Evaluation of aglepristone and oxytocin on induction of parturition in guinea pig

BACKGROUND: Induction of parturition in guinea pigs appears to be essential because these animals have a higher rate of reproductive problems than rabbits and small rodents. OBJECTIVES: Since aglepristone (AGL) is a competitive progesterone antagonist acting through binding to progesterone receptors while oxytocin (OT) is a powerful constituent of uterine smooth muscle, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and ultrasonographic impacts of AGL and OT on guinea pig parturition induction. METHODS: In this study, guinea pigs were allocated into five groups; each included five animals on the 61st day of pregnancy. In the aglepristone group (Agle), AGL was administrated subcutaneously (SC) once daily on 2 consecutive days (Days 61 and 62 post mating). Oxytocin (OT) was administered subcutaneously once and twice at 4‐h intervals on Day 62 post mating in oxytocin 1 (Oxy1) and oxytocin 2 (Oxy2) groups, respectively. The animals in the aglepristone‐oxytocin group (Agle‐Oxy) received AGL subcutaneously once daily on 2 consecutive days (Days 61 and 62 post mating) and OT on Day 62 post mating. The remaining sows received saline solution (0.9% NaCl) in the control group. RESULTS: According to the results, fetal heart rate, temperature, neonatal and maternal survival rates were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). Biparietal diameter of head and body weight of neonates in the Agle, Oxy2 and Agle‐Oxy groups showed a significant decline, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The time interval between injection and delivery and the duration of pregnancy was significantly reduced in Agle, Oxy2, Agl‐Oxy groups, compared to the control and Oxy1 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it seems that treatment Oxy2 can induce parturition in guinea pigs without side effects and lower pain during induction of parturition.