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Öğe Development of an Enzyme Immunoassay for the Determination of Ovine Growth Hormone in Plasma(Scientific Technical Research Council Turkey, 2000) Serpek, Behiç; Haliloğlu, SeyfullahAbstract: A competitive enzyme immunoassay for the determination of ovine growth hormone (oGH) was developed. The assay is based on (anti-rabbit IgG) goat IgG-coated microtitreplates, anti-oGH from rabbits, biotinyl-oGH and streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase. The assay is done directly with 40 µl of plasma and the calibration graph (90% relative binding at 0.38±0.02 ng ml and 50% relative binding at 3.80±0.18 ng ml) is prepared in plasma without measurable endogenous oGH. Recovery in different plasma samples with added oGH amounted to 96.78 100.03%, and all variabilities were < 10.44. The assay shows no significant binding of oFSH, OLH, OTSH and oPRL. The assay detects high and low plasma oGH levels within the physiological variation as well as changes in plasma oGH after stimulation with growth hormone releasing factor. Hence, it offers a reliable alternative radioimmunoassay. However, a reference method providing evidence of the identity of exogenous oGH will be required for proving illegal treatment with oGH and for forensic purposes.Öğe The effect of endodontic therapy on periapical exudate neutrophil elastase and prostaglandin-E-2 levels(ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 2005) Alptekin, Nilgün Özlem; Arı, Hale; Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Alptekin, Tuncay; Serpek, Behiç; Ataoğlu, TamerThis study aimed to investigate periapical exudate neutrophil elastase (NE) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) levels and their relationships with clinical symptoms, and to determine the changes of their levels following first treatment visit. Periapical exudate samples were collected from the canals of 34 nonvital single-rooted teeth at two sequential treatment visits. Periapical exudate NE and PGE(2) levels were found to be higher in the presence of clinical symptoms (pus discharge, swelling) (p < 0.05). The canals of teeth with larger periapical radiolucent area (>= 1 cm) contained more PGE(2) levels than with smaller ones (< 1 cm) (p < 0.05). Periapical exudate NE levels were significantly correlated with PGE2 levels (p < 0.05), and their levels at first treatment visit did not change following root canal therapy (p > 0.05). The periapical exudate NE and PGE(2) levels may regulate periapical disease expression, but the results of this study were unable to reveal this association.Öğe Effects on the Clinical Indices and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Enzyme Activities of the Cyclical Regimen of Low-Dose Doxycycline Therapy for Adult Periodontitis.(2000) Alptekin, Nilgün Özlem; Kurtoğlu, Firuze; Serpek, Behiç; Duran, I.; Gözlü, M.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cyclic regimen of low dose doxycycline (20 mg) or placebo therapy following scaling and root planing on clinical parameters and crevicular fluid alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and elastase activities. Fifteen adults (13 males, 2 females) with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis were recruited for the study. The LDD-treated group (n = 8 subjects) self administered low dose doxycycline b.i.d. (20 mg, p.o.) from time (treatment) to 2 months and then no drug from 2 to 4 months and finally low-dose doxycycline b.i.d. from 4 to 6 months (i.e. "cyclical" regimen). The placebo-treated group (n = 7 subjects) was asked to take placebo capsules (containing inactive filler; i.e. starchflour) b.i.d. according to the same "cyclical" regimen. No differences were found between LDD- and placebo-treated groups regarding any of the clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid enzyme activities. The relative attachment gain was significantly improved in both groups. The "cyclical" regimen of low-dose doxycycline was not found to reduce alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and elastase activities in gingival crevicular fluid of the adult periodontitis patients over a 6-month time period.Öğe Holstein Irkı Gebe İneklerin Plaza ve Ovaryum Vitamin C, Progesteron ve 17 Beta-Östradiol Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkiler(2002) Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Serpek, Behiç; Başpınar, Nuri; Erdem, Hüseyin; Bulut, ZaferThis study was performed to determine the relationship between the corpus luteum weight/diameter, follicular diameter and the levels of vitamin C, progesterone and oestradiol 17-b of the plasma, corpus luteum and follicular fluid of pregnant Holstein cows in a slaughterhouse. Progesterone and oestradiol 17-b concentrations were determined by the microtitration plate EIA method. Vitamin C levels were determined by spectrophotometer. Although there was a positive correlation between follicular fluid oestradiol 17-b levels and the follicle diameter in the follicular fluid, in contrast to oestradiol 17-b levels, small follicles have higher progesterone content than large follicles. This negative correlation was due to the fact that progesterone is the precursor of oestradiol 17-b. There was no correlation between corpus luteum progesterone levels and corpus luteum weight/diameter. However, a positive correlation between corpus luteum progesterone levels and the corpus luteum weight/diameter was observed; therefore, we suggest that this situation resulted from placenta-originated progesterone synthesis in pregnancy. Furthermore, levels of corpus luteum vitamin C were found to be higher and we concluded that this increase resulted from the effect of vitamin C on steroid and collagen biosynthesis. Nevertheless, negative correlations between corpus luteum vitamin C concentrations and corpus luteum weight/diameter were seen, and hence we suggest that this may be the result of the inhibitory effect of vitamin C on PGF2a synthesis.Öğe I?nekleri?n Deği?şi?k Seksüel Siklus Günleri?nde Sağım Fazlarına Bağlı Olarak Süt Yağı ve Progesteronu Düzeyleri?ni?n Deği?şi?mleri?(Selçuk Üniversitesi, 1988 Ocak) Serpek, Behiç; Döbeli, MaxBei 2 Kühen (Schweizerisches Braunvieh) wurden in 8 verschiedenen Zyklusphasen die Konzentrationen von Fett und Progesteron in der Milch im Verlaufe des Melkaktes gemessen. Die in 1 Melkgang aus 1 Euterviertel anfallende Milch wurde in Fraktionen zu 200 ml aufgefangen.. Bei Melkbeginn waren die Fett- und Progesteronkonzentrationen gering, nahmen im Verlaufe des Melkaktes zu und erreichten Höchswerte am Schluss des Melkens. Mit Ausnahme des 2. Zyklustages bei Kuh Habana (r = 0.64) und des 17. Zyklustages bei Kuh Nelli (r = 0.54) waren Fett- und Proges- = teronkonzentrationen gut korreliert (r 0.820.98). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Endgemelk ein geeignetes Untersuchungssubstrat für eine Trachtigkeitsdiagnose darsetellt; sie weisen aber auch darauf hin, dass Anfangsgemelk zu Fehlinterpretationen führen kann, wenn die Beurteilungskriterien anhand von Endgemelksproben erarbeitet worden sind.Öğe Interleukin-i Beta, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels and Neutrophil Elastase Activity in Peri-İmplant Crevicular Fluid - Correlation With Clinical Parameters and Effect of Smoking(WILEY, 2002) Ataoğlu, Hanife; Alptekin, Nilgün Özlem; Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Gürsel, Mihtikar; Ataoğlu, Tamer; Serpek, Behiç; Durmuş, ErcanThe aim of this study was to determine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels and neutrophil elastase (NE) activity in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of smoker and nonsmoker patients, and to investigate their relationships with clinical parameters. A total of 42 endosseous root-form dental implants of 14 patients were clinically examined by modified Plaque index (PI), modified Gingival index (Gl) and probing depth (PD). Smoking habits of the patients were recorded. PICF of implants were collected by Periopaper strips and IL-1beta, TNF-alpha levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NE was analyzed with a neutrophil specific chromogenic substrate, N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide. The cytokine and enzyme levels in PICF were expressed as total amount/activity and as concentrations. NE activity in PICF significantly correlated with GI and PD, and IL-1beta levels with GI and PICF volume (P < 0.05). The correlations were stronger when the PICF levels were expressed as total IL-1beta amount and as total NE activity. The implants with inflamed gingiva (GI > 1) had higher levels of IL-1beta and NE activity than implants with noninflamed or slightly inflamed gingiva (GI less than or equal to 1) (P < 0.05). Total NE activity in implants with deep pockets (PD > 3 mm) was greater than the implants with shallow pockets (PD :5 3 mm) (P < 0.05). The implants of smoker patients had significantly lower PICF NE activity and IL-1beta levels, and significantly higher TNF-alpha levels than the implants of nonsmokers (P < 0.05). The findings of the present study indicate that NE activity and IL-1beta levels in PICF may be used to measure implant health status of patients who do not smoke.Öğe Koyunlarda Plazma Vitamin C ve Seruloplazmin Düzeyleriyle Eksojen Vitamin C Uygulamalarının Döl Verimi Üzerine Etkileri(Scientific Technical Research Council Turkey, 2000) Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Serpek, BehiçThe effects of vitamin C on progesterone and oestradiol 17 beta synthesis, and fertility rate were studied in Merino sheep. A total of 60 sheep, aged between 2 and 7 years, of which 30 had low, and the other 30 had high plasma vitamin C levels were used. Each low and high vitamin C group was divided into 2 subgroups. Each subgroup had equal numbers of sheep. Subgroups 2 and 4 served as controls in the low and high vitamin C groups, respectively. 500 mg of vitamin C was injected intramuscularly into the subgroups 1 and 3 in the low and high vitamin C level groups, respectively. Plasma vitamin C and ceruloplasmin levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Plasma progesterone and oestradiol 17 beta levels were determined using the microtitration enzyme immunoassay technique. Although vitamin C levels were low during the sexual cycles in all groups, there was an increase with the start of pregnancy. On the other hand, the changes in the plasma ceruloplasmin levels were irregular. The low and high oestradiol 17 beta levels of the low and high vitamin C groups showed the importance of vitamin C in steroid hormone synthesis. There was a positive correlation between ascorbic acid levels and body weight of the mother sheep and new-born. The vitamin C and progesterone increases were observed in the sheep pregnant with twins. It was concluded that exogen vitamin 0 increases the fertility rate along with body weight of pregnant sheep and new-born.Öğe Koyunlarda Plazma Vitamin C ve Seruloplazmin Düzeyleriyle Eksojen Vitamin C Uygulamalarının Döl Verimi Üzerine Etkileri(2000) Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Serpek, BehiçThe effects of vitamin C on progesterone and oestradiol 17b synthesis, and fertility rate were studied in Merino sheep. A total of 60 sheep, aged between 2 and 7 years, of which 30 had low, and the other 30 had high plasma vitamin C levels were used. Each low and high vitamin C group was divided into 2 subgroups. Each subgroup had equal numbers of sheep. Subgroups 2 and 4 served as controls in the low and high vitamin C groups, respectively. 500 mg of vitamin C was injected intramuscularly into the subgroups 1 and 3 in the low and high vitamin C level groups, respectively. Plasma vitamin C and ceruloplasmin levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Plasma progesterone and oestradiol 17b levels were determined using the microtitration enzyme immunoassay technique. Although vitamin C levels were low during the sexual cycles in all groups, there was an increase with the start of pregnancy. On the other hand, the changes in the plasma ceruloplasmin levels were irregular. The low and high oestradiol 17b levels of the low and high vitamin C groups showed the importance of vitamin C in steroid hormone synthesis. There was a positive correlation between ascorbic acid levels and body weight of the mother sheep and new-born. The vitamin C and progesterone increases were observed in the sheep pregnant with twins. It was concluded that exogen vitamin C increases the fertility rate along with body weight of pregnant sheep and new-born.Öğe Methodological evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid volume and neutrophil elastase levels: sequential sampling, length of sampling time and two different sampling methods(TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2019) Kayar, Nezahat Arzu; Oduncuoğlu, Bahar Füsun; Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Serpek, Behiç; Ataoğlu, Tamer; Alptekin, Nilgün ÖzlemObjectives: The mechanisms underlying the formation and composition of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and its flow into and from periodontal pockets are not understood very well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of sampling time and sequential sampling of GCF neutrophil elastase (NE) enzyme levels by using intracrevicular and orifice methods. Material and methods: Twenty adults (mean age of 41.8 years, ranged 31-60 years, 18 males and 2 females) with chronic periodontitis were enrolled and all completed the 3-d study. GCF was collected by both intracrevicular and intrasulcular methods, 720 samples of GCF were collected. In first, second and third day, the length of sampling time in seconds (s) and order were '5- 10-30-s'; '10- 30- 5-s' and '30- 5- 10-s,' respectively. GCF elastase levels were determined by hydrolysis of neutrophil specific substrate N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide. Results: NE activity (mu U) and NE activity/volume (mu U/mu l) were significantly different for order of sampling (p < .05), but not for the length of sampling time (p>.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, the choice of sampling technique in GCF-profile studies seems to be a critical decision as it has the potential to affect the GCF volume and NE activity.Öğe Neutrophil elastase levels in periapical exudates of symptomatic and asymptomatic teeth(LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2005) Alptekin, Nilgün Özlem; Arı, Hale; Ataoğlu, Tamer; Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Alptekin, Tuncay; Serpek, BehiçThe aim of this study was to determine neutrophil elastase levels (NE) in periapical exudates and to evaluate its relationship with clinical signs and symptoms of endodontically involved teeth. A total of 42 teeth with periapical periodontitis of 37 patients were clinically examined and spontaneous pain, swelling, pain on palpation or percussion, sinus tract formation and pus discharge were recorded. Additionally, periapical lesion size was measured on periapical radiographs. Periapical exudate samples were obtained during routine root canal treatment by using paper points. Enzyme levels were determined by spectrophotometric assays using the NE specific substrate N-methoxysuccinil-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide. The teeth with signs and symptoms showed higher NE levels than the teeth without symptoms (p < 0.05). The differences were significant when NE levels were presented as total amounts instead of concentration. This study demonstrated that NE in periapical lesions related with clinical symptoms and total enzyme amount may be more reliable mode of data presentation.Öğe Retentio Secundi?narum Şeki?llenen Bi?r I?nekte Doğumdan Önce ve Sonra Plazma Progesteron, Östradiol-17 ß, Korti?zol ve LH Düzeyleri?(Selçuk Üniversitesi, 1988 Ocak) Serpek, BehiçZum Schreiben der Uteruskontraktionen und -potentiale wurde die Elektroden unter die Uterus-Serosa gestellt. Nach der Geburt entstand die Nachbeburtstverhaltung, die Brucellosis frei war. In dieser Arbeit wurde die Konzentrationen von Plasmaprogesteron, -östradiol-17 ß, -kortisol und -LH waehrend der Ante partum-, Geburts- und Post partum- Phase zur Aufklaerung der Nachgeburscverhaltung, deren Ursache nicht bekannt war, untersucht. Zwischen 1-4 Tage ante partum lagen die Plasmaprogesteron-Werte 2-3 ng/ml und Plasmaöstradiol-17 B-Werte mehr als 100 pg/ml vor, insbesondere Plasmaöstradiol-17 ? zeigte zwei Tage vor der Geburt den höchsten Wert (161.59 ng/ml). Plasmakortisol-und -luteinisierungshormonkonzentrationen dauerten als normalen Plasmaspigel. Einige Stunden nach der Geburt betragen die Progesteron-, Östradiol-17 ß-, Kortisol- und LH-Werte in der Reihenfolge, 1.04 ng/ml, 71.61 pg/ml, 22.6 ng/ml und 1.66 ng/ml. Insbesondere zog die höhe Kortisol-werte in Betracht. In der Post-partum-Phase wurden die Östradiol-17 ß-Konzentrationen noch hoch festgestellt, die am ersten Tag post partum 71.61 und zweiten Tah 17.71 pg/ml vorlagen. In der Post-partum-Phase waren die Plasmaprogesteron-Werte zu niedrig, Kortisol und LH-Werte wurden als normalen Plasmaspiegel gefunden.Öğe Süt I?nekleri?nde Uzun Süreli? Büyüme Hormonu Kullanımının Süt Veri?mi?, Sütün Kompozi?syonu ve Döl Veri?mi? Üzeri?ne Etki?leri?(Selçuk Üniversitesi, 1995 Nisan) Coşkun, Behiç; Şeker, Erdoğan; Yalçın, Suzan; Alaçam, Erol; Tuncer, Şakir D.; Serpek, BehiçIn this study, 14 Holstein helfers were used. Animals were divided into two groups. Rekombinant bovine somatotrophin (rBST) was injekted 14 mg/day daily one of the groups during 196 days. The effects of rBST on milk yield, milk composition, feed intake, some postpartal reproductive parameters, blood glukoz, insuline and non estarifed fatty acids levels were investigated. During ten weeks at the pretreatment, milk yield was measured and these values were used in covarians analysis. Milk yield was significantly increased by the rBST treatment. Before the rBST administration average milk yield of control and treatment group were 15.33 kg and 14.04 kg respectively. These datas were became equal in the first month of the experiment and were observed as 13.76 kg for the control group. 13.52 kg for the treatment group. Then milk yield was more at the rBST administred group than the control group during the last months of the experiment. Concentrate feed was given to animals relative to their milk yield and chopped alfalfa hay was given ad libitum. There were no differences between groups for the alfalfa hay intake. No negative effects of rBST treatment were observed on early pospartum sign and ovarial functions. Milk composition, blood insilune, glucose and non esterified fatty acids levels were not affected by the hormone administration.Öğe Üniversite öğrencilerinin vücut kompozisyonu, plazma büyüme hormon düzeyleri ve dayanıklılık antrenmanı arasındaki ilişkiler(2014) Arıkan, Şükran; Serpek, BehiçBu çalışma Selçuk Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Yüksekokulu'nda okuyan 18-24 yaş aralığında, sigara içmeyen, düzenli olarak egzersiz yapmayan, 18 kadın (10 antrenman, 8 kontrol) ve 17 erkek (9 antrenman, 8 kontrol) toplam 35 gönüllü öğrenci üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Çalışma başlangıcında ve sonunda vücut kompozisyonları belirlenmiş, çalışmanın başlangıcı, 4. hafta ve 8. haftanın sonunda saat 800- 1100 ve 1400 saatlerinde alınan kan örneklerinden de büyüme hormonu (GH) analizleri yapılmıştır. Çalışmada yer alan deneklere özel bir beslenme programı uygulanmamış, antrenman gruplarına 8 hafta süresince, önceden belirlenen hedef kalp atım sayılarının %50-70 şiddetinde, haftada 4 gün ve günde 60 dakika bisiklet egzersizi yaptırılmıştır. Kontrol gruplarının uygulamalı dersleri haricinde özel bir sportif aktivite yapmaları engellenmiştir. Plazma GH düzeyleri Enzim Immuno Assay (EIA) yöntemiyle ölçülmüştür. Antrenman başlangıcı ve sonunda tüm gruplarda yer alan kadın ve erkek öğrencilerin vücut ağırlığı, vücut yağ yüzdesi (VYY) ve maksimal aerobik kapasite (maksVO2) düzeylerine cinsiyetin etkisinin önemli (P0,001) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kadın ve erkek antrenman gruplarında egzersizler sadece maksVO2 düzeyini önemli (P0,001) derecede yükseltmiştir. Çalışmanın başlangıcında kadın ve erkek kontrol grubu plazma GH düzeyleri, antrenman gruplarından yüksek bulunmuş (P0,001), egzersizin GH düzeylerini önemli düzeyde etkilemediği tespit edilmiştir. Antrenman öncesi kadın kontrol gruplarında GH ile VYY arasında gözlenen negatif ilişki (P0,05) antrenman sonunda gözlenmemiş, kadın antrenman grubunda ise GH ile vücut ağırlığı arasında ilişki (P0,05) saptanmıştır. Erkek kontrol gruplarında GH düzeyi ile vücut ağırlığı arasındaki önemli ilişkinin (P0,05) antrenman sonrası önemli olmadığı gözlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, kadınlarda ve erkeklerde uygulanan dayanıklılık antrenmanlarının çalışmaya katılan tüm gruplarda vücut ağırlığı, VYY ve VKİ üzerine bir etkisinin bulunmadığı fakat antrenman grubundaki tüm deneklerin maksVO2 düzeylerinin aerobik dayanıklılık egzersizleriyle birlikte anlamlı bir artış gösterdiği ve vücut ağırlığı, VYY ve maksVO2 değerlerinde cinsiyetin önemli olduğu bulunmuştur. GH düzeylerinin ise yapılan aerobik dayanıklılık egzersizlerinden etkilenmediği sonucuna varılmıştır.Öğe Untersuchungen Ueber den Einfluss von Kali?umdi?chromat und Probenlagerung auf die Radi?oi?mmunologisch Gemessene Progesteron - Konzentration in der Kuhmilch(Selçuk Üniversitesi, 1987 Ocak) Serpek, Behiç; Döbeli, MaxSüt örnekleri, laboratuvarlara getirilme ve işlenme sırasında değişik ısılarda ve farklı sürelerde bekletilmek zorunda kalınabilir. Bu çalışmada tablet formunda süte ilave edilen potasyumdikromat'ın depolama ısısı ve zamanına bağımlı olarak radyoimmunolojik metodla ölçülen progesteron konsantrasyonlarında sapmalara neden olmadığı araştırıldı. Taze süte katılan potasyumdikromat tabletleri (33 mg potasyumdikromat 67 mg potasyumklorid) ölçüm değerlerini değiştirmedi. Pratik koşullarda ilk sırayı alan oda ısısında bekletmede ve potasyumdikromat ilave edilmeyen sütlerde zamanın ilerlemesi ile progesteron değerlerinin düştüğü saptandı. Bu nedenle teşhiste oluşabilecek hatalardan kaçınabilmek için süt örneklerine potasyumdikromat ilavesi önerildi. Buna karşın +37°C'lik ısıda 168 saat bekletilmeden sonra ölçülen değer bir sıçrama yaparak başlangıç değerinin dört katına ulaştı. Bu olgu proteolotik oluşumlar nedeniyle antikorlara zarar veren maddelerin ortaya çıkmasına bağlanabilir. Artı 4 ve -20°C'lik ısılarda bekletilen potasyumdikromatlı ve potasyumdikromatsız süt örneklerinde istatistik açıdan önemsiz hafif bir düşme görüldü. Uzun zamanlı depolamalar için konservatif madde ilave edilmeksizin +4 ve -20°C'lerin uygun depolama ısıları olduğu gözlendi. Altı kez dondurma ve çözme progesteron konsantrasyonları üzerinde ölçülebilir derecede bir etki göstermedi.Öğe Vitamin a and ?-Carotene Levels in Plasma, Corpus Luteum and Follicular Fluid of Cyclic and Pregnant Cattle(2002) Haliloğlu, Seyfullah; Başpınar, Nuri; Serpek, Behiç; Erdem, Hüseyin; Bulut, ZaferThis study was carried out to examine the relationship between the corpus luteum (CL) weight, CL and follicle diameters and progesterone, b-carotene and vitamin Alevels in reproductive organs of cattle obtained from the slaughterhouse. The b-carotene and vitamin Alevels were determined in plasma, CL and follicular fluid (FF) using a spectrophotometric method at different stages of the oestrous cycle (n ¼ 40) and at 3–6 months of pregnancy (n ¼ 10). The diameters of the CL and follicle were measured using ultrasonography. Plasma progesterone concentrations were determined by an enzyme immunoassay method. The vitamin Alevels of the plasma, CL and FF were not related to each other. The highest plasma vitamin Alevels were observed in the proestrus and oestrus, at which periods follicular activity dominates. The vitamin Alevels in the CL and FF were negatively related to the weight and diameter of the CL and the diameter of follicle, respectively. In contrast to vitamin A, b-carotene concentrations of plasma, CL and FF were significantly correlated with each other. The highest b-carotene levels in the plasma, CL and FF were found during pregnancy when there is maximal luteal function, and the b-carotene level of the CL was significantly correlated with the weight and diameter of CL. Furthermore, the intrafollicular b-carotene level was negatively correlated with the follicle diameter. There was a positive correlation between lasma progesterone level and the weight and diameter of the CL, but a negative correlation between plasma progesterone level and follicle diameter. Moreover, plasma, FF and CL b-carotene levels were positively correlated with plasma progesterone levels. This study revealed that b-carotene levels in the plasma, CL and FF were influenced by the stage of the oestrous cycle or the pregnancy and were related to bovine luteal function without depending on vitamin A.
