Transcriptome Profiling of Granulosa and Theca Cells During Dominant Follicle Development in the Horse1

In recent years, exciting progress has been made towards unravelling the complex intraovarian control mechanisms that, in concert with systemic signals, coordinate the recruitment, selection and growth of follicles from the primordial stage through to ovulation and corpus luteum formation. A plethora of growth factors, many belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β ) superfamily, are expressed by ovarian somatic cells and oocytes in a developmental, stage-related manner and function as intraovarian regulators of folliculogenesis. Two such factors, bone morphogenetic proteins, BMP-4 and BMP-7, are expressed by ovarian stromal cells and/or theca cells and have recently been implicated as positive regulators of the primordial-to-primary follicle transition. In contrast, evidence indicates a negative role for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH, also known as Mullerian-inhibiting substance) of pre-granulosa/granulosa cell origin in this key event and subsequent progression to the antral stage. Two other TGF-β superfamily members, growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and BMP-15 (also known as GDF-9B) are expressed in an oocyte-specific manner from a very early stage and play key roles in promoting follicle growth beyond the primary stage; mice with null mutations in the gdf-9 gene or ewes with inactivating mutations in gdf-9 or bmp-15 genes are infertile with follicle development arrested at the primary stage. Studies on later stages of follicle development indicate positive roles for granulosa cell-derived activin, BMP-2, -5 and -6, theca cell-derived BMP-2, -4 and -7 and oocyte-derived BMP-6 in promoting granulosa cell proliferation, follicle survival and prevention of premature luteinization and/or atresia. Concomitantly, activin, TGF-β and several BMPs may exert paracrine actions on theca cells to attenuate LH-dependent androgen production in small to medium-size antral follicles. Dominant follicle selection in monovular species may depend on differential FSH sensitivity amongst a growing cohort of small antral follicles. Changes in intrafollicular activins, GDF-9, AMH and several BMPs may contribute to this selection process by modulating both FSH- and IGF-dependent signalling pathways in granulosa cells. Activin may also play a positive role in oocyte maturation and acquisition of developmental competence. In addition to its endocrine role to suppress FSH secretion, increased output of inhibin by the selected dominant follicle(s) may upregulate LH-induced androgen secretion that is required to sustain a high level of oestradiol secretion during the pre-ovulatory phase. Advances in our understanding of intraovarian regulatory mechanisms should facilitate the development of new approaches for monitoring and manipulating ovarian function and improving fertility in domesticated livestock, endangered species and man.

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Effect of One-Day Delaying CIDR Administration in 5-Day Cosynch Protocol in Dairy Heifers

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051402 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1402

Author(s):

Sükrü Metin Pancarci ◽

Örsan Güngör ◽

Osman Harput ◽

Oguz Calisici

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Dairy Heifers ◽

Reproductive Management

Effect of one-day delaying progesterone administration at the beginning of 5-day Cosynch protocol was investigated in Holstein heifers for the first artificial insemination (AI). Heifers received a synchronized ovulation and timed AI (TAI) with CIDR inserted on day (d) 0 (CIDR-5; n = 206) or d 1 (CIDR-4; n = 192). In both group, GnRH was administered on d 0 followed by a single PGF2α injection and CIDR removal five days later from GnRH. On d 8, TAI and GnRH administration were concurrently conducted. Heifers detected in estrus up to 24 h prior to TAI were inseminated without GnRH administration. Rates of ovulation, accessory CL formation and new dominant follicle development following initial GnRH injection did not differ between groups. P/AI did not differ between CIDR-4 (44.3%, [85/192]) and CIDR-5 (51.9%, [107/206]) groups, respectively. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was significantly (p < 0.01) declined as heifers’ age (12–13, 14, 15, 16 and17–21 months) proceeded in CIDR-4 group (55.6%, 52.1%, 37.9%, 35.7%, 32.4%) compared to those in CIDR-5 group (60.0%, 50.0%, 53.9%, 51.5%, 46.2%) respectively. In conclusion, there is no benefit for delaying CIDR administration in 5-day Cosynch protocol in dairy heifers. However, higher P/AI in CIDR-5 group in older heifers can be considered for reproductive management.

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Global Transcriptome Analysis of Porcine Oocyte, Granulosa, and Theca Cells to Identify Potential Secreted Factors and Receptors Involved in Cell-to-cell Interactions During Pre-Ovulatory Follicle Development.

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.587 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 81 (Suppl_1) ◽

pp. 587-587

Author(s):

Francois Paradis ◽

Gordon Murdoch ◽

Michael K. Dyck ◽

George R. Foxcroft ◽

Walter T. Dixon

Keyword(s):

Transcriptome Analysis ◽

Cell Interactions ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Theca Cells ◽

Secreted Factors ◽

Ovulatory Follicle ◽

Porcine Oocyte ◽

Global Transcriptome

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Defining the gonadotrophin requirement for the selection of a single dominant follicle in cattle

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd19060 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 322 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jin G. Gong ◽

Bruce K. Campbell ◽

Robert Webb

Keyword(s):

Major Effect ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Preovulatory Follicle ◽

Ultrasound Scanning ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Initial Exposure ◽

Preovulatory Follicles ◽

Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ◽

Follicular Response ◽

Selection Of

The aim was to define the pattern and physiological concentrations of FSH and LH required for the selection of a single dominant follicle in mono-ovulatory species. A series of five experiments was carried out using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-induced hypogonadal heifers. Animals were infused with different patterns of either FSH and/or LH followed by an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin. Follicular response was monitored by ultrasound scanning and blood samples were collected to measure concentrations of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone. The main findings were: (1) physiological concentrations of FSH given as a continuous infusion and for an adequate duration, in the presence of basal LH, with or without LH pulses, are capable of inducing a superovulatory response, (2) initial exposure to FSH followed by LH pulses alone stimulate the development of multiple preovulatory follicles, confirming that ovarian follicles are capable of transferring dependence on gonadotrophins from FSH to LH, (3) while LH pulses appear not to have a major effect on the pattern of preovulatory follicle development, adequate LH pulsatile support is required for full oestradiol synthesis and (4) the duration of initial exposure to FSH and the ability to transfer the dependence from FSH to LH are critical for the selection of a single dominant follicle. In conclusion, this experimental series confirms that the duration of initial exposure to FSH and the ability of the selected follicle to transfer its gonadotrophic dependence from FSH to LH are critical for the selection of a single dominant follicle in cattle.

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175 FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT AND OVARIAN BLOOD FLOW IN MARES WITH EARLY OR LATE OVULATION POSTPARTUM

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab175 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 178

Author(s):

K. M. Lemes ◽

L. A. Silva ◽

E. C. C. Celeghini ◽

M. A. Alonso ◽

G. Pugliesi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Postpartum Period ◽

Follicular Development ◽

Ovarian Activity ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Follicular Growth ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Vascular Perfusion ◽

Early Postpartum ◽

Linear Probe

The postpartum period is characterised by the rapid uterine involution process and return of ovarian activity (foal heat), resulting in a fertile oestrus in most of the mares. However, the follicular development and selection processes during this period are not completely known in horses. We aimed to study the characteristics of follicular growth and vascular perfusion in the ovary during the early postpartum period in mares that demonstrated oestrous behaviour and had early (<10 days) or late (≥10 days) ovulation. Ten mares were scanned daily from the first day postpartum (Day 1) until the day of the first postpartum ovulation (Day 0). The animals were split in the early (n = 3) and late (n = 7) ovulation groups (averaged interval between parturition and ovulation: 8.0 ± 0.0 and 14.7 ± 1.2 days, respectively). For ultrasound exams a Duplex B-mode and colour Doppler instrument (M5VET®, Mindray, Shenzhen, China) was used with a multifrequency linear probe. Data were analysed for the main effects of group, day, and their interaction using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software (version 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). For the follicular growth, no difference (P > 0.05) was detected between the groups when the data were analysed for the days relative to ovulation (from Day 7 to Day 1). However, the dominant follicle was larger (P < 0.05) in the early-ovulated group (37.2 ± 1.6 v. 21.9 ± 1.1) in all days during early postpartum (Day 1 to Day 7). The number of follicles with >25 mm diameter was also greater (P < 0.05) in the early-ovulated group (1.1 ± 0.1 v. 0.1 ± 0.1) during the first 3 days postpartum. In addition, the late-ovulated mares showed greater number of follicles with 20–25 mm during Day 4 to Day 7 (2.0 ± 0.2 v. 0.7 ± 0.1). For the blood flow characteristics, no difference (P > 0.05) was detected in the coloured signals of blood flows in the follicular wall of the dominant follicle or in the ovarian pedicle ipsilateral to the largest follicle. Therefore, the characteristics of the follicle growth on the preceding days of ovulation were similar between the early- and late-ovulated mares and consistent with the follicular dynamics expected in non-pregnant and non-lactating mares. However, when the data were analysed for the days relative to parturition, a greater follicle development was present in mares that ovulate earlier during the postpartum period (<10 days). In conclusion, the results suggest that important events may occur previous to the parturition, resulting in an early follicle development, mainly in those mares that show heat signs and ovulate within 10 days postpartum. Research was supported by FAPESP process number 2010/10692-9 and CNPq process number 135954/2011-8.

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Is the short follicular phase in older women secondary to advanced or accelerated dominant follicle development?

Fertility and Sterility ◽

10.1016/s0015-0282(01)02318-4 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 76 (3) ◽

pp. S108

Author(s):

A.J Harper ◽

B.S Houmard ◽

M.R Soules ◽

N.A Klein

Keyword(s):

Older Women ◽

Follicular Phase ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Dominant Follicle

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Effects of oestradiol and progesterone on secretion of gonadotrophins and health of first wave follicles during the oestrous cycle of beef heifers

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.0.1240531 ◽

2002 ◽

pp. 531-541 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

EJ Austin ◽

M Mihm ◽

AC Evans ◽

JL Ireland ◽

JJ Ireland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Antral Follicle ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

Follicle Diameter ◽

Oestradiol Benzoate ◽

Lh Release ◽

Follicle Selection ◽

Intravaginal Device

Antral follicle development in cattle is initially FSH dependent and then LH dependent. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of oestradiol- and progesterone-induced suppression of FSH and LH on growth and differentiation of first wave follicles. Cyclic heifers (n = 45, n = 6-10 per group) received the following i.m. injections or treatments beginning 30 h after oestrus: (i) saline (controls); (ii) 0.75 mg oestradiol benzoate (ODB); (iii) insertion of a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 42 h (progesterone); (iv) 0.75 mg oestradiol benzoate plus PRID (ODB plus progesterone); (v) 0.75 mg ODB plus injection of 1 mg Ovagen(TM) at 33, 39 and 45 h after onset of oestrus (ODB plus FSH). In Expt 1, follicle development was monitored by ovarian ultrasonography once a day. In Expt 2, heifers were ovariectomized. Emergence of the first follicle wave and dominant follicle selection were delayed in ODB plus progesterone-treated heifers compared with controls. Interval to nadir FSH concentration was shorter in ODB-, progesterone- and ODB plus progesterone-treated heifers compared with controls. Frequency of LH pulses was unaffected in ODB- or ODB plus FSH-treated heifers, decreased in progesterone-treated heifers and further decreased in ODB plus progesterone-treated heifers. Intrafollicular oestradiol concentrations were lower in the largest follicle from ODB plus progesterone-treated heifers compared with control (66 h) heifers, but follicle diameter and concentrations of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and inhibin forms were unaffected. Treatment with ODB decreased follicular oestradiol concentration in smaller follicles in the cohort. It is concluded that growing cohort follicles are uniformly responsive to increased FSH concentration but differentially responsive to suppressed FSH and LH release, which is consistent with an LH-mediated survival advantage of the largest follicle in the cohort before cessation of the growth of remaining follicles in the cohort occurs.

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Clinical Applications of Ultrasound in Assessment of Follicle Development and Growth

Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1099 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 50-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

V Vlaisavljevic ◽

M Došen

Keyword(s):

Blood Volume ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Clinical Applications ◽

Follicular Phase ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Follicle Development ◽

Pulsed Doppler ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Follicle Growth ◽

Late Follicular Phase

Abstract Monitoring of individual follicles during the menstrual cycle demonstrates in a noninvasive way the changes in their number and position during the early and the late follicular phase and the luteal phase. The differences in relations between the follicles near the dominant follicle can be demonstrated with the same technique using 3D reconstruction of the ovary. An increased perifollicular blood flow can be measured in the perifollicular period using color and pulsed Doppler. Automated estimation of blood volume around the ovarian follicles brought a new concept to this area. Results confirm the observation that vascularity around the follicle is intense in the periovulatory period. The blood volume does not differ between follicles containing an oocyte and those with no oocyte in the aspirate, or a nonfertilizable oocyte. From our results we can hypothesize that those follicles containing oocytes able to produce pregnancy have a more uniform perifollicular vascular network . Recognition of the follicle growth pattern has a prognostic value for the outcome of assisted reproduction methods. Follicular diameter and changes in growth patterns are more important than follicular wall thickness as parameters having an impact on clinical success.

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