Authors : H. Banga-Mboko , W. Holtz , D. Maes , B. Sohnrey , B. El Amiri , I. Youssao , P.T Sangild and J.F. Beckers
Abstract: The present study investigated a relationship between the gastro-intestinal system and pregnancy in sows. Blood samples were collected from three groups of sows: (1) pregnant sows (n=10) at day 21, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 after insemination, (2) lactating sows (n=10) at 10 and 20 days after parturition, and (3) non-pregnant and non-lactating sows as a control group; n=10. Serum pepsinogen was quantified using a specific RIA, while serum progesterone concentrations were determined using a direct solid phase 125I RIA method. In the first experiment, the progesterone and pepsinogen concentrations were measured in the 3 groups. In individual sows, pepsinogen concentration decreased significantly during pregnancy and showed a tendency to increase during lactation but this difference was not statistically significant. There was a significant negative correlation between progesterone and pepsinogen concentrations (r = -0.7; P= 0.002). The pepsinogen concentrations (Mean " S.E) was significantly lower in pregnant sows than in non- pregnant (327.3 "11.8 ng/mL versus 449" 35.4 ng/mL; P= 0.0016) and in lactating sows (327.3 "11.8ng/mL versus 397.2" 25.06 ng/mL; P= 0.0135). No significant difference in pepsinogen concentrations was observed between lactating and non-pregnant sows (449 " 35.4 ng/mL versus 397 " 25.06 ng/mL; P= 0.2371). In the second experiment, non-lactating sows were subjected to a dietary administration of Altrenogest, a synthetic progesterone like hormone in order to study the effect on pepsinogen concentration. The treatment did not influence pepsinogen concentrations (P= 0.6452). Taken together the two experiments, it seems unlikely that progesterone alone is involved in pepsinogen concentration changes observed in pregnant sows. However, the negative correlation observed between progesterone and pepsinogen during the reproducible cycle suggests that the endocrine system might play an important role.
H. Banga-Mboko , W. Holtz , D. Maes , B. Sohnrey , B. El Amiri , I. Youssao , P.T Sangild and J.F. Beckers , 2003. Blood Serum Pepsinogen and Progesterone Concentrations During Pregnancy and Lactation in Sows. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 170-175.