Which days of gestation define the window for luteolysis of corpora lutea in a sow?

Which days of gestation define the window for luteolysis of corpora lutea in a sow?

• A. 10-20 days
• B. 30-48 days
• C. 60-70 days
• D. 80-90 days

Answer: (B)

In the sow, the corpus luteum must stay functional to provide progesterone and maintain pregnancy, but the uterus can regulate luteolysis. Early in gestation, the conceptus secretes signals (estrogen) that redirect prostaglandin F2α away from the ovary, protecting the CL from luteolysis during the initial days. As gestation progresses, this protective effect wanes mid-gestation, leaving the CL as the main source of progesterone that can be targeted by luteolytic signals. This creates a mid‑gestation window—roughly 30 to 48 days—during which prostaglandin F2α can induce luteolysis and potentially terminate pregnancy. Hence, the window for luteolysis of corpora lutea in a sow is about 30–48 days of gestation.

In the sow, the corpus luteum must stay functional to provide progesterone and maintain pregnancy, but the uterus can regulate luteolysis. Early in gestation, the conceptus secretes signals (estrogen) that redirect prostaglandin F2α away from the ovary, protecting the CL from luteolysis during the initial days. As gestation progresses, this protective effect wanes mid-gestation, leaving the CL as the main source of progesterone that can be targeted by luteolytic signals. This creates a mid‑gestation window—roughly 30 to 48 days—during which prostaglandin F2α can induce luteolysis and potentially terminate pregnancy. Hence, the window for luteolysis of corpora lutea in a sow is about 30–48 days of gestation.