a closely related parental species, the red-winged blackbird (RWBL). Females of both species were treated with mesotocin (MT; avian homolog of oxytocin) or saline prior to exposure to nest stimuli. Results reveal that MT promotes approach toward nests with eggs rather than nests with begging nestlings in both species. We also examined relative transcript abundance of the five social neuropeptides and receptors in the brain regions examined: preoptic area (POA), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). We found that MT-treated cowbirds but not blackbirds exhibited lower transcript abundance for two receptors, corticotropin-releasing factor 2 (CRFR2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in BST. Additionally, MT-treated cowbirds had higher PRLR in POA, comparable to those found in blackbirds, regardless of treatment. No other transcripts of interest exhibited significant differences as a result of MT treatment, but we found a significant effect of species in the three regions. Together, these results indicate that POA, PVN, and BST represent neural nodes that have diverged in avian brood parasites and may serve as neural substrates of brood-parasitic behavior.

Asunto(s)

Comportamiento de Nidificación , Oxitocina , Animales , Oxitocina/metabolismo , Oxitocina/genética , Oxitocina/farmacología , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Femenino , Pájaros Cantores/genética , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Especificidad de la Especie , Núcleo Hipotalámico Paraventricular/metabolismo , Núcleos Septales/metabolismo , Área Preóptica/metabolismo

RESUMEN

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of Shenghua decoction (SHD) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) attributed to uterine atony (UA). Records of 84 patients were retrospectively analyzed, with 42 assigned to the treatment group and 42 to the control group. Both groups received carbetocin, and patients in the treatment group additionally underwent SHD. Primary endpoints included blood loss and changes in hemoglobin levels. Secondary endpoints encompassed the number of patients requiring uterine massage, additional oxytocic drugs, pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and treatment-related adverse events. Patients in the treatment group exhibited superior outcomes in terms of blood loss (P < .01), hemoglobin levels (P = .03), and pulse rate (P < .01) compared to those in the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in the number of patients requiring uterine massage (P = .13), the number of patients needing additional oxytocic drugs (P = .19), respiratory rate (P = .05), and systolic blood pressure (P = .80) between the 2 groups. There were no significant disparities in treatment-related adverse events between the 2 groups. The findings of this study suggest that the preventive effects of SHD combined with carbetocin were superior to those of carbetocin alone for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. However, high-quality prospective studies are needed to validate and confirm these results.

Asunto(s)

Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Oxitocina , Hemorragia Posparto , Inercia Uterina , Humanos , Femenino , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Hemorragia Posparto/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/efectos adversos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Inercia Uterina/tratamiento farmacológico , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/uso terapéutico , Oxitocina/efectos adversos , Embarazo , Oxitócicos/uso terapéutico , Oxitócicos/efectos adversos , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

We aimed to determine associations between experimentally impaired uterine clearance or treatment with ecbolic drugs on luteal development in estrous mares after insemination. In a crossover design, eight mares were treated with saline (CON), clenbuterol (CLEN), oxytocin (OXY) and carbetocin (CARB) from the day of first insemination until 2 days after ovulation. Between treatments, the mares rested for one cycle. Estrous mares were examined for the presence of free intrauterine fluid by transrectal ultrasound. Endometrial swabs for cytology and bacteriology were collected on days 1 and 14. Blood samples were collected daily before AI until day 14 after ovulation for determination of progesterone and PGF2α metabolites (PGFM). Differences between treatments were compared by a general linear model for repeated measures (SPSS 29). One mare was excluded because of a uterine infection in the control cycle. In all other mares, only minor amounts of free intrauterine fluid were present after insemination and decreased over time (P<0.05) with no treatment x time interaction. There was no effect of treatment on polymorphonucleated cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology after ovulation or PGFM secretion. Progesterone release from day 1-14 as well as pregnancy rate and conceptus size on day 14 was not influenced by treatment. In conclusion, treatment with clenbuterol does not impair uterine clearance in estrous mares resistant to endometritis. Repeated injection of the oxytocin analogue carbetocin during the early postovulatory period is not detrimental to corpus luteum function and can be recommended to enhance uterine clearance.

Asunto(s)

Ovulación , Oxitocina , Animales , Femenino , Embarazo , Cuerpo Lúteo/efectos de los fármacos , Estudios Cruzados , Endometritis/veterinaria , Endometritis/tratamiento farmacológico , Endometrio/efectos de los fármacos , Endometrio/metabolismo , Enfermedades de los Caballos/tratamiento farmacológico , Caballos , Inseminación Artificial/veterinaria , Ovulación/efectos de los fármacos , Oxitocina/farmacología , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Progesterona/farmacología , Progesterona/sangre , Útero/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of carbetocin versus oxytocin in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in women with risk factors for PPH who were delived by caesarean section. METHODS: This retrospective, monocentric, before-and-after cohort study assessed patients with haemorrhagic risk factors who underwent caesarean section after 24 weeks of gestation and who had haemorrhagic risk factors between August 2014 to December 2019. RESULTS: This study enrolled 518 patients, including 250 in the oxytocin group and 268 in the carbetocin group. The use of carbetocin was independently associated with a PPH decrease compared to oxytocin use (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.79; p = 0.002). Carbetocin use was associated with a reduction in the need for therapy escalation (6 % vs 10.8 %; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Carbetocin was more effective than oxytocin in preventing PPH after caesarean section in high-risk patients.

Asunto(s)

Cesárea , Oxitócicos , Oxitocina , Hemorragia Posparto , Humanos , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Hemorragia Posparto/etiología , Cesárea/efectos adversos , Embarazo , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto , Oxitócicos/uso terapéutico , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess non-inferiority of the unique approach used in our institution of combined 10 IU IM (intramyometrial) and 10 IU IV (intravenous) oxytocin to carbetocin IV in preventing severe postpartum blood loss in elective cesarean sections. The design was a prospective controlled phase IV non-inferiority interventional trial. The setting was a tertiary center at University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population consisted of 550 women undergoing elective cesarean section after 36 completed weeks of gestation at low risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Participants were assigned to either combined oxytocin regimen (10 IU IM and 10 IU IV) or carbetocin (100 µg IV). Non-inferiority for oxytocin for severe PPH was assessed with a 0.05 margin using the Newcombe-Wilson score method. The main outcome measures were severe postpartum blood loss defined as delta hemoglobin (∆Hb, Hb prepartum-Hb postpartum) ≥30 g/L. RESULTS: Non-inferiority of combined oxytocin (IM/IV) in preventing severe postpartum blood loss was not shown (17 women in the oxytocin group vs. 7 in the carbetocin group). The number needed to treat when using carbetocin was 28. The risk difference for ∆Hb ≥30 g/L was 0.04 (oxytocin 0.06 vs. 0.03), 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.00-0.08). No significant difference was observed for ∆Hb (median 12 [IQR 7.0-19.0] vs. 11 [5.0-17.0], p = 0.07), estimated blood loss (median 500 [IQR 400-600] vs. 500 [400-575], p = 0.38), or the PPH rate defined as estimated blood loss ≥1000 mL (12[4.5] vs. 5 [2.0], risk difference 0.03, 95% CI (-0.01 to 0.06), p = 0.16). More additional uterotonics were administered in the oxytocin group compared to the carbetocin group (15.2% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.001). Total case costs were non-significantly different in the oxytocin group (US $ 10 146 vs. 9621, mean difference 471.4, CI (-476.5 to 1419.3), p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: Combined (IM/IV) oxytocin is not non-inferior to carbetocin regarding severe postpartum blood loss defined as postpartum Hb decrease ≥30 g/L in elective cesarean sections. We recommend carbetocin for use in clinical practice for elective cesarean sections.

Asunto(s)

Cesárea , Oxitócicos , Oxitocina , Hemorragia Posparto , Humanos , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/administración & dosificación , Oxitocina/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Embarazo , Adulto , Oxitócicos/administración & dosificación , Oxitócicos/uso terapéutico , Estudios Prospectivos , Inyecciones Intramusculares , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Electivos , Administración Intravenosa , Suiza

Asunto(s)

Cesárea , Misoprostol , Oxitócicos , Oxitocina , Hemorragia Posparto , Humanos , Femenino , Oxitocina/administración & dosificación , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Embarazo , Misoprostol/administración & dosificación , Oxitócicos/administración & dosificación , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Administración Sublingual , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

The impact of environmental enrichment (EE) on natural rewards, including social and appetitive rewards, was investigated in male Swiss mice. EE, known for providing animals with various stimuli, was assessed for its effects on conditioned place preference (CPP) associated with ethanol and social stimuli. We previously demonstrated that EE increased the levels of the prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) in the hypothalamus and enhanced ethanol rewarding effects via an oxytocinergic mechanism. This study also investigated the impact of EE on social dominance and motivation for rewards, measured OT-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activity in striatal membranes, and assessed OT expression in the hypothalamus. The role of dopamine in motivating rewards was considered, along with the interaction between OT and D1 receptors (DR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Results showed that EE mice exhibited a preference for ethanol reward over social reward, a pattern replicated by the OT analogue Carbetocin. EE mice demonstrated increased social dominance and reduced motivation for appetitive taste stimuli. Higher OT mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were followed by diminished OT receptor (OTR) signaling activity in the striatum of EE mice. Additionally, EE mice displayed elevated D1R expression, which was attenuated by the OTR antagonist (L-368-889). The findings underscore the reinforcing effect of EE on ethanol and social rewards through an oxytocinergic mechanism. Nonetheless, they suggest that mechanisms other than the prosocial effect of EE may contribute to the ethanol pro-rewarding effect of EE and Carbetocin. They also point towards an OT-dopamine interaction potentially underlying some of these effects.

Asunto(s)

Dopamina , Etanol , Núcleo Accumbens , Oxitocina , Receptores de Dopamina D1 , Receptores de Oxitocina , Recompensa , Animales , Oxitocina/metabolismo , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Masculino , Etanol/farmacología , Etanol/administración & dosificación , Ratones , Receptores de Dopamina D1/metabolismo , Receptores de Dopamina D1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Dopamina/metabolismo , Receptores de Oxitocina/metabolismo , Receptores de Oxitocina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Núcleo Accumbens/metabolismo , Núcleo Accumbens/efectos de los fármacos , Ambiente , Hipotálamo/metabolismo , Hipotálamo/efectos de los fármacos , Depresores del Sistema Nervioso Central/farmacología , Predominio Social , Conducta Social , Motivación/fisiología , Motivación/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

The highly conserved oxytocin/vasopressin family of nonapeptides plays many roles across the animal kingdom, from osmoregulation to reproductive physiology. We investigated the expression patterns and pharmacological effects of the gastropod ortholog of this peptide, conopressin, along with another peptide involved in gastropod reproduction, APGWamide, in the nudibranch Berghia stephanieae. A brain transcriptome was used to identify and annotate the gene sequences for the peptides and one conopressin receptor. In-situ hybridization chain reaction showed that many neurons in the brain expressed these peptides. However, the peptide genes were co-expressed by only three neurons, which were in the right cerebral ganglion, the same side on which the reproductive organs are located. A conopressin receptor (BSCPR1) was expressed in a prominent population of APGWamide expressing neurons. Placing animals in a solution containing the APGWamide peptide caused minimal behavioral changes. However, exposure to conopressin reduced locomotion, increased gut contractions, and caused voiding at high concentration. The genes for these peptides and BSCPR1 were expressed in cells in the digestive system. BSCPR1 was also expressed by a line of neurons on the anterior portion of the radula and would be contacted during feeding. APGWamide-expressing neurons were found in the genital ganglion. All three genes expressed in cells on sensory appendages. These results are consistent with the conopressin playing a variety of roles in the brain and the body and being involved in both reproduction and digestion. This study sheds light on the function of this ancient nonapeptide in a new-to-neuroscience invertebrate species.

Asunto(s)

Gastrópodos , Vasopresinas , Animales , Gastrópodos/genética , Vasopresinas/farmacología , Vasopresinas/metabolismo , Oxitocina/farmacología , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Transcriptoma/efectos de los fármacos , Locomoción/efectos de los fármacos , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Vasopresinas/genética , Receptores de Vasopresinas/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The neuropeptides arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are key regulators of social behaviour across vertebrates. However, much of our understanding of how these neuropeptide systems interact with social behaviour is centred around laboratory studies which fail to capture the social and physiological challenges of living in the wild. To evaluate relationships between these neuropeptide systems and social behaviour in the wild, we studied social groups of the cichlid fish Neolamprologus pulcher in Lake Tanganyika, Africa. We first used SCUBA to observe the behaviour of focal group members and then measured transcript abundance of key components of the AVP and OXT systems across different brain regions. While AVP is often associated with male-typical behaviours, we found that dominant females had higher expression of avp and its receptor (avpr1a2) in the preoptic area of the brain compared to either dominant males or subordinates of either sex. Dominant females also generally had the highest levels of leucyl-cystinyl aminopeptidase (lnpep)-which inactivates AVP and OXT-throughout the brain, potentially indicating greater overall activity (i.e., production, release, and turnover) of the AVP system in dominant females. Expression of OXT and its receptors did not differ across social ranks. However, dominant males that visited the brood chamber more often had lower preoptic expression of OXT receptor a (oxtra) suggesting a negative relationship between OXT signalling and parental care in males of this species. Overall, these results advance our understanding of the relationships between complex social behaviours and neuroendocrine systems under natural settings.

Asunto(s)

Arginina Vasopresina , Cíclidos , Oxitocina , Conducta Social , Animales , Oxitocina/metabolismo , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Arginina Vasopresina/metabolismo , Masculino , Femenino , Cíclidos/metabolismo , Cíclidos/fisiología , Cíclidos/genética , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cistinil Aminopeptidasa/metabolismo , Cistinil Aminopeptidasa/genética , Receptores de Vasopresinas/metabolismo , Receptores de Vasopresinas/genética , Conducta Animal/fisiología , Predominio Social

RESUMEN

Oxytocinergic transmission blocks nociception at the peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal levels through the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Indeed, a neuronal pathway from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5c) has been described. Hence, although the trigeminocervical complex (TCC), an anatomical area spanning the Sp5c, C1, and C2 regions, plays a role in some pain disorders associated with craniofacial structures (e.g., migraine), the role of oxytocinergic transmission in modulating nociception at this level has been poorly explored. Hence, in vivo electrophysiological recordings of TCC wide dynamic range (WDR) cells sensitive to stimulation of the periorbital or meningeal region were performed in male Wistar rats. PVN electrical stimulation diminished the neuronal firing evoked by periorbital or meningeal electrical stimulation; this inhibition was reversed by OTR antagonists administered locally. Accordingly, neuronal projections (using Fluoro-Ruby) from the PVN to the WDR cells filled with Neurobiotin were observed. Moreover, colocalization between OTR and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or OTR and GABA was found near Neurobiotin-filled WDR cells. Retrograde neuronal tracers deposited at the meningeal (True-Blue, TB) and infraorbital nerves (Fluoro-Gold, FG) showed that at the trigeminal ganglion (TG), some cells were immunopositive to both fluorophores, suggesting that some TG cells send projections via the V1 and V2 trigeminal branches. Together, these data may imply that endogenous oxytocinergic transmission inhibits the nociceptive activity of second-order neurons via OTR activation in CGRPergic (primary afferent fibers) and GABAergic cells.

Asunto(s)

Estimulación Eléctrica , Oxitocina , Núcleo Hipotalámico Paraventricular , Ratas Wistar , Receptores de Oxitocina , Transmisión Sináptica , Animales , Masculino , Núcleo Hipotalámico Paraventricular/fisiología , Núcleo Hipotalámico Paraventricular/metabolismo , Oxitocina/metabolismo , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Ratas , Receptores de Oxitocina/metabolismo , Receptores de Oxitocina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Nociceptores/fisiología , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Nocicepción/fisiología , Potenciales de Acción/fisiología , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Meninges/fisiología , Inhibición Neural/fisiología

RESUMEN

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of carbetocin administration (a long-acting analog of oxytocin) 20 or 10 min before electroejaculation (EE) on the duration of semen collection procedure, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, and stress biomarkers in rams. Semen was collected from 12 Corriedale rams (age, 2.5-5.5 years old) with EE, in a Latin-square design, administrating carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg of body weight i.v.) 20 or 10 min before EE, or without carbetocin administration (CB-20, CB-10, and CON treatments, respectively). Each treatment was applied to different rams every 3-4 days, allowing all the rams to receive all three treatments. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before EE increased the number of sperm ejaculated (P = 0.01), the semen concentration (P = 0.02), the number of insemination doses collected in a single collection (P = 0.01), and the number of insemination doses collected/electrical pulses administered (P = 0.05) compared to control rams. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before semen collection prolonged the time required for EE and the number of pulses administered during EE compared to CON rams (P < 0.03 for both). The CB-10 rams required the administration of more electrical pulses during ejaculation than CON rams (P = 0.001), and CB-20 treatment tended to require more electrical pulses than CON rams (P = 0.06). The volume of the ejaculate was greater in CB-10 than in CON rams (P = 0.01), and that of CB-20 treatment tended to be greater than CON rams (P = 0.08). The percentage of sperm with intact membrane was greater in CB-20 than in CON rams (P = 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were lower immediately after carbetocin administration 20 or 10 min before EE. The treatments did not affect cortisol concentration, glycemia, rectal and surface temperatures, heart rate, and facial expressions. Carbetocin administration before EE of rams improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, duplicating the number of insemination doses collected. It can be a promising treatment to obtain a greater quantity of doses to inseminate with a lower frequency of semen collections, reducing the negative impacts of EE on animal welfare.

Asunto(s)

Oxitocina , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Semen , Masculino , Ovinos , Animales , Semen/fisiología , Oxitocina/farmacología , Oveja Doméstica , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Eyaculación/fisiología , Inseminación

RESUMEN

The main causes of maternal mortality are comorbidities, hypertensive pregnancy syndrome, obstetric haemorrhage, and maternal sepsis. For this reason, uterotonics, magnesium sulphate, and antibiotics are essential tools in the management of obstetric patients during labour and in the peripartum period. These drugs are widely used by anaesthesiologists in all departments, and play a crucial role in treatment and patient safety. For the purpose of this narrative review, we performed a detailed search of medical databases and selected studies describing the use of these drugs in patients during pregnancy, delivery and the pospartum period. Uterotonics, above all oxytocin, play an important role in the prevention and treatment of pospartum haemorrhage, and various studies have shown that in obstetric procedures, such as scheduled and emergency caesarean section, they are effective at lower doses than those hitherto accepted. We also discuss the use of carbetocin as an effective alternative that has a therapeutic advantage in certain clinical circumstances. Magnesium sulphate is the gold standard in the prevention and treatment of eclampsia, and also plays a neuroprotective role in preterm infants. We describe the precautions to be taken during magnesium administration. Finally, we discuss the importance of understanding microbiology and the pharmacology of antibiotics in the management of obstetric infection and endometritis, and draw attention to the latest trends in antibiotic regimens in labour and caesarean section.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Sulfato de Magnesio , Oxitócicos , Humanos , Sulfato de Magnesio/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Embarazo , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Oxitócicos/uso terapéutico , Periodo Periparto , Anestesia Obstétrica/métodos , Parto Obstétrico , Endometritis/prevención & control , Endometritis/tratamiento farmacológico , Cesárea , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados

RESUMEN

The aim of this study was to explore the factors contributing to colostrum production and the levels of colostrum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in contemporary highly productive sows within a tropical climate. We focused on variables such as parity number, litter size, sow body condition score (BCS), the timing of sample collection following the commencement of farrowing and the use of carbetocin during the birthing process. A total of 100 colostrum samples were collected from a group of 50 Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. These samples were taken at two distinct time intervals: right after farrowing (0 h) and 6 h later. The colostrum samples were classified according to the sows' parity numbers, with 33 samples originating from primiparous sows and 67 from multiparous ones. Additionally, the number of live-born piglets were categorized into three groups: 7-13, 14-17 and ≥ 18 piglets per litter. Moreover, the samples were categorized based on the use of carbetocin during the birthing process, with 34 sows experiencing natural farrowing and 66 sows receiving carbetocin. The sow's BCS was assessed through visual evaluation and palpation. The piglet colostrum consumption and the amount of colostrum produced by the sows were determined. The concentrations of IgG and IgA were determined by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. On average, the colostrum production averaged 5.5 ± 1.7 kg, with IgG and IgA concentrations averaging 54.9 ± 24.6 mg/ml and 7.6 ± 3.5 mg/ml, respectively. Primiparous sows exhibited a significant 25.2% decrease in IgG concentration within 6 h of parturition (P < 0.05), whereas no such decline was observed in multiparous sows. Furthermore, multiparous sows displayed higher colostrum yields (6.2 ± 1.5 kg and 4.3 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, P < 0.001) and IgA concentrations compared to primiparous sows (8.3 ± 3.8 mg/ml and 6.3 ± 2.6 mg/ml, respectively, P = 0.002). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between IgA concentrations in colostrum and the sow's BCS at both the 0-h and 6-h post-farrowing time points (r = 0.425, P = 0.002 and r = 0.315, P = 0.031, respectively). The administration of carbetocin did not yield a significant impact on the concentrations of IgG and IgA in the sows' colostrum (P > 0.05). In conclusion, during the initial 6 h after birth, colostrum IgA levels remained stable, whereas there was a noticeable decline in IgG levels, particularly among primiparous sows. The production volume of colostrum and the concentration of IgA in sows within tropical conditions were influenced by both parity number and body condition score.

Asunto(s)

Calostro , Inmunoglobulina G , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Embarazo , Animales , Porcinos , Femenino , Tamaño de la Camada , Paridad , Inmunoglobulina A , Lactancia

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Despite its recent reputation as prosocial neurohormone, the most important physiological role of oxytocin (OT) is stimulating uterine contractions. Though it is well known that plasma OT concentrations change drastically during delivery, it remains unexplored whether and how OT receptors in the maternal brain are activated. We examined whether the responses of cells in the central amygdala (CeA), an OT receptor-rich limbic site involved in pain and fear memory regulation, to exogenously applied OT analogue, Thr-Gly-OT (TGOT), vary depending on delivery. METHODS: Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics of the CeA cells were visualized in brain slices from female rats at virgin (VG), during pregnancy term (PT) days 16-21, within 24 h after delivery (G0), and within 1-3 days after delivery (G3). The Ca2+ responses to 1 µM TGOT, 20 mM KCl (high K), and 300 µM ADP were compared. RESULTS: We found that fraction of cells responding to TGOT, high K, and ADP differed significantly between the four delivery-associated terms. In particular, the fraction of cells responding to TGOT (TGOT responders) significantly increased from VG and PT at G0 and G3. Furthermore, the significant positive correlation between TGOT and high K response in TGOT and high K responders was reduced at G0, while that between TGOT and ADP responses in TGOT and ADP responders was increased at G0. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the responses of CeA cells to an OT receptor agonist markedly change around delivery, which might play a role in controlling the labor-related pain and post-delivery emotional complications.

Asunto(s)

Núcleo Amigdalino Central , Oxitocina , Periodo Periparto , Receptores de Oxitocina , Animales , Femenino , Embarazo/metabolismo , Embarazo/psicología , Ratas , Calcio/metabolismo , Núcleo Amigdalino Central/metabolismo , Miedo/fisiología , Miedo/psicología , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/farmacología , Dolor/metabolismo , Dolor/psicología , Periodo Periparto/metabolismo , Periodo Periparto/psicología , Receptores de Oxitocina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Postpartum haemorrhage is a common complication of pregnancy, most commonly due to uterine atony. Uterotonics have a vital role in preventing postpartum haemorrhage but the choice of the most effective agent with the fewest adverse effects is a subject of debate. Carbetocin, a synthetic analogue of oxytocin has been available in the UK since 2007 but is not currently widely used. It has a longer duration of action than oxytocin, which avoids the need for an infusion and as it is heat-stable it can be stored at room temperature. Current UK clinical guidelines, based on the results of older meta-analyses, do not recommend carbetocin as a first-line agent. A Cochrane review, published in 2018, ranked carbetocin in the top three drug regimens for preventing postpartum haemorrhage and an international consensus statement on uterotonic use for caesarean birth concluded that carbetocin may become the preferred drug for caesarean birth, by reducing the need for additional uterotonics. The higher cost of carbetocin when compared with oxytocin is a limiting factor, but the significant healthcare costs of a postpartum haemorrhage and the physiological impact of this event suggests it a reasonable alternative to consider, especially if ergometrine is contraindicated or in those who are undergoing a caesarean birth or are at high risk of bleeding.

Asunto(s)

Oxitócicos , Hemorragia Posparto , Femenino , Humanos , Oxitócicos/efectos adversos , Oxitocina/efectos adversos , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Hemorragia Posparto/inducido químicamente , Hemorragia Posparto/tratamiento farmacológico , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Periodo Posparto , Embarazo

RESUMEN

In the present work the nonapeptides i.e., isotocin and vasotocin alone or in a combination were tested in C. magur to evaluate their effect on stripping by abdominal massage. Also, we used chitosan-carbon nanotube nanocomposites to conjugate the nonapetides isotocin (abbreviated as COOH-SWCNTCSPeP) and isotocin and vasotocin (COOH-SWCNTCSPePs) with the aim of sustaining the effect for a longer duration. The conjugation of nonapeptides with nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of naked (without nanoparticles) and conjugated nonapeptides on the milt release by stripping. Both the experiments consisted of eight treatments which included four naked groups two nanoconjugated groups and two controls. Both naked and nonconjugated formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish. The mRNA expression of selected reproductive genes was analysed to decipher the effect of nanopeptides at the molecular level. Nonapeptide treatment either naked or nanoconjugated, resulted in the upregulation of the transcript level of genes. Histological analysis revealed the concentration of spermatozoa was more in peptide injected groups than in the controls. The synergistic effects of nonapeptides and Ovatide had a positive impact on GSI. Thus, the present formulations were successful in stripping the male catfish to obtain the milt with significant reproductive success. Even though the naked groups perform better but the number of males required to fertilize the eggs in nanoconjuagted groups was smaller making it worth using for the delivery of nonapeptides.

Asunto(s)

Bagres , Vasotocina , Animales , Bagres/genética , Bagres/metabolismo , Masculino , Masaje , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/metabolismo , Vasotocina/genética , Vasotocina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Background: The efficacy of oxytocin and carbetocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in women with vaginal delivery has been controversial. This study is aimed at conducting a meta-analysis that compares the efficacy of carbetocin and oxytocin in the prevention of PPH among women with vaginal delivery. Methods: Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and CNKI databases. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the efficacy of carbetocin and oxytocin to prevent PPH were searched. Data from the included literatures were extracted by two researchers, including author, title, publication date, study type, study number, the incidence of PPH, number of patients requiring additional uterotonics, and number of patients requiring blood transfusion. Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included RCTs. The Chi-square test was adopted for the heterogeneity test. A fixed-effect model was used for analysis if heterogeneity did not exist between literatures. If heterogeneity exists between literatures, a random-effect model was used for analysis. The source of heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results: The incidence of PPH in the carbetocin group was lower than that in the oxytocin group (OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.46, 0.84), Z = 3.14, P = 0.002). There was no heterogeneity among studies (χ 2 = 7.29, P = 0.12, I 2 = 45%) and no significant publication bias (P > 0.05). The proportion of women requiring additional uterotonics in the carbetocin group was lower than that in the oxytocin group (OR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.29, 0.56), Z = 5.34, P < 0.00001). There was no heterogeneity among studies (χ 2 = 0.82, P = 0.84, I 2 = 0%) and no significant publication bias (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of women needing blood transfusion between the carbetocin group and the oxytocin group (OR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.66, 1.29), Z = 0.46, P = 0.64). There was no heterogeneity among studies (χ 2 = 3.06, P = 0.55, I 2 = 0%) and no significant publication bias (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Carbetocin is superior to oxytocin in preventing PPH among women with vaginal delivery and can be widely used in clinical practice.

Asunto(s)

Oxitócicos , Hemorragia Posparto , Parto Obstétrico , Femenino , Humanos , Oxitócicos/uso terapéutico , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/uso terapéutico , Hemorragia Posparto/tratamiento farmacológico , Hemorragia Posparto/epidemiología , Hemorragia Posparto/etiología , Hemorragia Posparto/prevención & control , Embarazo

RESUMEN

Discovering new drug candidates with high efficacy and few side effects is a major challenge in new drug development. The two evolutionarily related peptides oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are known to be associated with a variety of physiological and psychological processes via the association of OXT with three types of AVP receptors. Over decades, many synthetic analogs of these peptides have been designed and tested for therapeutic applications; however, only a few studies of their natural analogs have been performed. In this study, we investigated the bioactivity and usefulness of two natural OXT/AVP analogs that originate from the marine invertebrate Octopus vulgaris, named octopressin (OTP) and cephalotocin (CPT). By measuring the intracellular Ca2+ or cyclic AMP increase in each OXT/AVP receptor subtype-overexpressing cell, we found that CPT, but not OTP, acts as a selective agonist of human AVP type 1b and 2 receptors. This behavior is reminiscent of desmopressin, the most widely prescribed antidiuretic drug in the world. Similar to the case for desmopressin, a single intravenous tail injection of CPT into Sprague-Dawley rats reduced urine output and increased urinary osmolality. In conclusion, we suggest that CPT has a significant antidiuretic effect and that CPT might be beneficial for treating urological conditions such as nocturia, enuresis, and diabetes insipidus.

Asunto(s)

Fármacos Antidiuréticos , Octopodiformes , Oxitocina , Animales , Fármacos Antidiuréticos/farmacología , Arginina Vasopresina/análogos & derivados , Desamino Arginina Vasopresina/farmacología , Felipresina/farmacología , Octopodiformes/metabolismo , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de Vasopresinas/agonistas , Receptores de Vasopresinas/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The avian homologue of oxytocin (OT), formerly called mesotocin, influences social behaviors in songbirds and potentially song production. We sought to characterize the distribution of OT peptide in the brain of two songbird species: canaries (Serinus canaria) and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). To visualize OT, we performed immunocytochemistry using an antibody previously shown to identify OT in avian species. In both canaries and zebra finches, dense OT-ir perikarya were located in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), preoptic area (POA), supraoptic nucleus (SON), and medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTm). We also observed morphologically distinct OT-ir cells scattered throughout the mesopallium. OT-ir fibers were observed in the PVN, ventral medial hypothalamus (VMH), periaqueductal gray (PAG), intercollicular nucleus (ICo), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). We also observed punctate OT-ir fibers in the song control nucleus HVC. In both male and female canaries, OT-ir fibers were present in the lateral septum (LS), but innervation was greater in males. We did not observe this sex difference in zebra finches. Much of the OT staining observed is consistent with general distributions within the vertebrate hypothalamus, indicating a possible conserved function. However, some extra-hypothalamic distributions, such as perikarya in the mesopallium, may be specific to songbirds and play a role in song perception and production. The presence of OT-ir fibers in HVC and song control nuclei projecting dopaminergic regions provides anatomical evidence in support of the idea that OT can influence singing behavior-either directly via HVC or indirectly via the PAG, VTA, or POA.

Asunto(s)

Pinzones , Pájaros Cantores , Animales , Encéfalo/anatomía & histología , Canarios , Femenino , Pinzones/anatomía & histología , Masculino , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Percepción , Vocalización Animal

RESUMEN

Angiotensin II (AngII) is generally known as the most important dipsogenic hormone throughout vertebrates, while two other neurohypophysial hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin, are not dipsogenic in mammals. In this study, we found that systemic isotocin, but not vasotocin, is the potent dipsogenic hormone in eels. When injected intra-arterially into conscious eels, isotocin, vasotocin and AngII equally increased ventral aortic pressure dose dependently at 0.03-1.0 nmol kg-1, but only isotocin induced copious drinking. The dipsogenic effect was dose dependent and occurred significantly at as low as 0.1 nmol kg-1. By contrast, a sustained inhibition of drinking occurred after AngII injection, probably due to baroreflexogenic inhibition. No such inhibition was observed after isotocin injection despite similar concurrent hypertension. The baroreceptor may exist distal to the gill circulation because the vasopressor effect occurred at both ventral and dorsal aorta after AngII but only at ventral aorta after isotocin. By contrast, intra-cerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of isotocin had no effect on drinking or blood pressure, but AngII increased drinking and aortic pressure dose dependently at 0.03-0.3 nmol per eel. Lesioning of the area postrema (AP), a sensory circumventricular organ, abolished drinking induced by peripheral isotocin, but not i.c.v. AngII. Collectively, isotocin seems to be a major circulating hormone that induces swallowing through its action on the AP, while AngII may be an intrinsic brain peptide that induces drinking through its action on a different circumventricular site, possibly a recently identified blood-brain barrier-deficient structure in the antero-ventral third ventricle of eels, as shown in birds and mammals.

Asunto(s)

Oxitocina , Hormonas Peptídicas , Angiotensina II/farmacología , Animales , Anguilas/fisiología , Mamíferos , Oxitocina/análogos & derivados , Oxitocina/farmacología , Vasotocina