A comparative study of the corpus luteum

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
RT Gemmell
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Alternative Reproductive Strategy ◽  
Uterine Development

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transitory organ which has a regulatory role in reproduction. Sharks, amphibians and reptiles have corpora lutea that produce progesterone which influences the rate of embryonic development. The egg-laying monotremes and the two major mammalian groups, eutherian and marsupial, have a CL that secretes progesterone. Most eutherians have allowed for the uterine development of their young by extending the length of the oestrous cycle and the CL or placenta actively secretes progesterone until birth. Gestation in the marsupial does not extend beyond the length of an oestrous cycle and the major part of fetal development takes place in the pouch. Where the extension of the post-luteal phase in the eutherian has allowed for the uterine development of young, the marsupial has extended the pre-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and has evolved an alternative reproductive strategy, embryonic diapause. The mechanism for the secretion of hormones from the CL has been controversial for many years. Densely-staining secretory granules have been observed in the CL of sharks, marsupials and eutherians. These granules have been reported to contain relaxin, oxytocin or mesotocin, and progesterone. A hypothesis to suit all available data is that all hormones secreted by the CL are transported within such granules. In conclusion, although there are obvious differences in the mode of reproduction in the two main mammalian groups, it is apparent that there is a great deal of similarity in the hormonal control of regression of the CL and parturition.

REPRODUCTION IN THE MARSUPIAL TRICHOSURUS VULPECULA

1962 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
PHYLLIS E. PILTON ◽  
G. B. SHARMAN
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Gravid Uterus ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Vaginal Smears ◽  
Pregnant Females

SUMMARY Most, or all, wild females of Trichosurus vulpecula bred during the first 6 months of the year and some bred again during the second half of the year. In captive females the oestrous cycle varied in length from 22 to 58 days but all cycles longer than 32 days began between 20 April and 16 June. During two periods of each year, from early February until 20 April and from 16 June until late September, the cycle varied in length from 22 to 32 days (mean: 25·69±0·31 days). The females were polyoestrous and monovular and the gestation period was about 17·5 days. Vaginal smears from mated and non-mated females were alike except that spermatozoa were usually found in smears from mated females on the first or second day after copulation. After oestrus, ovulation and corpus luteum formation occurred alike in mated and non-mated females. There were no differences between corpora lutea of pregnant and non-pregnant females. After parturition oestrus was inhibited by the onset of lactation except in one female which produced two successive young separated in age by approximately the length of one oestrous cycle. Females came into oestrus an average of 8·02±0·18 days after removal of suckling young from the pouch. In pregnant females the gravid uterus was much larger than the non-gravid uterus from 12 days after oestrus until after parturition. The sub-epithelial capillary layer was better developed in the gravid than in the non-gravid uterus during the closing stages of pregnancy. The uterine luteal phase was present 7–8 days after oestrus and began to disappear at about 15 days after oestrus in both pregnant and non-pregnant females. There was no evidence that the luteal phase was longer in pregnant than in non-pregnant females and the occurrence of pregnancy did not extend the normal interval between successive oestrous periods if the young were removed at birth.

scholarly journals Angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the equine corpus luteum

Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 259-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
MO Al-zi'abi ◽  
ED Watson ◽  
HM Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Proliferation Index ◽  
Temporal Association ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Proliferating Cells ◽  
Vegf Mrna ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Precise pharmacological control of the corpus luteum is important in the manipulation of the oestrous cycle in mares. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth and regression of the corpus luteum; therefore, influencing the vasculature of the corpus luteum may offer a novel method for controlling its lifespan. In the present study, changes in angiogenesis and vascular expression of endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated throughout the luteal phase and after PGF(2alpha)-induced luteolysis. Corpora lutea were collected from mares in the early luteal phase (days 3-4), mid-luteal phase (day 10), early regression (day 14), late regression (day 17), and at 12 and 36 h after administration of PGF(2alpha) on day 10 of the oestrous cycle. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize Von Willebrand factor and Ki67 in endothelial and proliferating cells, respectively. VEGF mRNA and protein were localized by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The proliferation index of endothelial cells was intense in the early luteal phase. The early and mid-luteal phases were characterized by a dense network of capillaries. The microvasculature started to regress by day 14. After administration of PGF(2alpha), vasodilation was observed after 12 h, but after 36 h, luteal degeneration was accompanied by a significant decrease in vascularity. VEGF mRNA and protein were expressed mainly in the luteal cells during the early and mid-luteal phases and expression declined at early regression (day 14). However, immunostaining for VEGF protein was high in late luteal regression (day 17) and 36 h after PGF(2alpha) administration. These findings indicate a close temporal association between VEGF expression and angiogenesis in the equine corpus luteum during its functional lifespan.

scholarly journals Immunohistological Localization and Expression of α-Actin in the Baboon (Papio anubis) Corpus Luteum

1997 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firyal S. Khan-Dawood ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
M. Yusoff Dawood
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Adherens Junctions ◽  
Tunica Albuginea ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Steroidogenic Cells ◽  
E Cadherin

We have recently shown the presence of E-cadherin and of α- and γ-catenins in human and baboon corpora lutea. These are components of adherens junctions between cells. The cytoplasmic catenins link the cell membrane-associated cadherins to the actin-based cytoskeleton. This interaction is necessary for the functional activity of the E-cad-herins. Our aim therefore was to determine the presence of α-actin in the baboon corpus luteum, to further establish whether the necessary components for E-cadherin activity are present in this tissue. An antibody specific for the smooth muscle isoform of actin, α-actin, was used for these studies. The results using immunohistochemistry show that (a) α-actin is present in steroidogenic cells of the active corpus luteum, theca externa of the corpus luteum, cells of the vasculature, and the tunica albuginea surrounding the ovary. The intensity of immunoreactivity for α-actin varied, with the cells of the vasculature reacting more intensely than the luteal cells. A difference in intensity of immunoreactivity was also observed among the luteal cells, with the inner granulosa cells showing stronger immunoreactivity than the peripheral theca lutein cells. There was no detectable immunoreactivity in the steroidogenic cells of the atretic corpus luteum. However, in both the active and atretic corpora lutea, α-actin-positive vascular cells were dispersed within the tissue. (b) Total α-actin (luteal and non-luteal), as determined by Western blot analyses, does not change during the luteal phase and subsequent corpus luteum demise (atretic corpora lutea). (c) hCG stimulated the expression of α-actin and progesterone secretion by the early luteal phase (LH surge + 1–5 days) and midluteal phase (LH surge + 6–10 days) cells in culture, but only progesterone in the late luteal phase (LH surge + 11–15 days). The data show that α-actin is present in luteal cells and that its expression is regulated by hCG, thus suggesting that E-cadherin may form functional adherens junctions in the corpus luteum.

Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in the human corpus luteum after luteal rescue

1996 ◽  
Vol 148 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
W C Duncan ◽  
A S McNeilly ◽  
P J Illingworth
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Proteolytic Enzymes ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Northern Blotting ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinases ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Human Corpus Luteum

Abstract Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a specific inhibitor of a group of proteolytic enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases. These enzymes have been widely implicated in the process of tissue remodelling. Extensive remodelling occurs in the corpus luteum during luteolysis unless human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is produced by the early conceptus. This study aimed to investigate the expression and localisation of TIMP-1 in human corpora lutea during the luteal phase of the cycle and after luteal rescue with exogenous hCG to mimic the changes of early pregnancy. Human corpora lutea from the early (n = 4), mid- (n=4) and late (n=4) luteal phases and after luteal rescue by hCG (n=4) were obtained at the time of hysterectomy. Expression of TIMP-1 was investigated in these tissues by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, Northern blotting and in situ hybridisation. Luteal cells of thecal origin were distinguished from those of granulosa origin by immunostaining for 17α-hydroxylase. A 30 kDa protein consistent with TIMP-1 was detected in human corpora lutea. This protein was localised to the granulosa lutein cells in all tissues examined. TIMP-1 mRNA was found in large quantities in all glands examined and this again localised to the granulosa lutein cells. The expression and localisation of TIMP-1 did not change throughout the luteal phase and was not altered by luteal rescue. The function of this uniform expression of TIMP-1 in the corpus luteum is not clear but these data suggest that the inhibition of structural luteolysis during maternal recognition of pregnancy is not mediated by regulation of TIMP-1 expression. Journal of Endocrinology (1996) 148, 59–67

Comparison of bovine uterine horns for progesterone and oxytocin levels with bilateral corpus luteum

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Cerbito ◽  
M. P. B. Wijayagunawardane ◽  
M. Takagi ◽  
K. Sato ◽  
A. Miyamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Uterine Tissue ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right

Bovine uterine horns with both ovaries containing a corpus luteum (CL) were compared for progesterone (P4) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Uterine tissue samples from five Holstein cows with bilateral CL obtained from the slaughterhouse were used for this study. No significant difference was observed in P4 and OT levels in the right and left horns with corpora lutea in both ovaries. The data clearly indicate that both sides of the uterine horn having a functional CL are exposed to similar levels of P4 and OT, supporting the hypothesis that luteal products are delivered locally to the uterus. Key words: Progesterone, oxytocin, uterine horn, bilateral, corpus luteum, cow

scholarly journals Delayed effect of low progesterone concentrations on bovine uterine PGF(2alpha) secretion in the subsequent oestrous cycle

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 643-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Shaham-Albalancy ◽  
Y Folman ◽  
M Kaim ◽  
M Rosenberg ◽  
D Wolfenson
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Delayed Effect ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Progesterone Treatment ◽  
Late Luteal Phase ◽  
Subsequent Cycle ◽  
Concentration Curves

Low progesterone concentrations during the bovine oestrous cycle induce enhanced responsiveness to oxytocin challenge late in the luteal phase of the same cycle. The delayed effect of low progesterone concentrations during one oestrous cycle on uterine PGF(2alpha) secretion after oxytocin challenge on day 15 or 16 of the subsequent cycle was studied by measuring the concentrations of the major PGF(2alpha) metabolite (13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2alpha); PGFM) in plasma. Two experiments were conducted, differing in the type of progesterone treatment and in the shape of the low progesterone concentration curves. In Expt 1, progesterone supplementation with intravaginal progesterone inserts, with or without an active corpus luteum, was used to obtain high, or low and constant plasma progesterone concentrations, respectively. In Expt 2, untreated cows, representing high progesterone treatment, were compared with cows that had low but increasing plasma progesterone concentrations that were achieved by manipulating endogenous progesterone secretion of the corpus luteum. Neither experiment revealed any differences in plasma progesterone concentrations between the high and low progesterone groups in the subsequent oestrous cycle. In both experiments, both groups had similar basal concentrations of PGFM on day 15 (Expt 1) or 16 (Expt 2) of the subsequent oestrous cycle, 18 days after progesterone treatments had ended. In both experiments, the increases in PGFM concentrations in the low progesterone groups after an oxytocin challenge were markedly higher than in the high progesterone groups. These results indicate that low progesterone concentrations during an oestrous cycle have a delayed stimulatory effect on uterine responsiveness to oxytocin during the late luteal phase of the subsequent cycle. This resulting increase in PGF(2alpha) secretion may interfere with luteal maintenance during the early stages of pregnancy.

scholarly journals The functions of the corpus luteum. II.—The experimental production of placentomata in the mouse

1929 ◽  
Vol 104 (729) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Experimental Production ◽  
Unmated Female ◽  
Decidual Tissue ◽  
Uterine Mucosa

During the luteal phase of the cycle in many mammals, notably in the rabbit, ferret, and dog, the uterus undergoes changes which are designed to facilitate the implantation of the fertilised ovum. In other animals, such as the guinea-pig(5), the uterine changes during the luteal phase are histologically less obvious, but physiologically the uterine mucosa is in a peculiar condition of irritability. Injury to the mucosa at this time results in the production of large blocks of decidua-like tissue, to which the terms placentomata or deciduomata have been given. It has been shown by Marshall, Hammond, Loeb and others that the presence of the corpus luteum is essential for these post-ovulative uterine changes, and therefore that the corpus luteum is directly or indirectly responsible for their production. In the rabbit decidual tissue can only be induced to develop when functional corpora lutea are present in the ovary. In the guniea-pig (Loeb, 5) placentomata can be produced during the post-ovulation phase of the cycle in the unmated female, but in the rat Long and Evans (6) were unable to obtain a similar result. This discrepancy is undoubtedly due to the fact that in the short diœstrous cycle of the rat the corpora lutea undergo comparatively little development, whereas in the guinea-pig the cycle is longer and the corpora luteá are known to become active. During the pseudo-pregnancy which follows sterile copulation in the rat (Long and Evans, 6) and also during lactation (Corner and Warren, 2) placentomata can be produced. During both of these times corpora lutea develop to a greater extent than during the diœstrous cycle and become functional.

CHANGES IN THE DENSITY AND PROGESTERONE CONTENT OF LUTEAL TISSUE IN THE EGYPTIAN BUFFALO DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE

1967 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. EL-SHEIKH ◽  
FRANÇOIS B. SAKLA ◽  
SAFAA O. AMIN
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Luteal Cell ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Parallel Increase ◽  
Luteal Tissue

SUMMARY The histological and functional changes of 31 corpora lutea of Egyptian buffaloes during the various phases of the oestrous cycle were studied. The volumes of the corpora lutea were calculated, the volume per cell, the cell volume and the volume of the intercellular spaces were estimated from transverse serial sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Mallory's triple stain or van Gieson's stain. The nuclear volumes were also determined and the cytoplasmic volume was calculated. The progesterone content was estimated using column absorption chromatography and a counter-current distribution system. It was concluded that the luteal cells increase both in volume and in number due to mitosis. The luteal cells decrease in volume after the 15th day after ovulation, the cells lose their distinct outlines in the regressive stage and disappear completely in the corpus albicans. There was a parallel increase in luteal cell volume and progesterone content until the 15th post-ovulatory day followed by a decrease in the regressive phase and disappearance of the hormone in the corpus albicans. A highly significant correlation (r = +0·875) was found between the progesterone content and the cytoplasmic volume. Progesterone concentration/g. luteal tissue increased from the corpus haemorrhagicum to the mature corpus luteum, decreased in the regressive corpus luteum and completely disappeared in the corpus albicans.

Source of ovarian inhibin secretion during the oestrous cycle of the sheep

1989 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Mann ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
D. T. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Secretion Rate ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Luteal Tissue

ABSTRACT The source of inhibin secretion by the ovary in the sheep at different stages of the oestrous cycle was investigated by in-vivo cannulation of the ovarian veins. Twenty-four Scottish Blackface ewes were allocated to four groups of six ewes, i.e. those operated on during the luteal phase (day 10), and those operated on during the follicular phase 24–30, 36 and 60 h following an injection of 125 μg cloprostenol on day 10 of the luteal phase. Samples of jugular and timed ovarian venous blood were collected under anaesthesia before and after enucleation of the corpus luteum. Ovaries were then removed and follicles dissected out. Following injection of cloprostenol, luteal regression occurred as indicated by a fall in the secretion of progesterone. The concentration of inhibin in jugular venous plasma and its ovarian secretion rate were similar at all stages of the follicular phase and during the luteal phase. In contrast, the secretion rate of oestradiol rose from 2·68 ±0·73 pmol/min during the luteal phase to 8·70± 2·24 pmol/min 24 h after injection of cloprostenol (P<0·05). Following enucleation of the corpus luteum the secretion rate of progesterone fell from 809 ± 270 pmol/min to 86 ± 30 pmol/min (P<0·001). There was also a smaller, artifactual fall in the secretion rate of oestradiol following enucleation of the corpus luteum, which was of similar size to a fall seen in the secretion rate of inhibin. This resulted in a significant (P<0·001) fall in the ratio of progesterone to inhibin, while the oestradiol to inhibin ratio remained unchanged. The secretion rate of inhibin from ovaries containing luteal tissue was similar to that from the contralateral side without luteal tissue (1·41±0·30 compared with 1·32±0·30 ng/min), while ovaries with large antral follicles secreted significantly (P< 0·001) more inhibin than those with no follicles ≥3 mm (2·28 ± 0·36 compared with 0·25 ±0·06 ng/min). From these results we conclude that, in the sheep, large antral follicles are responsible for most, if not all, the secretion of inhibin by the ovary at all stages of the oestrous cycle, and that the corpus luteum secretes little or no immunoactive or bioactive inhibin. Due to the fact that, unlike inhibin, the secretion rate of oestradiol rises during the follicular phase of the cycle, when the concentration of FSH is suppressed, it seems likely that oestradiol rather than inhibin is the major ovarian factor modulating the change in FSH secretion seen at this stage of the oestrous cycle. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 123, 181–188

Specific binding sites for progesterone in subcellular fractions of the porcine corpus luteum

1994 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
G S Menzies ◽  
T A Bramley
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Secretory Granules ◽  
Buoyant Density ◽  
Subcellular Fractions ◽  
Particulate Fraction ◽  
Luteal Cell

Abstract Subcellular fractionation of porcine corpus luteum (CL) homogenates on continuous sucrose gradients has previously demonstrated that most of the endogenous progesterone of the CL was associated with a unique particulate fraction. Exogenous radiolabelled steroids were also sequestered with some specificity by this fraction. We now report that this particulate fraction is capable of binding high levels of exogenous 3H-labelled progesterone (and pregnenolone) in vitro, but only in the presence of the saponin, digitonin. Binding was dependent on the pH, temperature and duration of incubation, and showed specificity and high affinity for progesterone (Kd, 79 nm). Androgens, oestrogens and pregnenolone competed for porcine luteal [3H] progesterone binding sites, but only at much higher concentrations, whereas cholesterol, a number of progesterone receptor agonist and antagonist analogues and inhibitors of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and C17-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase did not compete. Analysis of profiles for a number of luteal cell-surface membrane and intracellular organelle markers confirmed previous studies showing the association of an NADH-cytochrome C reductase with this fraction. Moreover, the content of endogenous progesterone associated with particulate subcellular fractions isolated from porcine granulosa cell (GC) and CL homogenates at different stages of the luteal phase and early pregnancy waxed and waned with the stage of the luteal phase (and the secretory activity of the CL). Binding of [3H]progesterone in vitro equilibrated at the same buoyant density as endogenous progesterone: levels of both were highest during the mid-luteal phase and during early pregnancy, lower in early and late luteal CL, and undetectable in corpora albicantia. In contrast, relaxin secretory granules were readily resolved from progesterone binding sites. We propose that these particulate progesterone binding sites may be involved in the sequestration and/or packaging of newly-synthesized steroid for secretion by the luteal cell, or may mediate actions of progesterone within the luteal cell. Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 142, 101–110

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