scholarly journals Necessity for LH in selection and continued growth of the bovine dominant follicle

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 159 (5) ◽  
pp. 559-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor E Gomez-León ◽  
O J Ginther ◽  
Rafael R Domingues ◽  
José D Guimarães ◽  
Milo C Wiltbank

Previous research demonstrated that acute treatment with GnRH antagonist, Acyline, allowed follicle growth until ~8.5 mm and no dominant follicle was selected. This study evaluated whether deficient LH was the underlying mechanism for Acyline effects by replacing LH action, using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), during Acyline treatment. Holstein heifers (n = 24) during first follicular wave were evaluated by ultrasound and randomized into one of three treatments: Control (saline treatments), Acyline (5 µg/kg Acyline), or Acyline+hCG (Acyline plus 50 IU of hCG at start then 100 IU every 12 h). Pulses of LH were present in Control heifers (9 Pulses/10 h) but not during Acyline treatment. Data were normalized to the transition to diameter deviation (day 0; F1 ~7.5 mm). Diameter deviation of the largest (F1) and the second largest (F2) follicle was not observed in Acyline-treated heifers, whereas control heifers had decreased growth of F2 at F1 ~7.5 mm, indicating deviation. Selection of a single dominant follicle was restored by providing LH activity in Acyline+hCG heifers, as evidenced by F1 and F2 deviation, continued growth of F1, and elevated circulating estradiol. Separation of F1 and F2 occurred 12 h (~7.0 mm) earlier in Acyline+hCG heifers than Controls. Circulating FSH was greater in Acyline than Controls, but lower in Acyline+hCG than Controls after day 1.5. In conclusion, dominant follicle selection and growth after follicle deviation is due to LH action as shown by inhibition of this process during ablation of GnRH-stimulated LH pulses with Acyline and restoration of it after replacement of LH action by hCG treatment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1217-1228
Author(s):  
Victor E Gomez-León ◽  
João Paulo Andrade ◽  
Brian W Kirkpatrick ◽  
Sadrollah Molaei Moghbeli ◽  
Alvaro García-Guerra ◽  
...  

Abstract Studying selection of multiple dominant follicles (DFs) in monovulatory species can advance our understanding of mechanisms regulating selection of single or multiple DFs. Carriers of the bovine high fecundity Trio allele select multiple DFs, whereas half-sib noncarriers select a single DF. This study compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). On Day 1.5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized: (1) Control, untreated; (2) Acyline, two i.m. doses (Days 1.5 and D3) of 3 μg/kg; (3) hCG, single i.m. dose of 50 IU hCG on Day 1.5 followed by daily doses of 100 IU; and (4) Acyline + hCG. Treatments with nonpulsatile hCG were designed to replace LH action in heifers treated with Acyline. Acyline treatment resulted in cessation of follicle growth on Day 3 with smaller (P < 0.0001) maximum follicle diameter in Trio carriers (6.6 ± 0.2 mm) than noncarriers (8.7 ± 0.4 mm). Replacement of LH action (hCG) reestablished follicle diameter deviation and maximum diameter of DFs in both genotypes (8.9 ± 0.3 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.0001). Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was greater in Acyline-treated than in controls. Finally, Acyline + hCG decreased (P < 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (~6.5 mm) and noncarriers (~8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
W. F. Huanca ◽  
F. Y. Hilari ◽  
J. C. Villanueva ◽  
M. Uchuari ◽  
W. Huanca

Alpacas, as other camelids, are inducer ovulators and FIO/NGF-β, a protein present in the seminal plasma (SP) is reported as the responsible of the ovulation (Kershaw-Young et al. 2012 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 24, 1093-1097, 10.1071/RD12039). However, limited and controversial information exists regarding characteristics of follicular wave in alpacas post-induction of ovulation with SP or other stimulus. The experiment was designed to determine the effect of 3 external stimulations on the interval to follicular wave emergence and the interval to dominant follicle. Adult female alpacas between 5 and 6 years old were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) SP (n = 6): 1 mL of SP IM; (2) hCG (n = 5): 1000 IU of hCG (Pregnyl, Organon-Holland, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), via IM; or (3) follicular ablation (FA, n = 6): animals were induced by ultrasound-guided ablation of the dominant follicle ≥7 mm. Alpacas from treatments 1 and 2 were examined by ultrasonography (Aloka SSD 500, transducer 7.5 MHz; Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) at 1- to 2-h intervals between 22 and 30 h after treatment or until ovulation occurred, whichever occurred first. All animals were evaluated by ultrasonography every day from Day 2 to Day 7 post-treatment and after that on Days 9, 12, and 15 post-treatment. Data from one alpaca (FA group) was excluded because of problems in the timing of ablation. Therefore, the total number of alpaca used was 16 (SP = 6, hCG = 5, and FA = 5). Results of the effect in external stimulation were analysed using ANOVA. In conclusion, interval to the emergence of a new follicular wave on the detection of follicles ≥3 mm and interval to dominant follicle ≥7 mm differed for FA compared with hCG but not compared with SP treatment. Table 1.Follicular wave emergence (mean ± SEM) under 3 external stimulations: seminal plasma (SP), hCG, or follicular ablation (FA)


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
M. Pastorello ◽  
M. O. Gastal ◽  
G. K. Piquini ◽  
D. B. Godoi ◽  
E. L. Gastal

The mare, compared to other livestock, has the shortest interval from partum to the first ovulation. In monovulatory species, the follicle deviation process in a wave is characterised by the continued growth of the dominant follicle (DF) and regression of the subordinate follicle. Although follicle diameter deviation, a key event of follicle selection, has been investigated during the oestrous and menstrual cycles, the occurrence of this phenomenon before the first postpartum ovulation seems to be unclear in all species. This study aimed to compare the follicular dynamics and gonadotropin profiles around the follicle diameter deviation day in postpartum lactating (PP Lactating; n=24) versus non-postpartum cycling (NPP Cycling; n=15) mares. On the day of parturition, every PP Lactating mare was paired with an NPP Cycling mare, and ovarian follicles (>4mm) were tracked daily by transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected. Data were analysed in the PP Lactating group according to the length of the partum-ovulation interval (POI; ≤22 and >22 days) and the postpartum interovulatory interval (PPIOI), and in the NPP Cycling group during two interovulatory intervals (1st and 2nd IOI). In addition, regardless of group, all four intervals were compared. We performed the FSH and LH assays using radioimmunoassay. Ovarian and hormonal parameters were analysed using ANOVA for sequential data. The day and diameter of the DF at the deviation (overall mean: 14.9±2.5 days; 21.7±0.4mm, respectively) were not different (P>0.05) between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares. However, when considering the length of POI, follicle deviation occurred 4.4±0.8 days earlier (P<0.001) in mares with POI ≤ 22 days than in mares with POI>22 days. No difference was found between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares within and between groups for the intervals from deviation to maximum diameter of the DF (10.4±0.4 days), for the intervals from deviation to ovulation (12.1±0.5 days), or for the growth rates of the DF from deviation to maximum diameter (2.6±0.1mm per day). The growth rate of the DF from deviation to ovulation (2.4±0.1mm per day) did not differ between PP Lactating and NNP Cycling mares; however, this growth rate was lower (P<0.03) in the POI, PPIOI, and 1st IOI compared with the 2nd IOI. The mean diameter of the DF around deviation (days −3 to 3; 22.5±0.3mm), and systemic FSH (days −4 to 4; 10.3±0.2ngmL−1) were not different between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares. Level of LH was lower (P<0.0001) around deviation (days −4 to 4) in the PP Lactating (0.7±0.0ngmL−1) versus the NPP Cycling mares (1.8±0.1ngmL−1). Results demonstrated that a partum effect occurs only on the day of deviation in mares during the foal heat (POI ≤ 22 days) and that low levels of LH during both intervals in PP Lactating mares were not detrimental to prevent ovulation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Zielak ◽  
Niamh Forde ◽  
Stephan D. E. Park ◽  
Fiona Doohan ◽  
Paul M. Coussens ◽  
...  

Follicle development is regulated by the interaction of endocrine and intrafollicular factors, as well as by numerous intracellular pathways, which involves the transcription of new genes, although not all are known. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of a set of unknown genes identified by bovine cDNA microarray analysis in theca and granulosa cells of dominant and subordinate follicles, collected at a single stage of the first follicular wave using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Differences were further examined at three stages of the follicular wave (emergence, selection and dominance) and bioinformatics tools were used to identify these originally unknown sequences. The suggested name function and proposed role for the novel genes identified are as follows: MRPL41 and VDAC2, involved in apoptosis (dominant follicle development); TBC1D1 stimulates cell differentiation (growth associated with dominant follicle selection and development); STX7, promotes phagocytosis of cells (subordinate follicle regression); and SPC22 and EHD3, intracellular signalling (subordinate follicle regression). In conclusion, we have identified six novel genes that have not been described previously in ovarian follicles that are dynamically regulated during dominant follicle development and presumably help mediate intracellular signalling, cell differentiation, apoptosis and phagocytosis, events critical to follicular development.


Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Beg ◽  
O J Ginther

The eminent event in follicle selection during a follicular wave in monovular species is diameter deviation, wherein one follicle continues to grow (developing dominant) and other follicles (subordinates) begin to regress. In cattle, the IGF system, oestradiol and LH receptors are involved in the intrafollicular events initiating deviation as indicated by the following: (1) concentrations of free IGF-I and oestradiol in the follicular fluid and number of LH receptors in the follicular wall increase more dramatically in the future dominant follicle than in the future subordinate follicles before the beginning of deviation and (2) ablation of the largest follicle (LF) or injection of recombinant human IGF (rhIGF)-I into the second LF at the expected beginning of deviation increases the concentrations of oestradiol in second LF before the expected beginning of deviation between second LF and third LF. In horses, an increase in free IGF-I, oestradiol, inhibin-A and activin-A is greater in the future dominant follicle than in other follicles before the beginning of deviation. However, free IGF-I is the only one of these four factors needed for the initiation of deviation in horses as indicated by the following: (1) ablation of LF at the expected beginning of deviation increases the concentrations of free IGF-I in second LF before the beginning of deviation between second LF and third LF but does not increase the other factors; (2) injection of rhIGF-I into second LF at the expected beginning of deviation causes second LF to continue to grow and become a codominant follicle and (3) injection of IGF-binding protein-3 into LF at the expected beginning of deviation causes LF to regress and second LF to become dominant. Thus, the dramatic changes in the IGF system in LF compared to other follicles before the beginning of deviation play a crucial role in the events that lead to the beginning of diameter deviation in both cattle and horses. Oestradiol and LH receptors also play a role in cattle. These intrafollicular events prepare the selected follicle for the decreasing availability of FSH and increasing availability of LH. The other follicles of the wave have the same future capability but do not have adequate time to attain a similar preparatory stage.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
B. C. Sisco ◽  
A. N. Shelling ◽  
P. L. Pfeffer

In monovulatory species such as cattle, one of a cohort of developing follicles assumes dominancy and continues to grow in each follicular wave. After dominant follicle selection, pituitary-derived FSH levels decrease through a negative feedback loop mediated by oestradiol and inhibin A produced by the dominant follicle. The dominant follicle itself only requires very low basal levels of FSH, thus escaping atresia which is the fate of the subordinate follicles. The mechanisms involved in dominant follicle (DF) selection remain unclear. Most studies have focused on the stages following selection. To investigate what roles activin and inhibin play in DF selection we looked at the quantitative changes in the expression of the genes coding for the activin/inhibin subunits (Inhibin α, βA and βB) as well as other genes in the activin pathway (SMAD2, ActRIIA/B, follistatin (FST), FSHR). We examined mRNA levels in follicular granulosa cells (GCs) before (d1.5), during (d2.5) and after (d3.5 and 7) DF selection using real-time RT-PCR. Prior to DF selection, highest levels of inhibin βA, FST and SMAD2 transcripts converged on the largest follicles. Inhibin α, ActRIIA/B and FSHR levels did not correlate with follicular size at this stage. At Day 2.5, highest levels of inhibin βA, inhibin α, FST and SMAD2 transcripts were seen in a single putative DF. ActRIIA/B and FSHR did not show any difference between follicles. By Days 3.5 and 7, a dramatic difference in expression levels of inhibin βA, inhibin α and FST were seen in DF compared to SF. Yet in absolute terms inhibin βA levels decreased after selection, whereas inhibin α levels increased. Inhibin βB expression was only detected in Day 7 GCs and was significantly higher in the DF. These results suggest a shift from an activin environment during the pre and peri-DF selection period, to an inhibin environment following DF selection. Inhibin/activin protein levels in the follicular fluid using western ligand blotting confirmed this. We postulate that the higher activin activity within DF influences the selection mechanism as activin and inhibin have been shown to play a role in gonadotropin regulation in the ovary around the time of selection.


Reproduction ◽  
2002 ◽  
pp. 837-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
IM Sheldon ◽  
DE Noakes ◽  
AN Rycroft ◽  
DU Pfeiffer ◽  
H Dobson

First postpartum dominant follicles are preferentially selected in the ovary contralateral to the previously gravid uterine horn. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that uterine bacterial contamination alters the location of ovarian follicle emergence and selection, and inhibits follicle growth and function. Swabs were collected from the uterine body lumen of cattle on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after parturition. Bacteria were identified by aerobic and anaerobic culture; bacterial growth was scored semiquantitatively and animals were categorized into standard or high bacterial contamination categories on the basis of the number of colonies detected. Follicular growth and function were monitored by daily transrectal ultrasonography, and estimation of plasma FSH, oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. There was no effect of bacterial contamination on plasma FSH concentration profiles or emergence of the ovarian follicle wave. When uterine bacterial growth scores were high on day 7 or day 21 after parturition, fewer first (1/20 versus 15/50; P < 0.05) or second (1/11 versus 13/32; P < 0.05) dominant follicles were selected in the ipsilateral compared with the contralateral ovary, respectively. The diameter of the first dominant follicle was smaller in animals with a high day 7 bacterial score (P < 0.001), dominant follicle growth was slower (P < 0.05) and oestradiol secretion was decreased (P < 0.05). The present study provides evidence for an effect of the uterus on the ovary after parturition, whereby uterine bacteria have a contemporaneous localized effect on ovarian follicle selection and subsequent growth and function, but not on initial emergence.


Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 561-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
FM Rhodes ◽  
AJ Peterson ◽  
PD Jolly

The aim of this study was to examine the function of granulosa cells and hormone concentrations in follicular fluid in bovine ovarian follicles during selection of the first dominant follicle. Ovaries were obtained from beef heifers on days 1-5 after ovulation: follicles > 4 mm in diameter were dissected and follicular fluid and granulosa cells were collected from individual follicles. Oestradiol production by granulosa cells after culture with testosterone was used to determine aromatase activity and responsiveness to gonadotrophins was determined by cAMP production after culture with FSH or LH. Concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs)-4 and -5 were measured in follicular fluid. Follicles were classified as largest or smaller (days 1 and 2), or dominant or subordinate (days 3-5). Aromatase activity was greater in granulosa cells from the largest follicle than in granulosa cells from smaller follicles on days 1, 3, 4 and 5 (P < 0.05). Responsiveness to LH was not detected in granulosa cells on day 1, but from day 2 to day 5 cells from the largest follicle were significantly more responsive than cells from smaller follicles (P < 0.05). Responsiveness to FSH was detected in granulosa cells from all follicles from day 1 onwards and did not differ between cells from the largest follicle or smaller follicles on any day. Follicular fluid concentrations of oestradiol and the ratio of oestradiol:progesterone were greater and concentrations of IGFBP-4 and -5 were lower in the largest follicle than in smaller follicles from day 2 to day 5 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, selection of the dominant follicle is associated with increased granulosa cell aromatase activity followed by increased cAMP response to LH and follicular fluid oestradiol concentrations, and decreased follicular fluid concentrations of IGFBP-4 and -5 within 2 days after ovulation.


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