scholarly journals Ovarian development in intrauterine growth-retarded and normally developed piglets originating from the same litter

Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Da Silva-Buttkus ◽  
R van den Hurk ◽  
ER te Velde ◽  
MA Taverne

Epidemiological studies in humans linking adult disease to growth in utero indicate that prenatal life is a critical period for the appropriate development of the reproductive axis. The aim of this study was to compare ovarian development in intrauterine growth-retarded and normally grown piglets originating from the same litter. Intrauterine growth-retarded piglets (runts) were identified on the basis of statistical analysis of the birth weight distribution within each litter. At birth, ovaries were collected from runt piglets (n=14) and their respective mean weight (normal, n=14) littermates. Ovaries were weighed and fixed, and development of ovarian germ cells was quantified in haematoxylin-eosin-stained paraffin wax sections using an image analysis system. Germ cell loss, using an in situ TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation, and follicle cell activity, using immunohistochemistry to demonstrate vimentin, were studied in ovarian sections. At birth, body weight and absolute ovarian mass were significantly lower in runt piglets compared with their respective normally grown littermates (body weight: 733+/-38.5 versus 1530+/-39.7 g; ovarian mass: 51+/-3.0 versus 108+/-9.6 mg; P<0.001 for both). In the ovary, the proportion of nests of oogonia, the number of oocytes and TUNEL-positive cells, and the localization and intensity of vimentin immunoreactivity were not different between runt and normal littermates. However, runt piglets had more primordial follicles (268+/-18.6 versus 235+/-20.1 per mm(2) of cortex; P<0.05), fewer primary follicles (11+/-2.0 versus 20+/-3.0 per mm(2) of cortex; P<0.001) and no secondary follicles compared with normal piglets. These findings indicate that intrauterine growth retardation delayed follicular development in pig ovaries at birth.

Reproduction ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bredford Kerr ◽  
Cecilia Garcia-Rudaz ◽  
Mauricio Dorfman ◽  
Alfonso Paredes ◽  
Sergio R Ojeda

Recent studies have demonstrated that neurotrophins (NTs) and their NTRK tyrosine kinase receptors, thought to be exclusively required for the development of the nervous system, are also involved in controlling ovarian development. Here, we show that primordial follicle formation is decreased in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF) or its receptor NTRK1, and in the absence of NTRK2, the receptor for neurotrophin-4 (NTF4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This deficiency is not due to premature oocyte loss, because the ovaries ofNtrk1−/−andNtrk2−/−mice do not show an increased rate of oocyte death antedating the initiation of folliculogenesis. Moreover, exposure of NGF-deficient ovaries to NGF rescues the defect in follicular assembly, if NTRK1 receptors are present, suggesting that the absence of NTs causes a delay, and not an irretrievable loss, of follicle formation. Both the number of secondary follicles and FSH receptor (FSHR) expression are diminished inNtrk1- andNtrk2-null ovaries, but not in ovaries lacking the common NT receptor NGFR. Transient exposure of wild-type ovaries to NTF4 increasesFshrgene expression and enhances the ability of the ovary to respond to FSH with formation of cyclin D2, a cell cycle protein mediating the proliferative actions of FSH in the ovary. These results indicate that both NTRK1 and NTRK2 receptors are necessary for the timely assembly of primordial follicles and for sustaining early follicular development. They also suggest that a mechanism by which NTRK2 receptors facilitate subsequent follicle development is by inducing the formation of functional FSHR.


2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Fernandois ◽  
Gonzalo Cruz ◽  
Eun Kyung Na ◽  
Hernán E Lara ◽  
Alfonso H Paredes

Previous work has demonstrated that the increase in the activity of sympathetic nerves, which occurs during the subfertility period in female rats, causes an increase in follicular cyst development and impairs follicular development. In addition, the increase in ovarian sympathetic activity of aged rats correlates with an increased expression of kisspeptin (KISS1) in the ovary. This increase in KISS1 could participate in the decrease in follicular development that occurs during the subfertility period. We aimed to determine whether the blockade of ovarian sympathetic tone prevents the increase in KISS1 expression during reproductive aging and improves follicular development. We performed 2 experiments in rats: (1) an in vivo blockade of beta-adrenergic receptor with propranolol (5.0 mg/kg) and (2) an ovarian surgical denervation to modulate the sympathetic system at these ages. We measured Kisspeptin and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and western blot and counted primordial, primary and secondary follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. The results showed that ovarian KISS1 decreased but FSHR increased after both propranolol administration and the surgical denervation in rats of 8, 10 and 12 months of age. An increase in FSHR was related to an increase in the number of smaller secondary follicles and a decreased number of primordial follicles at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. These results suggest that intraovarian KISS1 is regulated by sympathetic nerves via a beta-adrenergic receptor and participates locally in ovarian follicular development in reproductive aging.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Ivanova ◽  
Yordanka Gluhcheva ◽  
Sonja Arpadjan ◽  
Mariana Mitewa

ABSTRACT Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known nephrotoxic agent. Cd-induced renal dysfunction has been considered as one of the causes leading to the development of hypertension. The correlation between Cd concentration in blood and urine and cardiovascular diseases has been discussed in many epidemiological studies. A therapy with chelating agents is utilized for the treatment of toxic metal intoxication. Herein we present novel information indicating that monensin (applied as tetraethylammonium salt) is a promising chelating agent for the treatment of Cd-induced renal and cardiac dysfunction. The study was performed using the ICR mouse model. Adult ICR male mice were divided into three groups with six animals in each group: control (received distilled water and food ad libitum for 28 days); Cd-intoxicated (treated orally with 20 mg/kg b.w. Cd(II) acetate from day 1 to day 14 of the experimental protocol), and monensin treated group (intoxicated with Cd(II) acetate as described for the Cd-intoxicated group followed by oral treatment with 16 mg/kg b.w. tetraethylammonium salt of monensic acid for 2 weeks). Cd intoxication of the animals resulted in an increase of the organ weight/body weight indexes. Cd elevated significantly creatinine and glucose level in serum. Monensin treatment improved the organ weight/body weight ratios. The therapy of the Cd-intoxicated animals with monensin ameliorated the creatinine and glucose level in serum and decreased the concentration of the toxic metal ions in the heart and kidneys by 54 % and 64 %, respectively


2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Chavatte-Palmer ◽  
C. Dupont ◽  
N. Debus ◽  
S. Camous

There is ample evidence on the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on fetal and offspring development. In ruminant females, the pool of oocytes is complete and definitive before birth, based on the resting reserve of primordial follicles established during fetal life, which represent the lifespan supply for the female’s fertilisable oocytes, whereas in males, although the production of spermatozoa is a continuous process throughout post-pubertal life. Sertoli cells, which play a central role in the development of a functional testis, proliferate during pre- and post-natal life, coordinating testicular development. Both male and female fertility may, therefore, be affected by the maternal environment, but studies on the effects of developmental nutritional conditions on reproductive function and fertility, both in males and females, are relatively scarce. In humans, intrauterine growth retardation has been associated with abnormal ovarian development, characterised by a decreased volume of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortical tissue in girls, and a higher incidence of cryptorchidism in boys, with subsequent low sperm counts in adulthood. Age at puberty and gonadotropin and inhibin B plasma concentrations are also affected. Animal studies suggest both in males and females that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy may affect pituitary response to GnRH and gonadal development and function, depending on the timing and magnitude of the undernutrition. Excess nutrition, which is often associated with intrauterine growth retardation in domestic species, induces effects on the onset of puberty and both testicular and ovarian function, maybe through the observed reduction in fetal growth. This review addresses the influence of maternal nutrition on offspring reproductive function using examples in humans and animals, with particular focus on ruminants.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamoona Nasim

Present study was carried out to determine the effect of aluminum containing antacid on the intrauterine growth and development of fetus. The duration of exposure was also correlated with the effects on fetal morphology and their weights. Seventy-two pregnant mice were given a daily i.e., dose of 0.7mg/100g of aluminum sulphate for various periods according to the grouping of experimental design. This dose was equivalent to maximum therapeutic dose of aluminum salt for a 70 kg man i.e. 5000mg aluminum/day. Fetal examination was performed on day 20 of gestation. The number of live and dead fetuses in the treated animals was not significantly different from the control groups. Therefore embryo lethality of aluminum cannot be induced. However there was a decrease in fetal body weight that was directly related to the duration of exposure to aluminum sulphate solution. Dissecting microscopic examination showed, the development was arrested in the groups exposed to drugs for longer periods. These results revealed that aluminum is a type of heavy metal, which is teratogenic for mammals even in doses, which are nontoxic for adults.


Author(s):  
Keerthi Priya ◽  
Manjunath Setty ◽  
Uddagiri Venkanna Babu ◽  
Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath Pai

AbstractThe pool of primordial follicles formed in the ovaries during early development determines the span and quality of fertility in the reproductive life of a woman. As exposure to occupational and environmental toxicants (ETs) has become inevitable, consequences on female fertility need to be established. This review focuses on the ETs, especially well-studied prototypes of the classes endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), heavy metals, agrochemicals, cigarette smoke, certain chemicals used in plastic, cosmetic and sanitary product industries etc that adversely affect the female fertility. Many in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies have indicated that these ETs have the potential to affect folliculogenesis and cause reduced fertility in women. Here, we emphasize on four main conditions: polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, multioocytic follicles and meiotic defects including aneuploidies which can be precipitated by ETs. These are considered main causes for reduced female fertility by directly altering the follicular recruitment, development and oocytic meiosis. Although substantial experimental evidence is drawn with respect to the detrimental effects, it is clear that establishing the role of one ET as a risk factor in a single condition is difficult as multiple conditions have common risk factors. Therefore, it is important to consider this as a matter of public and wildlife health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 899-917
Author(s):  
Monika Hułas-Stasiak ◽  
Joanna Jakubowicz-Gil ◽  
Piotr Dobrowolski ◽  
Małgorzata Grzesiak ◽  
Siemowit Muszyński ◽  
...  

AbstractΒ-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is one of the leucine metabolites with protein anabolic effects which makes it very popular among athletes. Previously, it was shown that HMB administered during the prenatal period reduced the pool of primordial follicles and increased the proportion of developing follicles in newborn piglets. This work is a further step to understand these morphological alterations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of prenatal HMB treatment on the expression of the Kit ligand, BMP-4, bFGF, and the IGF-1/IGF-1R system which are the main growth factors controlling follicular development. Excised ovaries from 12 newborn piglets, originated from the control (n=6) and HMB-treated (n=6) sows were used for immunohistochemical and western-blot analysis. The tested proteins were localized within egg nests and ovarian follicles. Furthermore, the western-blot assay indicated higher BMP-4, Kit ligand, and IGF-1R expression, while the level of bFGF and IGF-1 proteins decreased after HMB dietary treatment. These findings show that HMB included into sow diet can modulate the expression of growth factors and thereby alter ovarian morphology in offspring. Therefore, this study opens a discussion about the benefits and risks of the diet supplemented with HMB and its potential application in medicine and animal husbandry, and further research is necessary in this area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-41
Author(s):  
Anastasia V. Budalova ◽  
Natalia V. Kharlamova ◽  
Galina N. Kuzmenko

Background. Currently, the development of medicine in the field of perinatology is aimed at improving the quality of medical care for newborns, especially those born prematurely. Premature newborns are most likely to develop hemorrhagic disorders, which often aggravates their condition and determines high morbidity and mortality. On modern hematological analyzers, it has become possible to evaluate a larger number of blood parameters, including platelet parameters, however, there are a small number of studies devoted to the study of platelet parameters in premature newborns. The aim was to study the morphofunctional features of platelets in premature newborns with very low and extremely low body weight. Materials and methods. The study included 78 newborns born at 2534 weeks of gestation, with a body weight of less than 1500 grams. On the 3rd5th day of life, a clinical blood test was performed on the Advia 2120i hematological analyzer (Siemens), with the determination of platelet parameters: PLT, 103 cells/l, PCT, %, PDW, %, Large Plt, 103 cells/l, MPC, g/dl, MRM, pg. Results. In newborns with ELBW, a decrease in the number and granularity of platelets in the blood, an increase in the average dry mass of platelets was found. Newborns with intrauterine growth retardation have a reduced platelet count and reduced thrombocrit. In premature newborns with a gestational age of 2527 weeks, blood circulation of platelets with a reduced volume was established, and in newborns who were born at a gestational age of 3234 weeks with increased granularity. In the absence of antenatal prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns, there is a decrease in thrombocrit, the number of platelets, including large forms in the blood. In premature newborns born in a state of severe asphyxia, a decrease in platelet granularity was noted. The use of high concentrations of O2 in the oxygen-air mixture during respiratory therapy leads to a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Conclusions. Factors determining the morphofunctional state of platelets in premature newborns were established: the presence of a full course of antenatal prevention of respiratory distress syndrome of newborns, gestational age, the severity of asphyxia at birth, as well as the concentration of O2 in the oxygen-air mixture used in respiratory therapy. Newborns with ELBW have a reduced platelet count, low-granulated platelets, and an increased average dry platelet mass. Newborns with intrauterine growth retardation have a reduced number of platelets and thrombocrit in the blood. The revealed morphofunctional features of platelets allow us to clarify the nature of changes in the platelet link of hemostasis in premature newborns for the timely prevention of complications during the underlying disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke-ke Qi ◽  
Jie Wu ◽  
Wen-Jun Zhou ◽  
Bo Deng ◽  
Xiao-ming Men ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) results in abnormal morphology and gastrointestinal function. As a gastrointestinal growth factor, the manner by which the porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 (pGLP-2) microsphere administration catches up with the growth of IUGR piglets was investigated. Methods Fourteen newborn IUGR piglets were assigned into the IUGR and pGLP-2 microsphere groups. The piglets in the pGLP-2 microsphere group were intraperitoneally administered with 100 mg of pGLP-2 microspheres on day 1 of birth. Results From days 15 to 26 of trial, the body weight of the IUGR piglets treated with pGLP-2 microspheres was significantly higher than that in the control group. Importantly, the weaning weight in the pGLP-2 group catches up with the body weight of normal birth weight piglets. IUGR piglets treated with pGLP-2 microspheres significantly showed increased pancreas weight, serum insulin content, and activities of digestive enzymes (lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase). Injection of pGLP-2 microspheres returned the intestinal absorptive capacity by significantly increasing the mRNA expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 in the jejunum, glucose transporter type 2 in the duodenum and jejunum, H + -coupled transporter, and peptide transporter 1 in the jejunum and ileum. It also returned the redox balance by increasing the catalase mRNA expression and decreasing the heat shock protein 70 mRNA expression. In addition, this improvement was associated with the significant increase in gut diameter, length, and weight induced by pGLP-2. Conclusions Injection of pGLP-2 microspheres was a suitable therapeutic strategy for compensatory growth in low birth weight IUGR piglet.


2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 511-520
Author(s):  
Yanrong Kuai ◽  
Xiaobo Gao ◽  
Huixia Yang ◽  
Haiyan Luo ◽  
Yang Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is an organochlorine fungicide widely used for crop production and has become an environmental concern. Little is known about the effect of PCNB on ovarian steroidogenesis and follicular development. We found that PCNB stimulated Star expression and progesterone production in cultured rat granulosa cells in a dose-dependent manner. PCNB activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK3/1) extracellulat regulated kinase (ERK1/2), thus inhibition of either protein kinase A (PKA) or MAPK3/1 signaling pathway significantly attenuated progesterone biosynthesis caused by PCNB, suggesting that PCNB induced progesterone production by activating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP/PKA) and MAPK3/1 signaling pathways. Further investigation demonstrated that PCNB induced Star expression and altered MAPK3/1 signaling in ovary tissues of immature SD rats treated with PCNB at the dose of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg by daily gavage for 7 days, while serum progesterone level was dose-dependently decreased. We demonstrated that PCNB exposure accelerated the recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing follicle pool in ovary tissues, accompanied by increased levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in both ovary tissues and serum. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time that PCNB stimulated Star expression, altered MAPK3/1 signaling and progesterone production in vivo and in vitro, and accelerated follicular development with a concomitant increase in AMH in ovary tissues and serum. Our findings provide novel insight into the toxicity of PCNB to animal ovary function.


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