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The study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-chymotrypsin on placental separation as a treatment protocol for retained placenta (RP) in dairy cows and its effect on reproductive performance after placental shedding. The study was conducted on 64 crossbred cows that suffered from retained placenta. Cows were divided into four equal groups: group I (n = 16) treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α); group II (n = 16) treated with PGF2α in combination with α-chemotrypsin; group III (n = 16) treated with α-chemotrypsin only and group IV (n = 16) treated by manual removal of the RP. Cows were under observation after treatment till placental shedding. Placental samples were taken from the non-responsive cows after the course of treatment and examined to observe the histopathological changes in each group. Results revealed that the time of placental dropping showed a significant decrease in group II compared to other groups. Histopathological examination of group II shows that collagen was found as fewer fibres in scattered areas and necrosis appeared as numerous areas widespread in the foetal villi. A few inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the placental tissue and the vascular changes appear as mild vasculitis and mild oedema. Cows in group II have rapid uterine involution, decreased risk of post-partum metritis and improved reproductive performance. It is concluded that PGF2α in combination with α- chemotrypsin is the recommended treatment for RP in dairy cows. This recommendation is warranted, as this treatment was successful in achieving rapid placental shedding, rapid uterine involution, a decreased risk of post-partum metritis and improved reproductive performance., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Retained placenta is a pathological condition defined as failure to expel foetal membranes within 12-24 h after parturition. It instigates important financial losses to the dairy industry causing considerable economic loss. It is a multifactorial disorder. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, contradictory results and no single factor explains the development of the disease. This indicates that there are overall significant gaps in our knowledge about the various factors affecting the aetiopathology and pathobiology of the retained placenta. Thus, it will be of great interest to investigate the potential contributing factors that influence the occurrence of RP which provide us with the mechanisms to avoid the occurrence of the disease. In addition, different predictive indicators of RP should be a part of our research, thus providing the essential procedures applied to deal with the disease and the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in its management. Furthermore, lately, the molecular role takes attention to understanding its effect in the occurrence of the disease. Such information might help dairy scientists in the future to design better management and preventive practices for RP in dairy cows., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The aim of this was to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of interstitial glands during non-breeding season in camel ovaries. A total of 21 mature, non-pregnant and apparently healthy camels aged between 8 and 12 years were slaughtered. The ovaries were removed within 15 min, cleaned from adipose tissue, weighted and examined grossly. The histological preparation was made, and then, the blocks were cut at 3-5 microns thickness and stained by H&E for histological examinations. Moreover, some sections were stained with Sudan Black for lipid detection. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded ovarian tissues was performed to detect the localization of S-100, vimentin, progesterone receptors (PR) and oestrogen receptors (ER). Immunoreactive signals were detected using UltraVision Detection System. The results revealed that the interstitial glands were located in the cortical region and they were arranged in various arrangements either single, in couple or in groups rich in lipid droplet. All interstitial gland arrangements were enclosed by connective tissue capsules containing fibroblasts and collagenous fibres separated them from the surrounding ovarian structures. Both interstitial glands and their surrounding CT were penetrated by several blood vessels. There was a strong immunoreactive signal for S-100 in the nuclei of interstitial cells, and no signals were detected either in cells of the interstitial glands or their connective tissue with PR. We could conclude that the interstitial gland is distinct in ovary of camel and further studies are needed to elucidate its rule in steroid synthesis., (© 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)