Plasmatic profiles of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein and progesterone levels during gestation in Churra and Merino sheep

This study was carried out to determine ovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (oPAG) and progesterone (P4) levels in the serum of Churra and Merino ewes throughout gestation and the first month post partum. The oPAG levels were determined with an heterologus RIA using bovine PAG as standard and tracer and rabbit antiserum against oPAG, sensitivity was 4.0 ng/ml. The P4 levels were measured with a radioimmunological procedure, including a specific extraction step with petroleum ether (bp 60–80°C) with a sensitivity of less than 0.1 ng/ml. There were no differences (P<0.10) in the oPAG profile between breeds from Weeks 1 to 18. From Week 18 to lambing, oPAG concentrations increased rapidly in Churra ewes (on average, from 250 to 650 ng/ml) while remaining relatively constant in the Merino ewes (around 250 ng/ml). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for mean weekly P4 levels between the 2 breeds. In both breeds, P4 increased throughout the whole length of gestation, with the highest level measured at Weeks 19–20, then declined 2 wk before parturition. No correlation was found between P4 and oPAG concentrations during gestation in either of the breeds. After lambing, oPAG and P4 levels decreased rapidly in 4 wk to basal values. In both breeds the oPAG concentrations at Weeks 19, 20 and 21 of gestation in ewes carrying male fetuses were higher than in those carrying female fetuses. From the results, we conclude that the breed and sex of the fetus could influence the production of oPAG.