Abstract

This investigation examined the dynamic fluctuations in interleukin-1α (IL-1α) concentrations within the serum of pregnant versus non-pregnant Iraqi ewes during the early stages of gestation. Blood specimens were procured on Days 0, 10, 15, 25, and 30 subsequent to breeding, and IL-1α levels were quantified utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology. The results indicated a statistically significant elevation (P < 0.05) in IL-1α concentrations among pregnant ewes, with peak levels observed on Day 15 (96.675 ± 2.384 pg/mL) prior to a gradual decline, whereas non-pregnant ewes exhibited stable IL-1α levels throughout the entire observation period. These findings imply that IL-1α may serve a crucial function in the initiation of pregnancy, potentially facilitating embryo implantation, immune system modulation, and placental development in Iraqi ewes. On Day 15 after mating, an ultrasound examination showed that the uterine horns contained distinct, anechoic, fluid-filled structures that resembled early gestational sacs in shape. Echogenic uterine walls encircled these anechoic vesicles, suggesting early intrauterine fluid accumulation typical of conceptus formation. A well-defined anechoic gestational sac with a core hyperechoic structure suggestive of an embryo was discovered by Day 25 of gestation. The internal features of the echogenic structure were ordered and reflected the development of the embryo. A more noticeable, well-formed gestational sac with a clear echogenic embryo eccentrically within the sac was discovered by further inspection around Day 30. The observed increase in size and echogenicity of the embryo agreed with expected trends of fetal growth.