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Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology
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Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2024) | Viewed by 12510

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Monica De Los Reyes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Reproduction Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
Interests: reproduction in carnivores; gamete research; IVM-IVF; reproductive biotechnologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of endocrinology and reproductive physiology in small animals is a rapidly growing area of veterinary sciences that focuses on the mechanisms controlling the reproductive process and fertility in canine and feline species, involving estrous cycles, gamete production, pregnancy, andrology, and reproductive disorders. These disorders can include reproductive problems affecting endocrine glands and reproductive organs, such as hypoluteoidismdism, thyroid disease, obesity, uterine pathology, and infertility.

Recent advancements in diagnostic methods and treatments, including hormone therapy and reproductive technology, have significantly improved the ability to diagnose and treat some of these disorders. Scientists are exploring the connection between hormones and a variety of diseases, and reproductive output, utilizing cutting-edge biotechnology, genetic engineering, and gene-editing techniques. By understanding the underlying physiologic and endocrinologic mechanisms of reproductive activity, we can enhance or control the reproductive performance and overall welfare of our small animals.

Overall, this Special Issue intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in small animal endocrinology, reproductive physiology, and biotechnology.

We invite high-quality and original research or review papers that address new insights on this topic, regarding physiological and pathological processes, the study of hormones and their effects on growth, metabolism, reproduction, and behavior, as well as the use of reproductive biotechnology techniques in small animals.

Prof. Dr. Monica De Los Reyes
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • small animal
  • endocrinology
  • hormone regulation
  • endocrine disorders
  • reproductive physiology
  • reproductive biotechnology
  • andrology
  • pregnancy

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1830 KiB  
Article
Glucose Levels as a Key Indicator of Neonatal Viability in Small Animals: Insights from Dystocia Cases
by Raquel Rodríguez-Trujillo, Miguel Batista-Arteaga and Kseniia Iusupova
Animals 2025, 15(7), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070956 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
Neonatal mortality rates in small animals can reach alarming figures, with perinatal mortality ranging from 20% to 40%, primarily due to the abrupt transition from intrauterine to extrauterine environments. This study investigates the critical role of glucose levels in neonatal viability, particularly in [...] Read more.
Neonatal mortality rates in small animals can reach alarming figures, with perinatal mortality ranging from 20% to 40%, primarily due to the abrupt transition from intrauterine to extrauterine environments. This study investigates the critical role of glucose levels in neonatal viability, particularly in cases of dystocia and fetal stress during cesarean sections. A cohort of 54 mothers and their 284 neonates was analyzed, focusing on maternal weight, litter size, and corresponding neonatal glucose levels. The results indicated a significant relationship between glucose concentrations and Apgar scores, with a cutoff established at 79.50 mg/dL for optimal neonatal viability. Additionally, a higher prevalence of hypoglycemia was documented in neonates with low birth weight and those from smaller litters. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring glucose levels in neonates, as hypoglycemia is associated with various pathologies, including sepsis and portosystemic shunts. Overall, this study highlights the necessity for prompt assessment of glucose levels to improve neonatal outcomes and reduce mortality in small animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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18 pages, 1448 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture Incidence among Parous and Nulliparous Rottweiler Bitches: Evidence from a Lifetime Cohort Study Supporting a Paradigm of Pregnancy-Associated Protection against Subsequent Non-Reproductive Disease Outcomes
by Andres E. Carrillo, Aimee H. Maras, Cheri L. Suckow, Emily C. Chiang and David J. Waters
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172608 - 7 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1442
Abstract
Emerging evidence in women supports the notion that pregnancy may reset disease resistance, thereby providing protection against subsequent adverse health outcomes, but this hypothesis has not been adequately explored in domestic dogs. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a degenerative orthopedic disease that [...] Read more.
Emerging evidence in women supports the notion that pregnancy may reset disease resistance, thereby providing protection against subsequent adverse health outcomes, but this hypothesis has not been adequately explored in domestic dogs. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a degenerative orthopedic disease that frequently affects pet dogs, and its risk has been associated with disruption of the reproductive hormone axis. Our research team is conducting a lifetime cohort study of purebred Rottweilers in North America that have lived 30% longer than breed-average. Detailed medical and reproductive histories of 33 nulliparous and 32 parous Rottweilers were generated from questionnaires and review of medical records. Interviews with owners of bitches in the nulliparous group served to limit selection bias, confirming that in no instance was the reason for nulliparity based upon the owner’s suspicion that a bitch had a heightened risk for CCL rupture. The risk of CCL rupture associated with parity and other exposure variables was estimated using multivariate logistic regression. Overall, CCL rupture was diagnosed in 17 of 65 (26%) bitches. Median age at first litter and CCL rupture were 3.6 and 6.5 years, respectively. Compared to nulliparous, parous bitches had a significant 94% reduction in CCL rupture risk adjusted for duration of ovary exposure, overweight body condition, dietary pattern, habitual physical activity, and work/sport activity [ORadjusted (95% CI) = 0.06 (0.01–0.46); (p = 0.006)]. The observed parity-associated CCL rupture risk reduction remained robust in sensitivity analysis excluding six nulliparous bitches for which decision not to breed was based on diagnosis of hip or elbow dysplasia, conditions which may be genetically linked to CCL rupture [ORadjusted (95% CI) = 0.08 (0.01–0.58); (p = 0.01)]. This work sets the stage for replication studies in other canine populations that should begin to explore the mechanistic basis for parity-associated CCL rupture risk reduction and to pursue other non-reproductive health outcomes in bitches whose incidence or severity may be parity-sensitive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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12 pages, 1524 KiB  
Communication
Dynamic Expression of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Estrogen mRNA Receptors Associated with microRNAs 34a and -let-7c in Canine Follicles during the Estrous Cycle
by Monica De los Reyes, Phillip Dettleff, Jaime Palomino, Oscar A. Peralta and Ana Vergara
Animals 2024, 14(2), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020214 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1837
Abstract
The genes encoding for estrogen receptor (ESR2) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) play crucial roles in ovarian follicular development. This study aimed to determine the expression levels of miRNAs predicted against FSHR and ESR2 mRNAs in follicular cells related [...] Read more.
The genes encoding for estrogen receptor (ESR2) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) play crucial roles in ovarian follicular development. This study aimed to determine the expression levels of miRNAs predicted against FSHR and ESR2 mRNAs in follicular cells related to their target genes during the estrous cycle in canines. Antral follicles were dissected from 72 ovaries following ovariohysterectomies. MiRNAs regulating FSHR and ESR2 genes were selected from miRNA databases, and mature miRNA and mRNA expression profiling was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The best miRNA for each target gene was selected considering the quantitative PCR (qPCR) performance and target prediction probability, selecting only miRNAs with a binding p-value of 1.0, and choosing cfa-miR-34a and cfa-let-7c for FSHR and ESR2, respectively. The expression levels comparing the different phases of the estrous cycle were evaluated using ANOVA. Pearson correlations between the expression pattern of each miRNA and their target genes were performed. Each miRNA and its target genes were expressed in the granulosa cells in all estrous phases. FSHR remained low in anestrus and proestrus, increased (p < 0.05) to the highest level in estrus, and decreased (p < 0.05) in diestrus. ESR2 showed the same trend as FSHR, with the highest (p < 0.05) expression in estrus and the lowest (p < 0.05) in anestrus and proestrus. A tendency for an inverse relationship was observed between the expression of miR-34a and FSHR only in the anestrus phase, while an inverse correlation (r = −0.8) was found between miRNA-7c and ESR2 (p < 0.01). The expression profile of miR-34a and miR-let-7c and their predicted target genes of dog ovarian follicles throughout the estrous cycle observed in this study suggest a role in the transcriptional regulation of FSHR and ESR2, which is the first evidence of the involvement of these miRNAs in the canine follicular function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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10 pages, 1127 KiB  
Article
Application of Enzyme-Linked Fluorescence Assay (ELFA) to Obtain In Vivo Matured Dog Oocytes through the Assessment of Progesterone Level
by Seunghoon Lee, Jin-Gu No, Bong-Hwan Choi, Dong-Kyo Kim, Namwoong Hyung, JongJu Park, Mi-Kyoung Choi, Dong-Hyeon Yeom, Juyoung Ji, Dong-Hoon Kim and Jae Gyu Yoo
Animals 2023, 13(11), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111885 - 5 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2404
Abstract
Successful dog cloning requires a sufficient number of in vivo matured oocytes as recipient oocytes for reconstructing embryos. The accurate prediction of the ovulation day in estrus bitches is critical for collecting mature oocytes. Traditionally, a specific serum progesterone (P4) range in the [...] Read more.
Successful dog cloning requires a sufficient number of in vivo matured oocytes as recipient oocytes for reconstructing embryos. The accurate prediction of the ovulation day in estrus bitches is critical for collecting mature oocytes. Traditionally, a specific serum progesterone (P4) range in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) system has been used for the prediction of ovulation. In this study, we investigated the use of an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) system for the measurement of P4. Serum samples of estrus bitches were analyzed using both RIA and ELFA, and the measured P4 values of ELFA were sorted into 11 groups based on the standard concentration measured in RIA and compared. In addition, to examine the tendency of changes in the P4 values in each system, the P4 values on ovulation day (from D − 6 to D + 1) in both systems were compared. The ELFA range of 5.0–12.0 ng/mL was derived from the RIA standard range of 4.0–8.0 ng/mL. The rates of acquired matured oocytes in RIA and ELFA were 55.47% and 65.19%, respectively. The ELFA system successfully produced cloned puppies after the transfer of the reconstructed cloned oocytes. Our findings suggest that the ELFA system is suitable for obtaining in vivo matured oocytes for dog cloning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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Review

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26 pages, 2045 KiB  
Review
Molecular Factors Involved in the Reproductive Morphophysiology of Female Domestic Cat (Felis catus)
by Luciano Cardoso Santos and Juneo Freitas Silva
Animals 2023, 13(19), 3153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193153 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2651
Abstract
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the [...] Read more.
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the reproductive physiology of this animal species. Thus, this paper reviews the current knowledge about the modulation and expression profile of hormonal, immunological, redox, and growth mediators involved in the uterine, ovarian, and placental morphophysiology of domestic cats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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Other

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8 pages, 1042 KiB  
Case Report
Unexpected Basal Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations in a 6-Year-Old Bitch Presenting an Ovarian Remnant
by Matteo Burgio, Lluis Ferré-Dolcet, Alice Carbonari, Lorenza Frattina, Annalisa Rizzo and Vincenzo Cicirelli
Animals 2025, 15(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030311 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS) refers to a condition affecting spayed females, characterized by clinical signs typically seen in intact bitches. In this report, Callie, a 6-year-old spayed female German Shepherd, was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Bari for [...] Read more.
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS) refers to a condition affecting spayed females, characterized by clinical signs typically seen in intact bitches. In this report, Callie, a 6-year-old spayed female German Shepherd, was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Bari for a specialist examination due to serosanguineous discharge from the vulva. All diagnostic tests recommended in the literature were performed to diagnose ORS. Notably, the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) assay, considered the gold standard for ORS diagnosis, was used, and the dog tested negative based on the established bibliographic cut-off values. However, advanced diagnostic techniques, including CT scans and laparoscopy, were performed, and histological examination ultimately confirmed the presence of ovarian tissue in the dog’s abdominal cavity. This clinical case underscores the importance of combining hormonal tests with advanced imaging and surgical diagnostics to ensure accurate diagnosis. It highlights the limitations of relying solely on AMH values and emphasizes the need for further research into diagnostic tests, their cut-off values, and the role of collateral examinations to achieve definitive diagnoses in cases where hormonal assays yield inconclusive results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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7 pages, 1530 KiB  
Brief Report
Effect of a GnRH Antagonist on Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Follicular Population in Anestrous Bitches
by Cynthia Marchetti, Mariela Grisolia Romero, Marcelo Priotto, Marcela Faya and Cristina Gobello
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152511 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1571
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the effect of the third-generation GnRH antagonist, acyline, on ovarian follicular population and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in female dogs. Four late anestrous bitches were administered 330 μg/kg SC acyline every 10 days for [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to describe the effect of the third-generation GnRH antagonist, acyline, on ovarian follicular population and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in female dogs. Four late anestrous bitches were administered 330 μg/kg SC acyline every 10 days for 60 days and followed up for 45 days. Blood samples were drawn on days −1, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 for AMH determination. Then, the females were ovariectomized and the excised ovaries were gross and histologically evaluated. The total ovarian follicles were counted. None of the female dogs presented estrus during treatment. Only one bitch presented an ovulatory estrus 20 days after treatment. The total number of ovarian follicles in these bitches was 96,200.10 ± 26,125.12, with 84.13%, 11.36%, 7.8% and 0.01% corresponding to primordial, primary, secondary and antral structures, respectively. Pretreatment AMH concentrations were 0.62 ± 0.17 ng/mL. This hormone varied throughout the study period (p < 0.01), diminishing to nadir values during treatment to then rapidly recover after its effect (0.2 ± 0.05 vs. 0.67 ± 0.22 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Acyline rapidly and reversibly prevented the initiation of cycling without affecting follicle count but diminishing serum AMH concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology)
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