Dual effect of hormones on mare reproductive physiology and dysfunction

Abstract

In the last decades, classical and molecular biology approaches have greatly contributed for building up sound knowledge on the mechanisms regulating reproductive processes in the mare. Different perspectives on the role of hormones should be addressed and thus considered by both researchers and clinicians. While oxytocin is largely used as a post-insemination method to improve fertility or prevent endometritis, it may also be considered to prolong the luteal phase. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), known to sustain luteostasis, has also been related to inflammatory processes in sub-clinical endometritis in mares. In contrast, as other ecbolic agents, PGF2α besides being luteolytic and currently used for estrous cycle shortening and endometritis control, might also ploy a role in fibrogenesis in mare endometrium. Hormones, like oxytocin, ovarian steroids, prostaglandins (PG), as well as enzyme profiles involved in endocrine pathways may act in a dissimilar fashion, depending on the estrous cycle phase and on the physiologic or pathologic condition.