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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #342840
Title: Physiology and Endocrinology Symposium: Alterations in uteroplacental hemodynamics during melatonin supplementation in sheep and cattle

Author
item LEMLEY, CALEB - Mississippi State University
item VONNAHME, KIMBERLY - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Placental insufficiencies, resulting in poor fetal development, are detrimental to all livestock operations as offspring represent the next generation of meat and milk producing animals. The increase in knowledge gained from animal models experiencing inadequate placental blood flow will allow for the development of specific management strategies to mitigate the potential production losses associated with the consequences of programming the offspring via the maternal environment. We have consistently observed increased umbilical and uterine blood flow following dietary melatonin supplementation during the daytime. Therefore, melatonin could be used as a blood flow therapeutic to mitigate common problems associated with a compromised pregnancy.

Technical Abstract: The efficiency of the placenta in transferring nutrients and wastes among the maternal and fetal circulations is vital to ensuring proper fetal development. This articles summarizes previous research from our laboratory examining umbilical and uterine blood flow during dietary melatonin supplementation. Furthermore, we expand on the potential mechanisms whereby melatonin increases vasodilation of blood vessels during pregnancy.