Ovulation induction and artificial insemination of a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus) using fresh semen. 2014

Erin Curry, and Jeff Wyatt, and Lawrence J Sorel, and Katherine M MacKinnon, and Terri L Roth

In 2008, polar bears were listed as a species threatened with extinction by the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, reproductive success has been poor despite breeding recommendations for almost every reproductively viable bear by the Species Survival Plan. Assisted reproductive technologies could complement breeding efforts by overcoming the challenges of behavioral incompatibilities and deficiencies, facilitating genetic management and increasing cub production. The goal of this study was to artificially inseminate a female polar bear after inducing ovarian activity and ovulation with exogenous hormones (equine chorionic gonadotropin and porcine luteinizing hormone). Fresh semen collected from an adult male via electroejaculation/urethral catheterization was used for the insemination. Fecal steroid monitoring indicated that the female ovulated following the exogenous hormone treatment. Progestin concentrations increased in late summer, at the time implantation was expected to occur; however, no cubs were produced. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of ovulation induction and artificial insemination in a polar bear.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007315 Insemination, Artificial Artificial introduction of SEMEN or SPERMATOZOA into the VAGINA to facilitate FERTILIZATION. Artificial Insemination,Eutelegenesis,Artificial Inseminations,Eutelegeneses,Inseminations, Artificial
D007986 Luteinizing Hormone A major gonadotropin secreted by the adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). Luteinizing hormone regulates steroid production by the interstitial cells of the TESTIS and the OVARY. The preovulatory LUTEINIZING HORMONE surge in females induces OVULATION, and subsequent LUTEINIZATION of the follicle. LUTEINIZING HORMONE consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. Within a species, the alpha subunit is common in the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity. ICSH (Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone),Interstitial Cell-Stimulating Hormone,LH (Luteinizing Hormone),Lutropin,Luteoziman,Luteozyman,Hormone, Interstitial Cell-Stimulating,Hormone, Luteinizing,Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone
D008297 Male Males
D010062 Ovulation Induction Techniques for the artifical induction of ovulation, the rupture of the follicle and release of the ovum. Ovarian Stimulation,Ovarian Stimulations,Stimulation, Ovarian,Stimulations, Ovarian
D005260 Female Females
D006063 Chorionic Gonadotropin A gonadotropic glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the PLACENTA. Similar to the pituitary LUTEINIZING HORMONE in structure and function, chorionic gonadotropin is involved in maintaining the CORPUS LUTEUM during pregnancy. CG consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. Within a species, the alpha subunit is virtually identical to the alpha subunits of the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity (CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT, HUMAN). Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human,HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin),Biogonadil,Choriogonadotropin,Choriogonin,Chorulon,Gonabion,Human Chorionic Gonadotropin,Pregnyl,Gonadotropin, Chorionic,Gonadotropin, Human Chorionic
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001503 Ursidae The family of carnivorous or omnivorous bears, having massive bodies, coarse heavy fur, relatively short limbs, and almost rudimentary tails. Ailuropoda,Bears,Black Bears,Giant Pandas,Grizzly Bears,Pandas, Giant,Pandas, Greater,Polar Bears,Spectacled Bear,Tremarctos,Ursus,Bear,Bear, Black,Bear, Grizzly,Bear, Polar,Bear, Spectacled,Bears, Black,Bears, Grizzly,Bears, Polar,Bears, Spectacled,Black Bear,Giant Panda,Greater Panda,Greater Pandas,Grizzly Bear,Panda, Giant,Panda, Greater,Polar Bear,Spectacled Bears
D012661 Semen The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains SPERMATOZOA and their nutrient plasma. Seminal Plasma,Plasma, Seminal

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