Enzymic Correlates of Development, Secretory Function and Regression of Follicles and Corpora Lutea in the Bovine Ovary. PART II: Formation, Development and Involution of Corpora Lutea

1968 ◽  
Vol 59 (2_Suppl) ◽  
pp. S35-S51 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Lobel ◽  
E. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Cell Nuclei ◽  
Steroid Synthesis ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Vascular Walls

ABSTRACT Activities of various hydrolases and dehydrogenases were studied during the formation, development and involution of cyclic corpora lutea and in the corpora lutea of early pregnancy. At 24 hours postovulation the luteal cells, whether of granulosal or thecal origin, contained demonstrable levels of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the NADP and NADPH2 diaphorases. During the period of proliferation and cellular growth, enzymic activities in the luteal cells were moderate at first, and then increased. In the mature corpus luteum, activities of the dehydrogenases occurred in all luteal cells but were most intense in the large polymorphic luteal cells. Activities of hydrolytic enzymes, low in the immediate postovulatory period, increased with the development of the vascular system. Enzymic characteristics of corpora lutea of gestation were similar to those of cyclic corpora, except for phosphorylase activity which was observed in luteal cells in gestational corpora, but confined to the vascular walls in cyclic corpora. No increase in activities of 17β- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (above those seen in pre-ovulatory follicles) were observed after incubation of sections of either mature cyclic or gestational corpora. Involution of cyclic corpora lutea began with degenerative changes in the blood vessels: pyknosis of the endothelial cell nuclei and a sudden decline in activities of hydrolytic enzymes in the vascular walls. Subsequently, the luteal cells showed a sharp decrease in activities of the dehydrogenases as well as other signs of regressive change. The cytochemical findings are discussed in relation to biochemical observations on steroid synthesis by the bovine corpus luteum.

Localization of oxytocin and neurophysin in baboon (Papio anubis) corpus luteum by immunocytochemistry

1986 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firyal S. Khan-Dawood
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Rabbit Serum ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Positive Staining ◽  
Normal Rabbit Serum ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Papio Anubis ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
Immunocytochemical Reaction

Abstract. Immunoreactive oxytocin is detectable in the corpora lutea of women and cynomolgus monkeys by radioimmunoassay. To localize the presence of oxytocin and neurophysin I in ovarian tissues of subhuman primates, three corpora lutea and ovarian stromal tissues and two Fallopian tubes obtained during the menstrual cycle of the baboon and decidua from two pregnant baboons were examined using highly specific antisera against either oxytocin or neurophysin I and preoxidase-antiperoxidase light microscopy immunohistochemistry. Oxytocin-like as well as neurophysin I-like immunoreactivities were found in some cells of all the corpora lutea only, but could not be demonstrated in ovarian stromal tissues, Fallopian tubes and decidua. Specificity of the immunocytochemical reaction was further confirmed by immunoabsorption of the antiserum with excess oxytocin or neurophysin, after which the immunoreactivities for both oxytocin and neurophysin in the luteal tissue were negative. Similar controls using normal rabbit serum gave no positive staining for either oxytocin or neurophysin. Counterstaining of the positive immunoreactivities for oxytocin and neurophysin I with Mayer's haematoxylin and eosin demonstrated clearly that the oxytocin and neurophysin I appeared as granular material mainly within the cytoplasm of the luteal cells. The localization of immunoreactive oxytocin and neurophysin I in the corpus luteum of the baboon demonstrates directly the presence of these two neurohypophysial peptides within primate luteal cells and suggests their local production.

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.

scholarly journals Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in the corpus luteum and placenta of the Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus japonicus, during pregnancy

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 587-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Tsubota ◽  
S Taki ◽  
K Nakayama ◽  
JI Mason ◽  
S Kominami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Ursus Thibetanus ◽  
Delayed Implantation ◽  
Post Implantation ◽  
Implantation Period

The Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus japonicus, is a seasonal breeder and shows delayed implantation for several months during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to clarify the steroidogenic capability of the corpus luteum and placenta during pregnancy, including both delayed implantation and fetal development, by immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in these organs of the Japanese black bear. Ovaries and placentae from 15 wild Japanese black bears, which had been killed legally by hunters and were thought to be pregnant, were used in an immunocytochemical study to localize the cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), 17alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using polyclonal antisera raised in mammals against P450scc, 3betaHSD, P450c17 and P450arom. P450scc and 3betaHSD were localized in all luteal cells throughout pregnancy. P450c17 was present in a few luteal cells, especially in the outer area of the corpus luteum throughout pregnancy, but the number of positively immunostained cells decreased during the post-implantation period. Cells positively immunostained for P450c17 were significantly smaller than negatively immunostained cells (P < 0.01). P450arom was present sporadically in a few luteal cells throughout pregnancy, but the number of positively immunostained cells decreased during the post-implantation period. The size of cells positively immunostained for P450arom was not significantly different from that of negatively immunostained cells. The whole placenta was negatively immunostained for P450scc, 3betaHSD and P450c17, but P450arom was present in the syncytiotrophoblasts and endothelial cells of maternal blood vessels. These results indicate that, in the Japanese black bear, corpora lutea are a source of progesterone which may play an important role in the maintenance of delayed implantation and fetal development during pregnancy. Corpora lutea have a minimum capability to synthesize androgen in small luteal cells and oestrogen in normal-sized luteal cells during pregnancy, and placentae have the ability to synthesize oestrogen during late pregnancy.

β-Carotene and protein complex found in microsomal membranes of bovine corpora lutea

1996 ◽  
Vol 1996 ◽  
pp. 69-69
Author(s):  
AJ Holt ◽  
RG Rodway ◽  
JBC Findlay ◽  
HS Sands ◽  
DN Batchelder
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Biological Action ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Bovine Corpus Luteum ◽  
Microsomal Membranes ◽  
Ruminant Animals ◽  
Β Carotene

The role of β-carotene in the fertility of ruminant animals has long been acknowledged (Friesecke, 1978). Initially this was thought to be due to its action as a vitamin A precursor but recently β-carotene itself has been considered responsible for improving reproductive performance (Hurley & Doane, 1989). The mechanism by which β-carotcne acts is unclear, but as its concentration in the corpus luteum was typically found to be 70μg per gram of tissue, its biological action is probably exerted in this area.β-Carotene has been studied in the bovine corpus luteum using Raman spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gel filtration chromatography. The structure of β-carotene produces a characteristic Raman spectrum and by utilising an imaging technique, photographs of isolated luteal cells were obtained indicating the regions of β-carotene within them. Differential centrifugation was used to obtain pure subcellular fractions of luteal cells.

Oxytocin may play a role in the control of the human corpus luteum

1982 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. S. Tan ◽  
R. Tweedale ◽  
J. S. G. Biggs
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Inhibitory Action ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Progesterone Production ◽  
Human Corpus Luteum

The effects of oxytocin on dispersed luteal cells from human corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle were studied. Oxytocin at a concentration of 4 mi.u./ml produced a slight increase in basal progesterone production. However, higher oxytocin concentrations (400 and 800 mi.u./ml) markedly inhibited both basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin-induced progesterone production. These data provide evidence for an effect of oxytocin on the human corpus luteum. In view of the inhibitory action of oxytocin, increased secretion of this hormone may be important in the demise of the corpus luteum at the end of the menstrual cycle.

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.

scholarly journals Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors in rat corpus luteum: regulation by oestradiol during mid-pregnancy

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 875-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Sugino ◽  
S Kashida ◽  
S Takiguchi ◽  
A Karube-Harada ◽  
H Kato
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vegf Receptors ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, the fms-like tyrosine kinase (flt-1) and kinase insert domain-containing region (KDR), in corpora lutea obtained at different stages of the oestrous cycle and during pregnancy in rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed that both flt-1 and KDR were localized in luteal cells in addition to vascular endothelial cells, and that the intensity of staining was stronger in pregnant rats than in cyclic rats. Rats undergoing hypophysectomy-hysterectomy on day 12 of pregnancy were treated with oestradiol until day 15 of pregnancy to determine whether oestradiol is involved in expression of flt-1 and KDR mRNA in the corpus luteum during mid-pregnancy. The flt-1 and KDR mRNA contents in the corpus luteum were decreased significantly by hypophysectomy-hysterectomy, and these decreases recovered significantly after oestradiol treatment. Changes in the mass of the corpus luteum and serum progesterone concentrations paralleled the changes in expression of flt-1 and KDR mRNA. Developmental studies indicated that flt-1 and KDR mRNA contents in the corpus luteum were constant until day 15 of pregnancy but decreased significantly on day 21 of pregnancy. In conclusion, both flt-1 and KDR were expressed in luteal cells in addition to vascular endothelial cells, and expression was upregulated by oestradiol during mid-pregnancy. flt-1 and KDR may play a role in development of the corpus luteum and in production of progesterone during mid-pregnancy in rats.

PROGESTATIONAL STEROIDS DURING PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN THE RABBIT

1972 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELISABETH HORRELL ◽  
PATRICIA W. MAJOR ◽  
R. KILPATRICK ◽  
BRENDA M. SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Significant Alteration ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Steroid Synthesis ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Pregnant Rabbit

SUMMARY The secretion of progestational steroids by the rabbit ovary was examined during pseudopregnancy. Progesterone secretion rose up to the mid-period but exceeded secretion of 20α-dihydroprogesterone only on days 7 and 9. The development of the corpus luteum and interstitial tissue and their content of progestational steroids were also examined during this period. The progesterone content of corpus luteum tissue fell towards the end of pseudopregnancy, while the corpora lutea remained large. Levels of 20α-dihydroprogesterone were generally higher in the interstitial tissue after the first few days. A significant alteration in the pattern of steroid synthesis and secretion occurred at a time corresponding to the period of implantation in the pregnant rabbit.

Size distribution of steroidogenic and non-steroidogenic ovine luteal cells throughout pregnancy

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ş. Arikan ◽  
A. A. Yigit
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Mean Diameter ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Steroidogenic Cells

AbstractThe present study examines the size distribution of ovine steroidogenic and non-steroidogenic luteal cells throughout pregnancy. Cells were isolated from corpora lutea collected from early (< 8 weeks), mid (9 to 14 weeks) or late (15 to 18 weeks) stages of pregnancy. Cells were stained for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) activity, a marker for steroidogenic cells. Both 3β-HSD positive and β-HSD negative cells covered a wide spectrum of size ranging from 7 to 37 μm in diameter. There was a significant increase (P > 0·01) in mean diameter of non-steroidogenic luteal cells as pregnancy progressed. Mean diameter of 3β-HSD negative cells increased from 17·8 (s.e. 0·4) μm in the corpus luteum of early stage of pregnancy to 22·4 (s.e. 0·3) μm in the corpus luteum of advanced pregnancy. However, there was no significant increase in the mean diameter of 3β-HSD positive cells. Corpora lutea obtained from early stages of the pregnancy contained more steroidogenic cells than the cells obtained from mid and late pregnancy (P < 0·01). Percentage of 3β-HSD negative cells had increased 2·07-fold by 18 weeks of pregnancy when compared with the early stage of pregnancy. In contrast, percentage of 3β-HSD positive cells had decreased to 50% of starting values during the same period (P < 0·05). These results indicate that the ovine corpus luteum of pregnancy is morphologically dynamic over the course of pregnancy. Steroidogenic activity of luteal cells may decrease as pregnancy progresses, especially activity of the large luteal cells.

Lack of direct inhibitory action of oxytocin on progesterone production by dispersed cells from human corpus luteum

1985 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Richardson ◽  
G. M. Masson
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Inhibitory Action ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Cells ◽  
Menstrual Cycles ◽  
Progesterone Production ◽  
Human Corpus Luteum ◽  
Dispersed Cells

ABSTRACT Suspensions of luteal cells were prepared from samples of human corpora lutea obtained during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles. Addition of oxytocin (1 μmol/l) to the various cell preparations had no effect on either basal production of progesterone or on steroidogenic responses to a range of concentrations of gonadotrophin. J. Endocr. (1985) 104, 149–151

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