scholarly journals Follicular dynamics and gene expression in granulosa cells, corpora lutea and oocytes from gilts of breeds with low and high ovulation rates

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 316 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. V. Silva ◽  
S. E. F. Guimarães ◽  
J. D. Guimarães ◽  
C. S. Nascimento ◽  
P. S. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Commercial Line ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Apoptotic Genes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Follicular Dynamics

Follicular dynamics and the expression of candidate genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were compared during the oestrous cycle of pig breeds with high (commercial line; n = 24) and low (local Brazilian Piau; n = 21) ovulation rates and prolificacy. Gilts were killed on Days 0, 4, 10 and 18 of the oestrous cycle and visible ovarian follicles were classified by follicular diameter. Recovered cumulus–oocyte complexes were classified as normal or atretic and frozen in liquid nitrogen until RNA extraction. Low ovulation rates and/or prolificacy in Piau gilts was associated with a different pattern of follicle development, with lower numbers of small follicles on Day 18, fewer large follicles on Days 0 and 18 (P ≤ 0.05) and a higher proportion of atretic follicles on Days 0 and 18 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with commercial line gilts, less-prolific Piau gilts exhibited higher expression of apoptotic genes during luteolysis (CASP3 and FASL; P ≤ 0.05), decreased expression of TGFBR2 and BAX mRNA in the corpus luteum (P ≤ 0.05), higher expression of apoptotic genes (FAS, BCL2 and CASP8; P ≤ 0.05) in granulosa cells and a greater abundance (P ≤ 0.05) of genes controlling oocyte-secreted factors (GDF9, BMP15 and BMP6), suggesting underlying mechanisms controlling differences in follicular development, ovulation rate and inherent prolificacy in this pig breed.

Follicular dynamics and secretion of inhibin and oestradiol-17β during the oestrous cycle of the hamster

1995 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kishi ◽  
K Taya ◽  
G Watanabe ◽  
S Sasamoto
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Marked Decrease ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Follicular Maturation ◽  
Follicular Dynamics

Abstract Plasma and ovarian levels of inhibin were determined by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) at 3-h intervals throughout the 4-day oestrous cycle of hamsters. Plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol-17β were also determined by RIAs. In addition, hamsters were injected at various times with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to determine the follicular development. The changes in plasma concentrations of FSH after injection of antisera to oestradiol-17β (oestradiol-AS) and inhibin (inhibin-AS) on the morning of day 2 (day 1=day of ovulation) were also determined. Plasma concentrations of inhibin showed a marked increase on the afternoon of day 1, remained at plateau levels until the morning of day 4, then increased abruptly on the afternoon of day 4 when preovulatory LH and FSH surges were initiated. A marked decrease in plasma concentrations of inhibin occurred during the process of ovulation after the preovulatory gonadotrophin surges. An inverse relationship between plasma levels of FSH and inhibin was observed when the secondary surge of FSH was in progress during the periovulatory period. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β showed three increase phases and these changes differed from those of inhibin. Changes in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β correlated well with the maturation and regression of large antral follicles. Follicles capable of ovulating following hCG administration were first noted at 2300 h on day 1. The number of follicles capable of ovulating reached a maximum on the morning of day 3 (24·8± 0·6), and decreased by 0500 h on day 4 (15·0 ± 1·1), corresponding to the number of normal spontaneous ovulations. Plasma concentrations of FSH were dramatically increased within 6 h after inhibin-AS, though no increase in FSH levels was observed after oestradiol-AS. These findings suggest that changes in the plasma levels of inhibin during the oestrous cycle provide a precise indicator of follicular recruitment, and that the changes in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β are associated with follicular maturation. These findings also suggest that inhibin may play a major role in the inhibition of FSH secretion during the oestrous cycle of the hamster. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 169–176

176 GENE EXPRESSION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE RECEPTOR (LHR) ISOFORMS IN GRANULOSA CELLS OF FOLLICLES FROM NELLORE HEIFERS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER FOLLICULAR DEVIATION

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Barros ◽  
R. L. Ereno ◽  
M. F. Machado ◽  
J. Buratini ◽  
M. F. Pegorer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone Receptor ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
The Future ◽  
Group 2

During bovine follicular development, there is a phase known as follicular deviation in which the future dominant follicle grows faster than the other follicles and acquires LH receptors (LHR). In Nellore breed, deviation occurs 2.5 days after ovulation, and at this time, the dominant follicle has in average a diameter of 6.0 mm. Some authors believe that LHRs are present in the future dominant follicle before deviation and are essential for this process. However, others are convinced that LHRs are present only during or after follicular deviation. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the expression of 4 LHR isoforms (M1 to M4) in granulosa cells of follicles from Nellore heifers before, during, and after follicular deviation. At a random stage of the estrous cycle (D0), Nellore heifers (n = 21) received a progesterone intravaginal device (1.0 g, Primer®, Tecnopec, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and 2.5 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB, i.m., Estrogin®, Farmavet, Sao Paulo, Brazil). Eight days later (D8) PGF2α was administered (150 μg d-cloprostenol, i.m., Prolise®, ARSA S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina), and the device was removed. Twenty-four hours after device removal, cows were treated with EB (1.0 mg, i.m.), and from this point in time, the growth of the dominant follicle growth was observed by ultrasonography (US, Aloka 900, Tokyo, Japan) every 12 h. The animals were allocated in 3 groups: Group 2 (G2, 2 days after ovulation, n = 7), Group 2.5 (G2.5, 2.5 days after ovulation, n = 7), and Group 3 (G3, 3 days after ovulation, n = 7), and were slaughtered 2, 2.5, and 3 days after ovulation, respectively, in order to remove the ovaries. The granulosa cells, obtained from ovarian follicles, were separated for total RNA extraction, and the gene expression of LHR isoforms was measured by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Since LHR expression was not detected in Group 2 (follicles with 4.5 to 6.7 mm), comparisons were performed between groups G2.5 and G3 by ANOVA. The LHR expression was detected only in 2 samples of Group G2 (7.0-mm follicles) and was significantly higher in Group G3 (63.6%; follicles from 8 to 14 mm, P < 0.05). In all samples that expressed LHR, the 4 isoforms were present. It is concluded that LHR expression is present in granulosa cells of follicles from Nellore heifers after follicular deviation. Support and fellowship from FAPESP (Sao Paulo, Brazil).We are grateful to Tecnopec (Sao Paulo, Brazil) for providing intravaginal devices used in the experiment.

124 Ovarian follicular development and steroid secretion during oestrous cycle of Lohi sheep

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
M. Younis ◽  
M. Irfan-ur-Rehman Khan ◽  
A. Murtaza ◽  
M. Abbas ◽  
M. Z. Tahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peak Plasma ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Wave Pattern ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Wave Patterns

Pakistan has 30.9 million heads of sheep; however, little information is available on their reproductive aspects. The objective of this study was to document ovarian physiology and endocrinology of Lohi ewes during the oestrous cycle. Nine Lohi ewes, synchronized by administering single prostaglandin F2α (PGF2a; Cyclomate, Star Laboratories), were monitored for ovarian follicular dynamics using transrectal ultrasonography (7.5MHz, HS-1500, Honda) for two consecutive oestrous cycles during the breeding season (September to November 2018). Changes in plasma progesterone and oestradiol-17β concentrations of ewes (n=9) were also determined during the oestrous cycle using radioimmunoassay. The interovulatory interval of Lohi ewes averaged 17.0±0.1 days, and the duration of follicular and luteal phases was 4.6±0.2 and 11.3±0.2 days, respectively. Follicles emerged in either 3- or 4-wave patterns, but the frequency of the 3-wave pattern was higher than that of the 4-wave (87 vs. 13%, respectively; P=0.05). Following ovulation (Day 0), follicles (=3mm) in 3-wave cycles (n=14) emerged on Days 0.7, 5.2, and 10.5, whereas in 4-wave cycles (n=2) follicles emerged on Days 0.1, 4, 8.5, and 11.5. The maximum diameter of preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea (CL) were 5.4±0.3 and 10.4±0.3mm, respectively. Regardless of the wave pattern, single ovulation occurred in each cycle. The CL was first detectable on Day 4±0.1, it reached maximum diameter on Day 9±0.1, and luteolysis began on Day 12.2±0.2 of the cycle. The peak plasma oestradiol-17β concentration (42.5±2.6 pgmL−1) was observed 48h before ovulation and correlated with the diameter of the preovulatory follicle during the follicular phase (r=0.84; P&lt;0.05). The peak plasma progesterone concentration (11.8±1.7ngmL−1) was observed on Day 9±0.1 and coincided with the diameter of CL throughout the oestrous cycle (r=0.93; P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the majority of oestrous cycles in Lohi ewes had a 3-wave pattern and were mono-ovulatory in nature.

Localization of ovine follistatin and α and βA inhibin mRNA in the sheep ovary during the oestrous cycle

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Tisdall ◽  
N Hudson ◽  
P Smith ◽  
K P McNatty
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Ovarian Follicle Development ◽  
Antral Follicles

ABSTRACT The sites of follistatin and α and βA inhibin gene expression were examined by in situ hybridization in sheep ovaries during the early and mid-luteal phases (days 3 and 10) of the oestrous cycle and a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced follicular phase. Follistatin mRNA was detected in the granulosa cells of preantral, antral and early atretic follicles at all stages of the oestrous cycle, and in the corpora lutea at the early and mid-luteal stages of the cycle. However, only low levels of expression of follistatin were observed in the presumptive preovulatory follicle at 56 h after treatment with PGF2α. Both α and βA inhibin were shown to be expressed in ovaries at all stages of the oestrous cycle. In situ hybridization localized α subunit mRNA to the granulosa cells of most, but not all, healthy antral follicles, and to no other ovarian cell type. In contrast, expression of the βA subunit was confined to a few medium-to-large healthy antral follicles. In antral follicles expressing βA inhibin, mRNAs for α inhibin and follistatin were always detected, but the converse was not true. Unlike follistatin, no α and βA inhibin expression was seen in preantral follicles, developing corpora lutea, or follicles undergoing atresia. These results show that, in the adult sheep ovary, follistatin gene expression is a constitutive event in all growing follicles from the early preantral stage, and also provide indirect evidence of the involvement of follistatin, but not inhibin or activin, in the early stages of ovarian follicle development in sheep.

scholarly journals Expression and Localization of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein-4 in the Rodent Ovary: Evidence for Selective Up-Regulation in Luteinized Granulosa Cells

Endocrinology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 144 (10) ◽  
pp. 4597-4606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minnie Hsieh ◽  
Sabine M. Mulders ◽  
Robert R. Friis ◽  
Arun Dharmarajan ◽  
JoAnne S. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
And Function ◽  
Periovulatory Follicles

Secreted frizzled-related protein-4 (sFRP-4) belongs to a family of soluble proteins that have a Frizzled-like cysteine-rich domain and function as modulators of Wnt-Frizzled (Fz) signals. As several Wnts and Fz are expressed at defined stages of follicular development in rodent ovaries, these studies were undertaken to evaluate the hormone-regulated expression and localization of sFRP-4. In the mouse ovary, the expression of sFRP-4 mRNA was up-regulated in granulosa cells of large antral follicles after human chorionic gonadotropin administration and was also elevated in corpora lutea, as determined by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses. In hypophysectomized rat ovaries, sFRP-4 expression was similarly induced by human chorionic gonadotropin and further up-regulated by PRL. PRL also stimulated the secretion of sFRP-4 protein from luteinized rat granulosa cells in culture. Therefore, regulation of sFRP-4 by LH and PRL may be important for modulating Fz-1, which is known to be expressed in periovulatory follicles, and Wnt-4/Fz-4, which are expressed in corpora lutea.

Progesterone as the driving regulatory force behind serum FSH concentrations and antral follicular development in cycling ewes

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya E. Baby ◽  
Pawel M. Bartlewski
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Follicular Waves ◽  
Follicular Wave ◽  
And Control

Ovarian antral follicles in sheep grow in an orderly succession, producing typically three to four follicular waves per 17-day oestrous cycle. Each wave is preceded by a transient increase in circulating FSH concentrations. The mechanism controlling the number of recurrent FSH peaks and emerging follicular waves remains unknown. During the ewe’s oestrous cycle, the time between the first two FSH peaks and days of wave emergence is longer than the intervals separating the ensuing FSH peaks and follicular waves. The prolonged interpeak and interwave interval occurs early in the luteal phase when low levels of progesterone are secreted by developing, or not fully functional, corpora lutea (CL). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of varying progesterone (P4) levels on circulating concentrations of FSH and antral follicular development in sheep. Exogenous P4 (15 mg per ewe, i.m.) was administered twice daily to six cycling Rideau Arcott × Dorset ewes from Day 0 (ovulation) to Day 4 (the mean duration of the interwave interval); six animals served as controls. Follicular growth was monitored in all animals by daily transrectal ultrasonography (Days 0–9). Jugular blood samples were drawn twice a day from Day 0 to Day 4 and then daily until Day 9 to measure systemic concentrations of P4, FSH and 17β-oestradiol (E2). The first FSH peak after ovulation was detected on Days 1.5 ± 0.2 and 4.2 ± 0.2 in treated and control ewes, respectively (P < 0.05). The next FSH peak(s) occurred on Day 3.9 ± 0.3 in the treated group and on Day 6.4 ± 0.5 in the control group. Consequently, the treated group had, on average, three follicular waves emerging on Days 0, 3 and 6, whereas the control group had two waves emerging on Days 0 and 5. Mean serum E2 concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in control compared with treated ewes on Days 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.0 and 4.3 after ovulation. In summary, creation of mid-luteal phase levels of P4 in metoestrus shortened the time to the first post-ovulatory FSH peak in ewes, resulting in the emergence of one more follicular wave compared with control ewes during the same time frame. Therefore, P4 appears to be a key endocrine signal governing the control of periodic increases in serum FSH concentrations and the number of follicular waves in cycling sheep.

THE EFFECT OF AUTOTRANSPLANTATION OF THE OVARIES TO THE KIDNEYS OR UTERUS ON THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE GUINEA-PIG

1968 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. BLAND ◽  
B. T. DONOVAN
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Primordial Follicles ◽  
Local Nature

SUMMARY Autotransplantation of the ovaries of guinea-pigs to either the uterus or the kidneys caused the degeneration of all luteal and follicular tissue with the exception of the primordial follicles situated in the periphery of the graft. Follicular development then took place and oestrus and ovulation occurred 10–11 days after transplantation. The corpora lutea formed at this ovulation were maintained in a functional state for more than 35 days when the ovaries were transferred to the kidneys but when ovarian grafts were made to the uterus a series of shortened vaginal cycles was observed. These results substantiate the local nature of the luteolytic abilities of the uterus in this species and imply the existence of a uterine luteolytic substance.

Physiological mechanisms of ovarian follicular growth in pigs — A review

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Schwarz ◽  
Marcin Kopyra ◽  
Jacek Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Ovarian Follicular Growth ◽  
Insight Into

Follicular growth after antrum formation is determined by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Only two ways are possible for recruited follicles, continuing development or atresia. In gilts, intensive ovarian follicular growth begins between 60 and 100 days of age, and fluctuations of the ovarian morphological status last about 20 days; however, at that time there are no really large follicles. Final follicular development is under luteinising hormone (LH) control; this is why the attainment of puberty is related to an increase in serum oestradiol to a level that causes a preovulatory surge of this gonadotropin. The pool of follicles at the beginning of the oestrous cycle is about 30–40, most of which are small (< 3 mm) and growing. Then, the pool of follicles increases to about 80 in the mid-luteal phase but about 50 of them are small and 30 are medium sized (3–6.9 mm). Some of these follicles are in the growing phase, but some are atretic. Between days 7 and 15 of the oestrous cycle the percentage of atretic follicles fluctuates between 12 and 73%. At that time there are no large (> 7 mm) follicles because of the suppressing effect of progesterone. The number of small follicles declines after luteolysis. From the pool of medium follicles, large follicles are selected under the influence of LH, but about 70% of the medium-sized follicles become atretic. Because of the long-lasting selection process there is a significant heterogeneity in the diameter of large follicles in oestrus. However, the number of follicles correlates with the number of corpora lutea after ovulation. Individual follicular development and the relationship between follicles are still poorly known. The use of ultrasonography may give a closer insight into these phenomena.

scholarly journals Relationship between FoxO1 protein levels and follicular development, atresia, and luteinization in the rat ovary

2003 ◽  
Vol 179 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Shi ◽  
PS LaPolt
Keyword(s):  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles

FoxO1 is a transcription factor implicated in a growing number of physiological processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and insulin signaling. Recent findings indicate that FSH and growth factors influence ovarian functions in part through regulation of FoxO1. The present study utilized immunohistochemical analysis to determine the ovarian localization and regulation of FoxO1 protein levels in neonatal rats, immature rats during gonadotropin-induced follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization, and in spontaneously developing ovarian cysts of aging rats. In postnatal rats, FoxO1 immunoreactivity was very faint in ovaries of 5- and 10-day-old females. In contrast, strong immunoreactivity was observed in granulosa cells of larger developing follicles at 25 days of age. To stimulate follicle development, immature female rats received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed 52 h later by an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Prior to gonadotropin treatment, moderate FoxO1 immunoreactivity was observed in granulosa cells of small follicles. Subsequently, treatment with eCG markedly decreased FoxO1 protein levels in granulosa cells of healthy antral and preovulatory follicles. Interestingly, FoxO1 staining was observed in cumulus and antral, but not mural granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Induction of ovulation and luteinization with hCG further decreased ovarian FoxO1 levels, with no staining evident in corpora lutea. At all time points, the most intensive FoxO1 staining was observed in granulosa cells of atretic follicles, with predominantly nuclear localization. Similarly, while FoxO1 levels were low in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles in proestrous rats, FoxO1 staining was intense in granulosa cells of spontaneously developing cystic follicles in aged, acyclic females. Together, these findings indicate that FoxO1 is expressed in a regulated, cell-specific manner during ovarian follicular development, atresia and luteinization, suggesting roles in these physiological processes.

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