Metabolomics analysis of the effect of GnRH on the pregnancy rate of ewes with estrus synchronization scheme based on progesterone

作者：Jing Zhang, Shuyuan Sun, Xinyu Bai, Nana Yang, Yiyong Liu, Xinglong Wu, Xiangyun Li · 发表于：Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3389/fvets.2024.1442931 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Reproductive Physiology in Livestock、Reproductive Biology and Fertility、Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Introduction Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is widely used in the timed artificial insemination protocol for sheep. However, there remains a debate regarding its impact on pregnancy rates during artificial insemination. This study aims to evaluate the effect of GnRH on the pregnancy rates in Huyang ewes, analyze the pre-implantation metabolite changes caused by GnRH using metabolomics, and elucidate the mechanism effect on pregnancy rates. Methods All ewes were administered a vaginal progesterone sponge containing 45 mg of flurogestone acetate for 12 days and received 330 units of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) intramuscularly after sponge removal. The experimental group ( n = 69) received an intramuscular treatment of 17 μg GnRH agonist triptorelin 48 h after sponge removal on Day 0, while the control group ( n = 41) received 1 mL of sterile saline solution. All ewes underwent a single vaginal insemination 58 h after the withdrawal of the progesterone sponge. The difference in pregnancy rates between the two groups was calculated. Metabolomic analysis was performed on plasma samples collected on Day 7 after the treatment of GnRH agonist. Results Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment significantly reduced the pregnancy rate in the experimental group compared with the control group (72.2 vs. 82.9%, p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis indicated that GnRH treatment affected metabolites involved in collagen synthesis and prostaglandin synthesis in the end...