A DYSTOCIA AND CESAREAN-SECTION MODEL TO CHARACTERIZE UTEROPLACENTAL PROSTAGLANDIN CONCENTRATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RETAINED PLACENTA IN DAIRY-CATTLE

Plasma concentrations of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a), 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2a (PGFM), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E2 (PGEM) were determined by RIA in blood samples taken from the jugular vein and the uteroplacental circulation (umbilical vein, umbilical artery and uterine vein) of 13 Holstein Friesian cows during caesarean section. According to discharge of placenta cows were divided in 2 groups. Group I (shedding of placenta within 12 hours, NRP, n=8) and Group II (retained placenta, RP, n=5). In blood samples taken from the jugular vein before surgery, no significant differences existed between groups regarding PGF2a, PGFM, PGE2 and PGEM. Concentrations of PGF2a and PGFM in the uteroplacental circulation of NRP cows were significantly higher than those of RP cows (except for PGFM in the umbilical vein). For all sampling sites except the jugular vein before surgery, PGE2 and PGEM levels of NRP cows were significantly higher compared to RP cows.