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Biosynthesis and possible biological roles of progestagens during equine pregnancy and in the newborn foal
Author(s) -
CHAVATTE PASCALE,
HOLTAN D.,
OUSEY JENNIFER C.,
ROSSDALE P. D.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb05084.x
Subject(s) - foal , fetus , pregnancy , placenta , biosynthesis , endocrinology , biology , endometrium , medicine , endocrine system , hormone , biochemistry , gene , genetics
Summary Major progress on the endocrinology of the pregnant mare has been possible thanks to the catheterised equine fetal preparation developed by Marian Silver. In particular, these preparations led to the identification of the source of progestagens within the feto‐placental unit and provided the impetus for further work on their biosynthesis and biological activities. The biosynthesis of the progestagens involves close interaction between the fetus, the endometrium and the placenta, and gives rise to some fundamental biochemical questions. The biological role of the progestagens is also discussed: these compounds may have progestagenic activities but may also play a role in the onset of parturition.