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<p>The aim of this study was to explore transsexuals’ identity formation and experiences related to cross-sex hormone treatment, as well as to become absorbed in the narrative approach. To be able to participate in transsexuals’ identity formation, life stories were well suited as a theoretical approach. Life stories can be seen as socially situated actions according to Mishler, where individuals’ identity formation can be seen as both identity performances and identity claims. These narratives are seen as identity performances, where we construct and perform our identities. The stories are viewed as co-constructed between the respondent and the co-constructors in a relational context, where the interviewers are seen as visible subjects. The results showed that hormone treatment, contributing especially growth of male beard, as an important factor for the respondent in passing as biological male in heterosexual contexts. The respondent’s identity expressions also showed that his identity claims and identity performances as male varied depending on relational and social contexts. The findings in the empirical data also showed that gender roles and gender stereotypes, played an important part in what identity claims and identity performances the respondent chose to portrait.</p>

The aim of this study was to explore transsexuals’ identity formation and experiences related to cross-sex hormone treatment, as well as to become absorbed in the narrative approach. To be able to participate in transsexuals’ identity formation, life stories were well suited as a theoretical approach. Life stories can be seen as socially situated actions according to Mishler, where individuals’ identity formation can be seen as both identity performances and identity claims. These narratives are seen as identity performances, where we construct and perform our identities. The stories are viewed as co-constructed between the respondent and the co-constructors in a relational context, where the interviewers are seen as visible subjects. The results showed that hormone treatment, contributing especially growth of male beard, as an important factor for the respondent in passing as biological male in heterosexual contexts. The respondent’s identity expressions also showed that his identity claims and identity performances as male varied depending on relational and social contexts. The findings in the empirical data also showed that gender roles and gender stereotypes, played an important part in what identity claims and identity performances the respondent chose to portrait.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a farmacocinética de uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação. A partir deste conhecimento, elaborar novos experimentos para testar a funcionalidade do produto em protocolos de sincronização de estro e posteriormente avaliar seus efeitos na esfera reprodutiva da fêmea bovina. O experimento 1 determinou a concentração de progesterona plasmática ao longo do tempo a partir do tratamento com uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação (MAD4®), variando a dose e a via de administração, no sentido de demonstrar a farmacocinética do produto. Foram utilizadas 08 vacas Braford ovariectomizadas. A concentração de progesterona utilizada nos tratamentos 1 e 2 foi 250mg por via IM e SC. No tratamento 3 utilizou-se dose de 375mg de progesterona SC. O experimento 2 analisou o efeito de um tratamento hormonal com progesterona em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto, avaliando a dinâmica folicular, níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e taxa de prenhez final. Foram utilizadas 09 vacas Braford. O grupo controle (n=4) recebeu no dia 0 estradiol 2mg IM e 7 dias depois PGF2alfa. O grupo tratamento (n=5) recebeu o mesmo protocolo com a adição de 250mg SC de progesterona no dia 0. Todas as vacas foram entouradas a partir do dia 7. O experimento 3 avaliou a sincronização de estros e a taxa de prenhez em novilhas de corte previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 36 novilhas, da raça Braford. O primeiro grupo T1 (n=16), no dia 0, recebeu 2mg de estradiol IM e 125mg de progesterona IM e 7 dias depois, uma aplicação de PGF2alfa. O segundo grupo T2 (n=20), recebeu o mesmo tratamento, sendo que, no dia 0, a aplicação de 375mg SC. As novilhas foram submetidas à inseminação convencional por 5 dias após aplicação de PGF2alfa e depois repassadas com touros. O experimento 4 avaliou a taxa de prenhez em vacas de corte com cria ao pé em anestro previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 140 vacas Angus e 128 Braford, com 30 a 60 dias pós-parto. O grupo controle (n=136) foi colocado com touros por um período de 60 dias. O grupo tratamento, no dia 0, recebeu estradiol 2mg IM e 250mg de progesterona injetável SC, sendo que após 2 dias foram colocadas com touros por um período de 58 dias. No experimento 1, o T1 250mg IM, T2 250mg SC e o T3 375mg SC atingiram o pico de progesterona as 12hs (2,48±2,05), 24hs (3,23±2,15) e 24hs (4,98±0,57) respectivamente, mantendo níveis superiores a 1ng/ml até 24hs, 96hs e >192hs, respectivamente. No experimento 2, no dia 9 o diâmetro médio dos folículos do grupo tratamento foi maior numéricamente quando comparado ao grupo controle (9,84mm vs. 8,03mm, respectivamente), os níveis de progesterona no grupo tratamento (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tenderam a ser maiores do que no grupo controle (1,73±2,04ng/ml), ao final do experimento (P<0,06), a taxa de prenhez foi de 80% e 25% para tratamento e controle. No experimento 3, a taxa de manifestação de estro foi maior no tratamento 1 quando comparada ao tratamento 2 (93,2 vs. 20,0%, respectivamente), P<0,05. A prenhez final foi semelhante entre os grupos. No experimento 4, avaliando os períodos de monta, houve aos 40 dias uma maior prenhez no grupo tratamento (P<0,05). A taxa de prenhez ao final da temporada de monta foi maior no grupo tratamento comparado ao grupo controle, P<0,05 (51,52 vs. 29,41 %, respectivamente). Concluindo, doses e vias diferentes apresentaram concentrações plasmáticas diferentes em alguns momentos, caracterizando cada via de administração e doses utilizadas. O diâmetro folicular, os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e prenhez final aumentaram numericamente após tratamento de progesterona e estradiol em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto. O tratamento de novilhas com progesterona na dose de 375mg SC foi capaz de bloquear a manifestação de estro, não sendo indicada para este tipo de sincronização. Por outro lado, a sincronização de estros com 125mg IM de progesterona associada ao estradiol e PGF2alfa foi eficiente. A taxa de prenhez final não foi afetada pelas doses de progesterona. O tratamento de vacas de corte com cria ao pé com progesterona injetável de longa ação na dose de 250mg via SC associado ao estradiol foi capaz de antecipar as concepções e aumentar a taxa de prenhez final. / This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of a long-action progesterone. To assist on new experiments testing the product on oestrus synchronization and analyzing the effects on breeding beef cattle. Experiment 1 verified serum progesterone concentration in ovariectomised cows to determine pharmacokinetics of MAD-4 ® product. A group of 08 Braford cows received 250 mg of progesterone by different routes of administration: intramuscular (treatment 1) or subcutaneous (treatment 2). In treatment 3, 375mg of progesterone was administered SC. Experiment 2 identified the effect of a hormone treatment with progesterone (MAD- 4 ®) on beef cows in postpartum anestrous, assessing the follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and following pregnancy rate. Nine braford suckling cows were used. The control group (n=4), received on day 0 estradiol 2mg IM and after 7 days an application of prostaglandin. The treatment group (n=5), received the same protocol as the control group with the addition on day 0 of 250mg progesterone SC. The cows were exposed to one bull from day 7 to day 60. Experiment 3 evaluated estrous synchronization and the rate of pregnancy in beef heifers previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Thirty six Braford heifers were used. The first group n = 16, T1, on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 125mg of progesterone IM and after 7 days prostaglandin was administered. The second group n = 20, T2, received the same protocol with different concentration of progesterone on day 0 (375mg SC). After application of prostaglandin the heifers were inseminated for 5 days and than bred with bulls. Experiment 4 aimed to assess the pregnancy rate in multiparous suckling beef cows previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Angus (140) and Braford (128) cows with 30 to 60 days postpartum were used. The control group n = 136 was bred with bulls for a period of 60 days. The treatment group on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 250 mg progesterone SC, and after 2 days was placed with bulls. In experiment 1, treatment 1 (250mg IM), treatment 2 ( 250mg SC) and treatment 3 (375mg SC) reached the progesterone peak at 12hs (2.48±2.05), 24hs (3.23±2.15) and 24hs (4.98±0.57), and manteined serum progesterone levels higher than 1ng/ml at 24hs, 96hs and >192hs, respectively. In experiment 2, follicular diameter on day 9 was 9.84mm vs. 8.03mm treatment and control groups respectively. The progesterone plasma levels in the treated group (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tended to be higher than the control group (1.73±2.04 ng/ml) at the end of the experiment (P<0.06). The pregnancy rate was 25% (1/4) in the control group and 80% (4/5) in the treated group. In experiment 3 the manifestation of oestrus was superior in T1 when compared to T2 (93.2 vs. 20.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). The final pregnancy rate was similar between the groups. In experiment 4, there was a higher pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) in the treatment group at the 40th day evaluation. The pregnancy rate at the end of the breeding season was higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (51.52 vs. 29.41%, respectively, P < 0.05). Treatment of ovariectomised cows with long-acting injectable progesterone in different doses and different routes of administration resulted in significant different serum concentrations at some moments, according to route of administration and doses used. The ovarian follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and pregnancy rate showed positive numeric differences for the variables analyzed, although there was no statistical difference in postpartum beef cows. The treatment of heifers with long-acting injectable progesterone using 375mg SC was able to block the manifestation of oestrus, not being indicated for this type of synchronization. The sinchronizacion of oestrus with progesterone 125mg IM and estradiol associated to prostaglandin was efficient. The final pregnancy rate was not affected by progesterone doses. The treatment of multiparous suckling beef cows with long-acting injectable progesterone (250 mg SC) associated with estradiol was able to antecipate conception and increase the rate of pregnancy.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a farmacocinética de uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação. A partir deste conhecimento, elaborar novos experimentos para testar a funcionalidade do produto em protocolos de sincronização de estro e posteriormente avaliar seus efeitos na esfera reprodutiva da fêmea bovina. O experimento 1 determinou a concentração de progesterona plasmática ao longo do tempo a partir do tratamento com uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação (MAD4®), variando a dose e a via de administração, no sentido de demonstrar a farmacocinética do produto. Foram utilizadas 08 vacas Braford ovariectomizadas. A concentração de progesterona utilizada nos tratamentos 1 e 2 foi 250mg por via IM e SC. No tratamento 3 utilizou-se dose de 375mg de progesterona SC. O experimento 2 analisou o efeito de um tratamento hormonal com progesterona em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto, avaliando a dinâmica folicular, níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e taxa de prenhez final. Foram utilizadas 09 vacas Braford. O grupo controle (n=4) recebeu no dia 0 estradiol 2mg IM e 7 dias depois PGF2alfa. O grupo tratamento (n=5) recebeu o mesmo protocolo com a adição de 250mg SC de progesterona no dia 0. Todas as vacas foram entouradas a partir do dia 7. O experimento 3 avaliou a sincronização de estros e a taxa de prenhez em novilhas de corte previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 36 novilhas, da raça Braford. O primeiro grupo T1 (n=16), no dia 0, recebeu 2mg de estradiol IM e 125mg de progesterona IM e 7 dias depois, uma aplicação de PGF2alfa. O segundo grupo T2 (n=20), recebeu o mesmo tratamento, sendo que, no dia 0, a aplicação de 375mg SC. As novilhas foram submetidas à inseminação convencional por 5 dias após aplicação de PGF2alfa e depois repassadas com touros. O experimento 4 avaliou a taxa de prenhez em vacas de corte com cria ao pé em anestro previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 140 vacas Angus e 128 Braford, com 30 a 60 dias pós-parto. O grupo controle (n=136) foi colocado com touros por um período de 60 dias. O grupo tratamento, no dia 0, recebeu estradiol 2mg IM e 250mg de progesterona injetável SC, sendo que após 2 dias foram colocadas com touros por um período de 58 dias. No experimento 1, o T1 250mg IM, T2 250mg SC e o T3 375mg SC atingiram o pico de progesterona as 12hs (2,48±2,05), 24hs (3,23±2,15) e 24hs (4,98±0,57) respectivamente, mantendo níveis superiores a 1ng/ml até 24hs, 96hs e >192hs, respectivamente. No experimento 2, no dia 9 o diâmetro médio dos folículos do grupo tratamento foi maior numéricamente quando comparado ao grupo controle (9,84mm vs. 8,03mm, respectivamente), os níveis de progesterona no grupo tratamento (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tenderam a ser maiores do que no grupo controle (1,73±2,04ng/ml), ao final do experimento (P<0,06), a taxa de prenhez foi de 80% e 25% para tratamento e controle. No experimento 3, a taxa de manifestação de estro foi maior no tratamento 1 quando comparada ao tratamento 2 (93,2 vs. 20,0%, respectivamente), P<0,05. A prenhez final foi semelhante entre os grupos. No experimento 4, avaliando os períodos de monta, houve aos 40 dias uma maior prenhez no grupo tratamento (P<0,05). A taxa de prenhez ao final da temporada de monta foi maior no grupo tratamento comparado ao grupo controle, P<0,05 (51,52 vs. 29,41 %, respectivamente). Concluindo, doses e vias diferentes apresentaram concentrações plasmáticas diferentes em alguns momentos, caracterizando cada via de administração e doses utilizadas. O diâmetro folicular, os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e prenhez final aumentaram numericamente após tratamento de progesterona e estradiol em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto. O tratamento de novilhas com progesterona na dose de 375mg SC foi capaz de bloquear a manifestação de estro, não sendo indicada para este tipo de sincronização. Por outro lado, a sincronização de estros com 125mg IM de progesterona associada ao estradiol e PGF2alfa foi eficiente. A taxa de prenhez final não foi afetada pelas doses de progesterona. O tratamento de vacas de corte com cria ao pé com progesterona injetável de longa ação na dose de 250mg via SC associado ao estradiol foi capaz de antecipar as concepções e aumentar a taxa de prenhez final. / This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of a long-action progesterone. To assist on new experiments testing the product on oestrus synchronization and analyzing the effects on breeding beef cattle. Experiment 1 verified serum progesterone concentration in ovariectomised cows to determine pharmacokinetics of MAD-4 ® product. A group of 08 Braford cows received 250 mg of progesterone by different routes of administration: intramuscular (treatment 1) or subcutaneous (treatment 2). In treatment 3, 375mg of progesterone was administered SC. Experiment 2 identified the effect of a hormone treatment with progesterone (MAD- 4 ®) on beef cows in postpartum anestrous, assessing the follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and following pregnancy rate. Nine braford suckling cows were used. The control group (n=4), received on day 0 estradiol 2mg IM and after 7 days an application of prostaglandin. The treatment group (n=5), received the same protocol as the control group with the addition on day 0 of 250mg progesterone SC. The cows were exposed to one bull from day 7 to day 60. Experiment 3 evaluated estrous synchronization and the rate of pregnancy in beef heifers previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Thirty six Braford heifers were used. The first group n = 16, T1, on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 125mg of progesterone IM and after 7 days prostaglandin was administered. The second group n = 20, T2, received the same protocol with different concentration of progesterone on day 0 (375mg SC). After application of prostaglandin the heifers were inseminated for 5 days and than bred with bulls. Experiment 4 aimed to assess the pregnancy rate in multiparous suckling beef cows previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Angus (140) and Braford (128) cows with 30 to 60 days postpartum were used. The control group n = 136 was bred with bulls for a period of 60 days. The treatment group on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 250 mg progesterone SC, and after 2 days was placed with bulls. In experiment 1, treatment 1 (250mg IM), treatment 2 ( 250mg SC) and treatment 3 (375mg SC) reached the progesterone peak at 12hs (2.48±2.05), 24hs (3.23±2.15) and 24hs (4.98±0.57), and manteined serum progesterone levels higher than 1ng/ml at 24hs, 96hs and >192hs, respectively. In experiment 2, follicular diameter on day 9 was 9.84mm vs. 8.03mm treatment and control groups respectively. The progesterone plasma levels in the treated group (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tended to be higher than the control group (1.73±2.04 ng/ml) at the end of the experiment (P<0.06). The pregnancy rate was 25% (1/4) in the control group and 80% (4/5) in the treated group. In experiment 3 the manifestation of oestrus was superior in T1 when compared to T2 (93.2 vs. 20.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). The final pregnancy rate was similar between the groups. In experiment 4, there was a higher pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) in the treatment group at the 40th day evaluation. The pregnancy rate at the end of the breeding season was higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (51.52 vs. 29.41%, respectively, P < 0.05). Treatment of ovariectomised cows with long-acting injectable progesterone in different doses and different routes of administration resulted in significant different serum concentrations at some moments, according to route of administration and doses used. The ovarian follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and pregnancy rate showed positive numeric differences for the variables analyzed, although there was no statistical difference in postpartum beef cows. The treatment of heifers with long-acting injectable progesterone using 375mg SC was able to block the manifestation of oestrus, not being indicated for this type of synchronization. The sinchronizacion of oestrus with progesterone 125mg IM and estradiol associated to prostaglandin was efficient. The final pregnancy rate was not affected by progesterone doses. The treatment of multiparous suckling beef cows with long-acting injectable progesterone (250 mg SC) associated with estradiol was able to antecipate conception and increase the rate of pregnancy.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a farmacocinética de uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação. A partir deste conhecimento, elaborar novos experimentos para testar a funcionalidade do produto em protocolos de sincronização de estro e posteriormente avaliar seus efeitos na esfera reprodutiva da fêmea bovina. O experimento 1 determinou a concentração de progesterona plasmática ao longo do tempo a partir do tratamento com uma solução injetável de progesterona concentrada de longa ação (MAD4®), variando a dose e a via de administração, no sentido de demonstrar a farmacocinética do produto. Foram utilizadas 08 vacas Braford ovariectomizadas. A concentração de progesterona utilizada nos tratamentos 1 e 2 foi 250mg por via IM e SC. No tratamento 3 utilizou-se dose de 375mg de progesterona SC. O experimento 2 analisou o efeito de um tratamento hormonal com progesterona em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto, avaliando a dinâmica folicular, níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e taxa de prenhez final. Foram utilizadas 09 vacas Braford. O grupo controle (n=4) recebeu no dia 0 estradiol 2mg IM e 7 dias depois PGF2alfa. O grupo tratamento (n=5) recebeu o mesmo protocolo com a adição de 250mg SC de progesterona no dia 0. Todas as vacas foram entouradas a partir do dia 7. O experimento 3 avaliou a sincronização de estros e a taxa de prenhez em novilhas de corte previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 36 novilhas, da raça Braford. O primeiro grupo T1 (n=16), no dia 0, recebeu 2mg de estradiol IM e 125mg de progesterona IM e 7 dias depois, uma aplicação de PGF2alfa. O segundo grupo T2 (n=20), recebeu o mesmo tratamento, sendo que, no dia 0, a aplicação de 375mg SC. As novilhas foram submetidas à inseminação convencional por 5 dias após aplicação de PGF2alfa e depois repassadas com touros. O experimento 4 avaliou a taxa de prenhez em vacas de corte com cria ao pé em anestro previamente tratadas com progesterona, estradiol e prostaglandina. Utilizou-se 140 vacas Angus e 128 Braford, com 30 a 60 dias pós-parto. O grupo controle (n=136) foi colocado com touros por um período de 60 dias. O grupo tratamento, no dia 0, recebeu estradiol 2mg IM e 250mg de progesterona injetável SC, sendo que após 2 dias foram colocadas com touros por um período de 58 dias. No experimento 1, o T1 250mg IM, T2 250mg SC e o T3 375mg SC atingiram o pico de progesterona as 12hs (2,48±2,05), 24hs (3,23±2,15) e 24hs (4,98±0,57) respectivamente, mantendo níveis superiores a 1ng/ml até 24hs, 96hs e >192hs, respectivamente. No experimento 2, no dia 9 o diâmetro médio dos folículos do grupo tratamento foi maior numéricamente quando comparado ao grupo controle (9,84mm vs. 8,03mm, respectivamente), os níveis de progesterona no grupo tratamento (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tenderam a ser maiores do que no grupo controle (1,73±2,04ng/ml), ao final do experimento (P<0,06), a taxa de prenhez foi de 80% e 25% para tratamento e controle. No experimento 3, a taxa de manifestação de estro foi maior no tratamento 1 quando comparada ao tratamento 2 (93,2 vs. 20,0%, respectivamente), P<0,05. A prenhez final foi semelhante entre os grupos. No experimento 4, avaliando os períodos de monta, houve aos 40 dias uma maior prenhez no grupo tratamento (P<0,05). A taxa de prenhez ao final da temporada de monta foi maior no grupo tratamento comparado ao grupo controle, P<0,05 (51,52 vs. 29,41 %, respectivamente). Concluindo, doses e vias diferentes apresentaram concentrações plasmáticas diferentes em alguns momentos, caracterizando cada via de administração e doses utilizadas. O diâmetro folicular, os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona e prenhez final aumentaram numericamente após tratamento de progesterona e estradiol em vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto. O tratamento de novilhas com progesterona na dose de 375mg SC foi capaz de bloquear a manifestação de estro, não sendo indicada para este tipo de sincronização. Por outro lado, a sincronização de estros com 125mg IM de progesterona associada ao estradiol e PGF2alfa foi eficiente. A taxa de prenhez final não foi afetada pelas doses de progesterona. O tratamento de vacas de corte com cria ao pé com progesterona injetável de longa ação na dose de 250mg via SC associado ao estradiol foi capaz de antecipar as concepções e aumentar a taxa de prenhez final. / This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of a long-action progesterone. To assist on new experiments testing the product on oestrus synchronization and analyzing the effects on breeding beef cattle. Experiment 1 verified serum progesterone concentration in ovariectomised cows to determine pharmacokinetics of MAD-4 ® product. A group of 08 Braford cows received 250 mg of progesterone by different routes of administration: intramuscular (treatment 1) or subcutaneous (treatment 2). In treatment 3, 375mg of progesterone was administered SC. Experiment 2 identified the effect of a hormone treatment with progesterone (MAD- 4 ®) on beef cows in postpartum anestrous, assessing the follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and following pregnancy rate. Nine braford suckling cows were used. The control group (n=4), received on day 0 estradiol 2mg IM and after 7 days an application of prostaglandin. The treatment group (n=5), received the same protocol as the control group with the addition on day 0 of 250mg progesterone SC. The cows were exposed to one bull from day 7 to day 60. Experiment 3 evaluated estrous synchronization and the rate of pregnancy in beef heifers previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Thirty six Braford heifers were used. The first group n = 16, T1, on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 125mg of progesterone IM and after 7 days prostaglandin was administered. The second group n = 20, T2, received the same protocol with different concentration of progesterone on day 0 (375mg SC). After application of prostaglandin the heifers were inseminated for 5 days and than bred with bulls. Experiment 4 aimed to assess the pregnancy rate in multiparous suckling beef cows previously treated with progesterone, estradiol and prostaglandin. Angus (140) and Braford (128) cows with 30 to 60 days postpartum were used. The control group n = 136 was bred with bulls for a period of 60 days. The treatment group on day 0 received of estradiol 2 mg IM and 250 mg progesterone SC, and after 2 days was placed with bulls. In experiment 1, treatment 1 (250mg IM), treatment 2 ( 250mg SC) and treatment 3 (375mg SC) reached the progesterone peak at 12hs (2.48±2.05), 24hs (3.23±2.15) and 24hs (4.98±0.57), and manteined serum progesterone levels higher than 1ng/ml at 24hs, 96hs and >192hs, respectively. In experiment 2, follicular diameter on day 9 was 9.84mm vs. 8.03mm treatment and control groups respectively. The progesterone plasma levels in the treated group (7,94±5,29 ng/ml) tended to be higher than the control group (1.73±2.04 ng/ml) at the end of the experiment (P<0.06). The pregnancy rate was 25% (1/4) in the control group and 80% (4/5) in the treated group. In experiment 3 the manifestation of oestrus was superior in T1 when compared to T2 (93.2 vs. 20.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). The final pregnancy rate was similar between the groups. In experiment 4, there was a higher pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) in the treatment group at the 40th day evaluation. The pregnancy rate at the end of the breeding season was higher in the treatment group compared to the control group (51.52 vs. 29.41%, respectively, P < 0.05). Treatment of ovariectomised cows with long-acting injectable progesterone in different doses and different routes of administration resulted in significant different serum concentrations at some moments, according to route of administration and doses used. The ovarian follicular dynamics, plasma levels of progesterone and pregnancy rate showed positive numeric differences for the variables analyzed, although there was no statistical difference in postpartum beef cows. The treatment of heifers with long-acting injectable progesterone using 375mg SC was able to block the manifestation of oestrus, not being indicated for this type of synchronization. The sinchronizacion of oestrus with progesterone 125mg IM and estradiol associated to prostaglandin was efficient. The final pregnancy rate was not affected by progesterone doses. The treatment of multiparous suckling beef cows with long-acting injectable progesterone (250 mg SC) associated with estradiol was able to antecipate conception and increase the rate of pregnancy.

De nombreuses études expérimentales ou épidémiologiques suggèrent un rôle psycho- et neuro- protecteur des estrogènes que les résultats de certains essais cliniques ne confirment p as. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier le rôle des estrogènes dans la dépression et le fonctionnement cognitif chez les femmes âgées en examinant les taux d'estrogènes sériques, l'exposition aux estrogènes au cours de la vie et l'impact des traitements hormonaux (TH) ou des récepteurs aux estrogènes. Les données sont issues de deux études longitudinales : le Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project qui porte sur 438 Australiennes récemment postménopausées suivies 13 ans et l'étude des 3 Cités/ESPRIT qui inclut 5644 Françaises plus âgées suivies 7 ans. Des modèles statistiques multivariés montrent que des facteurs hormonaux endogènes et exogènes présents à une période tardive de la vie reproductive (autour de la ménopause) peuvent diminuer le risque de dépression et qu'une diminution des taux d'estradiol sérique augmente ce risque. L'arrêt du TH ou la prise de TH "non-naturel" augmentent le risque de dépression tardive. Certains polymorp hismes des récepteurs aux estrogènes sont associés au risque de dépression et peuvent interagir avec le TH pour modifier le risque de dépression ou de décès. Une durée plus longue d'exposition aux estrogènes au cours de la vie ou un taux d'estradiol sérique élevé en fin de ménopause sont associés à de meilleures performances cognitives qui peuvent aussi varier avec certaines caractéristiques du TH. Le TH réduit aussi le risque de démence chez les femmes portant l'allèle ε4 de l'apolipoprotéine E. Ce travail suggère que la modulation des niveaux d'estrogènes pourrait avoir des applications thérapeutiques dans le traitement de la dépression ou des troubles cognitifs. Il montre que certains groupes de femmes ont une susceptibilité génétique accrue aux variations hormonales ou aux effets du TH suggérant l'existence de sous-types hormono-sensibles. / Experimental evidence suggests that estrogen can have psycho- and neuro-protective effects; however this has not been consistently supported by certain clinical trials and epidemiological studies. This thesis aimed to provide a detailed investigation of the role of estrogen in later-life depression and cognitive functioning by examining serum estrogen levels, estrogen exposure across the lifetime, characteristics of hormone treatment (HT) and the role of estrogen receptor polymorphisms. Data was obtained from two longitudinal population-based studies, the 13-year Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project of 438 middle-aged postmenopausal women in Australia, and the seven-year Three City/ESPRIT study of 5644 older French women. Multivariate adjusted regression models showed that endogenous and exogenous hormonal characteristics late in the reproductive life can decrease the risk of late-life depression and a decline in serum estradiol levels incr eased the risk for recently postmenopausal women. Discontinuing HT increased the risk of depression for older women, as did certain "non-natural" forms of HT. Estrogen receptor polymorphisms were associated with late-life depression and can interact with HT to modify the risk of depression and mortality. Endogenous reproductive factors linked to higher lifetime estrogen exposure and high levels of estradiol in the early postmenopause were associated with better performance on certain cognitive tasks. Cognitive function also varied according to the characteristics of HT and HT reduced the risk of dementia in genetically susceptible women carrying the apolioprotein ε4 allele. This work brings some important new findings to this field of research, suggesting that the modulation of estrogen levels may be used as a possible therapeutic tool to reduce neuropsychiatric disorders and that certain subgroups of women may be genetically more susceptible to hormone modifications or to the effects of HT.

<p>Determinacija reproduktivnog statusa priplodnih nazimica je važan faktor u tehnologiji njihovog odgoja i reproduktivnog iskori&scaron;tavanja. Zbog toga je, u intenzivnoj proizvodnji svinja, potrebna primena efikasnih metoda dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimica. Klasična metoda testiranja pojave estrusa, kontaktom nazimica sa polno zrelim nerastom nije dovoljno precizna. Pokazalo se, naime, da se, zbog nepreciznosti ove metode, oko 30 do 40% priplodnih nazimica izlučuje iz priploda, sa dijagnozom &bdquo;prolongirani preinseminacioni anestrus&ldquo;, iako su ove nazimice uspostavile cikličnu ovarijalnu aktivnost. Ovo ima za posledicu značajne zootehnolo&scaron;ke i ekonomske gubitke. Metoda real-time ultrazvučne dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa je precizna, ali je skupa i nepraktična za masovnu primenu. Zbog toga je cilj ovog rada bio da se ispita mogućnost dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimica, na onsovu ovarijalnog i estrusnog reagovanja posle tretmana gonadotropnim, luteolitičkim i progestagenim hormonskim preparatima. Dobijeni rezultati pokazuju da postoji vrlo specifično ovarijalno i estrusno reagovanje polno nezrelih i polno zrelih nazimica, zavisno od primenjenog hormonskog tretmana. Rezultati primene luteolitičkih tretmana (PGF2&alpha;), pokazuju da ovaj tretman nije dovoljno precizan za dijagnozu reproduktivnog statusa nazimica. Tretman gonadotropnim hormonima (eCG i hCG) daje samo delimično precizne rezultate dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa. Naime, polno nezrele nazimice reaguju dobrom sinhronizacijom estrusa, unutar prosečno 4 dana posle injekcije eCG. Međutim, trajanje intervala od injekcije eCG do pojave estrusa značajno varira, između 4 i 25 dana, kod polno zrelih nazimica. Vrlo precizna diferencijalna dijagnoza reproduktivnog statusa nazimica se postiže tretmanom sa progestagenim preparatima (Altrenogest, Regumate&reg;). Polno nezrele nazimice ne reaguju sinhronizovanom ovulacijom i pojavom estrusa, posle tretmana progestagenim preparatom. Polno zrele nazimice, međutim, reaguju vrlo viskim stepeno sinhronizovane ovulacije i pojave estrusa, posle progestagenog tretmana. Dobijeni rezultati predstavljaju doprinos boljem poznavanju ovarijalnog i estrusnog reagovanja nazimica, posle tretmana egzogenim gonadotropinima, luteoliticima i progestagenima. Osim toga, ovi rezultati pružaju mogućnost precizne dijagnoze reproduktivnog statusa nazimimica u proizvodnim uslovima. Na taj način je moguće formulisati efikasniju tehnologiju reproduktivne eksploatacije nazimica i, time, povećati efikasnost intenzivne proizvodnje svinja.</p> / <p>Determination of the replacement gilts reproductive status is an important factor of gilts reproductive utilization efficiency. Therefore, the intensive pig production, require the application of effective methods of gilts diagnosis reproductive status. Classical method for estrus manifestation testing, by gilts contact with sexually mature boar is not precise enough. It has been proved that, due to the inaccuracy of this method, about 30 to 40% gilts are culled from the breeding, with a diagnosis of &quot;prolonged preinsemination anestrus,&quot; although these gilts was established cyclical ovarian activity. This results in significant zootechnical and economical losses. Method of real-time ultrasound diagnosis of reproductive status was accurate, but it is expensive and impractical in productive conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of gilts reproductive status diagnose, based on ovarian and estrous response after treatment with gonadotropin, luteolytic and progestogen hormonal preparations. Obtained results show that there is a very specific ovarian and estrous response of sexually immature and sexually mature gilts, depending on the applied hormonal treatment. Results of the luteolytic (PGF2&alpha;) treatment application, show that this treatment is not specific enough for the gilts reproductive status diagnosis. Treatment with gonadotropins (hCG and ECG) gives only a partial accurate diagnosis of gilts reproductive status. The sexually immature gilts respond with high level of estrus synchronization, within average 4 days after eCG injection. However, the interval from eCG injection to estrus manifestation varied between 4 and 25 days, in sexually mature gilts. Very accurate differential diagnosis of gilts reproductive status was achieved by treatment with progestogen preparations. Sexually immature gilts was not respond by synchronized estrus and ovulation, after treatment with progestogen preparation. Buth, sexually mature gilts respond with highly synchronized ovulation and estrus, within average 5 days after progestagenog treatment. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of gilts ovarian and estrous responses to exogenous gonadotropins, luteolytics and progestagens treatment. In addition, these results provide an accurate ability for gilts reproductive status diagnosis in farms production conditions. On this way it is possible to formulate a more efficient technology of gilts reproductive exploitation and,thus, increase the efficiency of intensive pig production.</p>

Improvements in breeding success are needed for conservation of endangered birds such as the New Zealand kakapo. A potential method to stimulate breeding is treatment with exogenous hormones. Hormone treatment is used in captive breeding programmes for endangered mammals but reliable techniques are not available for birds. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), the principal hormone controlling reproduction, has been used to induce ovarian growth and ovulation in seasonally anoestrous mammals. The goal of the research in this thesis was to determine the potential of GnRH for hormone treatment in birds. The Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was used in the current research. Female quail held outdoors with male quail and with access to nesting materials and nest sites showed clear seasonal patterns in the width of the cloacal opening (indicative of oviduct development) and FSH concentrations, whilst LH concentrations were low during winter and increased during spring and summer. Prolactin concentrations were elevated in birds incubating eggs in nests and birds caring for young. Photoperiodically induced gonadal growth and regression were described in detail for male and female quail under controlled conditions. Testicular and ovarian growth was preceded by increased LH and FSH concentrations and accompanied by increased gonadal steroid concentrations. Administration of various types of GnRH stimulated luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in sexually regressed female Japanese quail. LH responses to cGnRH-II were greater than those to cGnRH-I. Low doses of buserelin stimulated similar LH responses to cGnRH-II, whilst high doses of buserelin and D-Lys6Trp7Tyr8-GnRH induced sustained LH secretion. Single daily injections of various doses of cGnRH-II, buserelin or D-Lys6Trp7Tyr8-GnRH in saline or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) did not induce elevated baseline LH or stimulate ovarian growth. Repeated injections of D-Lys6Trp7Tyr8-GnRH did not increase LH concentrations over a short-term period. Continuous infusion of D-Lys6Trp7Tyr8-GnRH by osmotic mini-pump severely blunted the LH response and did not stimulate ovarian growth. Future studies using quail exposed to marginally stimulatory photoperiods will offer the opportunities to determine the effects of GnRH in birds under conditions which mimic photoperiod changes during the breeding season. Further studies on the potential development of a hormone treatment programme will continue to offer a promising future for endangered avian species including the New Zealand kakapo.

Durante a transição menopausal e a pós-menopausa cerca de 75% das mulheres apresentam sintomas de hipoestrogenismo, tais como fogachos. O emprego de terapia hormonal (TH) para alívio dos sintomas da menopausa está bem estabelecido, mas seus efeitos cardiovasculares (CV) permanecem controversos. Dados de estudos recentes indicam a presença de duas populações distintas quanto aos efeitos CV da TH. Essa diferenciação estaria relacionada principalmente com a idade e o tempo de pós-menopausa. Evidências sugerem também que a presença de fatores de risco cardiovascular antes do início do TH, ou de uma associação de fatores de risco, podem ser determinantes dos efeitos CV do TH. Dose de medicação, via de administração e o tipo de progestogênio utilizado em associação com estrogênio para TH também vem sendo estudados como possíveis fatores relacionados ao impacto CV do TH. O presente trabalho é composto por: 1) Ensaio clínico randomizado, comparando os efeitos da via oral baixa dose e via não oral sobre variáveis relacionadas com risco CV em uma população de mulheres saudáveis na pósmenopausa recente; 2) Ensaio clínico randomizado, onde foram avaliados os efeitos da adição de progesterona natural micronizada ao estrogênio não oral durante TH em mulheres na pós-menopausa recente; e 3) Revisão sistemática e meta-análise, onde foram sistematicamente buscados todos os artigos com TH baixa dose que avaliassem os efeitos desta terapia sobre variáveis relacionadas com risco cardiovascular: peso, índice de massa corporal, pressão arterial, proteína C reativa e lipídios. Desenvolvemos ensaio clínico randomizado, cross-over, com objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de dois tipos de tratamento hormonal na menopausa: oral baixa dose, estradiol 1 mg e drospirenona 2 mg diário e não oral, estradiol 17 β gel 1.5 mg (ou nasal 300 mcg) diário e progesterona micronizada vaginal, 200 mg, 14 dias por mês, sobre peptídeo natriurético atrial, variáveis relacionadas com inflamação e função endotelial, perfil antropométrico e metabólico em mulheres na pós-menopausa recente e sem doença clínica evidente. 101 mulheres na pós-menopausa foram alocadas aleatoriamente para iniciar o TH por um dos dois grupos de tratamento: via oral baixa dose (n=50) ou via não oral (n=51). Todas as pacientes utilizaram ambos os TH de forma seqüencial. Após o primeiro período de 2 a 3 meses de TH a paciente passava para o segundo tratamento, sem período de washout. A avaliação laboratorial foi realizada antes e após cada um dos tratamentos. A amostra do estudo foi composta por mulheres com média etária de 51 ± 3 anos e tempo de amenorréia de 22 ± 10 meses. Oitenta e seis pacientes concluíram o estudo. Peso e índice de massa corporal não se modificaram, enquanto que a circunferência da cintura reduziu de forma similar em ambos os grupos de tratamento. Colesterol total e LDL-C reduziram após ambos os TH, e triglicerídeos reduziram somente após a TH não oral. Insulina e glicemia de jejum não se modificaram. Não foram observadas modificações nos níveis de fibrinogênio, fator von Willebrand (FvW) e proteína C reativa (PCR) após TH oral. Após TH não oral, observou-se redução significativa de fibrinogênio e FvW. Níveis de PCR não se modificaram. Houve redução do número de pacientes no maior tertil de PCR (alto risco CV) após TH não oral. Essas pacientes passaram a integrar os grupos de risco intermediário e baixo. Níveis de peptídeo natriurético atrial (PNA) mantiveram-se inalterados após os ambos os TH. Não houve modificações significativas na pressão arterial e esta não se correlacionou com valores de PNA. Realizamos análise adicional do TH não oral, quanto às diferenças entre a via nasal e a percutânea e quanto aos efeitos da adição de progesterona natural micronizada ao estrogênio. Não houve diferenças significativas para todas as variáveis estudadas entre a via nasal e a via percutânea. A adição de progesterona natural micronizada não modificou os efeitos metabólicos e CV do estrogênio não oral. Foi realizada busca sistemática de todos os artigos que incluíssem como TH estrogênio baixa dose e avaliassem os efeitos deste tratamento sobre as variáveis de interesse: peso, índice de massa corporal, pressão arterial, proteína C reativa e lipídeos. Foram consultadas as bases MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE. Foram revisadas todas as referências dos artigos de interesse e revisões e metaanálises no assunto, em busca de artigos relevantes. Após exclusão dos artigos em duplicata, 8610 artigos foram revisados. Destes, 28 artigos foram selecionados para meta-análise. Desta análise foi possível concluir que pacientes em uso de TH baixa dose apresentaram em média menor peso corporal, colesterol total e LDL-C do que não usuárias. A TH baixa dose não apresentou efeitos deletérios sobre demais variáveis estudadas. Em conclusão, ambos os TH apresentaram efeitos neutros ou benéficos sobre variáveis relacionadas com risco CV em uma população de mulheres na pósmenopausa recente e sem evidência de doença CV. A adição de progesterona natural micronizada não modificou os efeitos do estrogênio não oral. Os resultados da metaanálise sobre TH baixa dose e variáveis relacionadas com risco CV também permitem concluir que a TH baixa dose não exerceu efeitos deletérios sobre lipídeos e pressão arterial, e foi observado um possível efeito benéfico deste tratamento sobre o peso corporal. / During the menopausal transition and postmenopause about 75% of women have symptoms of hypoestrogenism symptoms such as hot flushes. The use of hormone therapy (HT) for relief of menopausal symptoms is well established, but its cardiovascular effects (CV) remain controversial. Data from more recent studies suggest the presence of two distinct populations regarding the cardiovascular effects of HT. This differentiation is related mainly to age and time after menopause. Evidence also suggests that the presence of cardiovascular risk factors before the onset of HT, or a combination of risk factors may be determinants of CV effects of HT. Medication dose, route of administration and type of progestin used in combination with estrogen for HT has also been studied as possible factors related to the CV impact of HT. This work consists of: 1) Randomized clinical trial, comparing the effects of low dose oral and non-oral route of variables related to CV risk in a population of healthy women in early postmenopausal; 2) A randomized clinical trial, which we assessed the effects of the addition of natural micronized progesterone to non-oral estrogen for HT in women in early postmenopausal; and 3) systematic review and meta-analysis, which were systematically searched all items with low-dose HT to assess the effects of this therapy on variables related to cardiovascular risk: weight, body mass index, blood pressure, C-reactive protein and lipids. A cross-over, randomized clinical trial was designed in order to evaluate the effects of two types of HT: low dose oral treatment, estradiol oral 1 mg and drospirenone 2 mg, by day and non-oral treatment, estradiol 1.5 mg 17 β gel by percutaneous route (or nasal route 300 mcg) by day and vaginal micronized progesterone, 200 mg/d, 14 days by month on atrial natriuretic peptide, variables associated with inflammation and endothelial function, anthropometric and metabolic variables on early and healthy postmenopausal women. One hundred one women were randomly allocated to start with one of the treatments: low dose oral treatment (n=50) or non-oral treatment (n=51). At the end the first three months period, the patients were crossed over without washout for an additional three months. Laboratory evaluated were carried before and after oral and non-oral HT. The sample of the study included postmenopausal women with a mean age of 51 years and duration of amenorrhea of 22±10 months. Eighty-six patients completed the study. Weight and body mass index remained unchanged, while the waist circumference decreased similarly in both treatment groups. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol reduced after both the HT and triglycerides reduced only after nonoral HT. Insulin and fasting glucose did not change. No changes were observed in the levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) after oral HT. After non-oral HT, there was a significant reduction of fibrinogen and vWF. CRP levels did not change. There was a reduction in the number of patients in the highest tertile of CRP (high CV risk) after non-oral HT. These patients have joined the groups of intermediate and low risk. Levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, ANP, were unchanged after both HT. There were no significant changes on blood pressure and did not correlate with values of ANP. We performed additional analysis of nonoral HT, for the differences between nasal and percutaneous and about the effects of addition of natural micronized progesterone to estrogen. There were no significant differences for all the variables studied between the nasal and percutaneously. The addition of micronized natural progesterone did not modify the metabolic and CV effects of non-oral estrogen. Systematic search of all articles that include as TH low dose estrogen and evaluate the effects of this treatment on the variables of interest was taken: weight, body mass index, blood pressure, C-reactive protein and lipids. The MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE databases were consulted. All references of interest and reviews and meta-analyzes on the subject, in search of relevant articles were reviewed. After removing duplicate articles, 8610 articles were reviewed. Of these, 28 articles were selected for meta-analysis. From this analysis it was concluded that patients using low-dose TH had on average lower body weight, total cholesterol and LDL-C than non-users. The TH low dose showed no deleterious effects on other variables. In conclusion, low-dose oral and non-oral treatments had neutral or beneficial effects on variables related to CV risk in a population of women in early post menopausal and without evidence of CV disease. The addition of micronized natural progesterone did not modify the effects of non-oral estrogen. The results of the metaanalysis of low dose and TH variables related CV risk also showed that the TH low dose did not exert deleterious effects on lipids and blood pressure, and a possible beneficial effect of this treatment on body weight was observed.