Luciano A. Silva, D.V.M., M.S.
PhD Student
Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology
University of Florida
459 Shealy Drive
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: (352) 284-0687 Fax: (352) 392-7652
E-mail: luciano@ufl.edu
Website: www.physiologyofreproduction.org
Uterine vascular perfusion and remodeling during early pregnancy are the focus of Dr. Silva’s research.
Previous work using color-Doppler ultrasonography has demonstrated conceptus-mediated uterine vascular
changes in mares and cows during early pregnancy. Also, remarkable endometrial morphology changes are
observed in mares by ultrasonography. Currently, the molecular and cellular processes underlying changes
such as tissue proliferation, hypertrophy, angiogenesis, and vasodilation are being studied in the endometrium
of early pregnant and cyclic mares and cows. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and
expression of its receptors (Flt-1 and KDR), expression of Ki-67 marker, and histological studies of tissue
organization in the endometrium are the end-points that are being investigated.
Recent Publications
Ginther OJ, Silva LA, Araujo RR, Beg MA. Temporal association among pulses of 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoPGF2alpha, luteal blood flow, and luteolysis in cattle. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:506-513.
Silva LA, Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Beg MA, Ginther OJ. Vascularity of the preovulatory follicle and oocyte
competence in mares. Animal Reprod 2006; 3:339-346.
Ginther OJ, Silva LA. Incidence and nature of dysorientation of the embryo proper and spontaneous correction
in mares. J Equi Vet Sci 2006; 26(6):249-256.
Silva LA, Ginther OJ. An early endometrial vascular indicator of completed orientation of the embryo and the
role of the dorsal endometrial encroachment in mares. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:337-343.
Evans MJ, Gastal EL, Silva LA, Gastal MO, Kitson NE, Alexander SL, Irvine CHG. Plasma LH concentrations
after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin to estrous mares. Anim Rep Sci 2006; 94:191-194.
Silva LA, Gastal EL, Beg MA, Ginther OJ. Changes in vascular perfusion of the endometrium in association
with changes in location of the embryonic vesicle in mares. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:755-761.
Gastal EL, Silva LA, Gastal MO, Evans MJ. Effect of different doses of hCG on diameter of the preovulatory
follicle and interval to ovulation in mares. Anim Rep Sci 2006; 94:186-190.
Silva LA, Gastal EL, Gastal MO, Jacob JCF, Reis CP, Ginther OJ. A new alternative for embryo transfer and
artificial insemination in mares: ultrasound-guided intrauterine injection. J Equi Vet Sci 2004; 24(8):324-332.
Gastal MO, Gastal EL, Rivera AP, Silva LA. Evaluation of the transvaginal ultrasound-guided intrauterine
injection technique for embryo transfer in mares. Theriogenology 2002; 58:725-728.