Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: The formation of a functional corpus luteum (CL) is integral to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The development of the CL requires tightly regulated angiogenesis, which is controlled by a plethora of pro and anti-angiogenic factors. Transforming growth factor B (TGFB) has been identified as a potential mediator of this process. This study tested the hypothesis that TGFB would adversely impact on endothelial cell (EC) development and reduce the ste...

Dairy herd fertility is in decline and poses a significant economic problem, with associated animal welfare concerns. One factor that may contribute to this decline is exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) some of which have endocrine disrupting activity and have been linked to declining fertility in other species. We hypothesised that ECs are present in bovine ovarian tissue at levels able to perturb luteal development and function. The tissue content of DEHP and a panel ...