THE SHEEP CORPUS LUTEUM SECRETES INHIBIN

1988 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. R3-R5 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Tsonis ◽  
D. T. Baird ◽  
B. K. Campbell ◽  
R. Leask ◽  
R. J. Scaramuzzi
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
Two Stages

ABSTRACT An experiment was performed in 20 Merino ewes in which ovarian venous blood was collected by venepuncture at surgery and at two stages of the oestrous cycle. The ovarian venous concentrations of inhibin, oestradiol-17β and progesterone were determined. The results demonstrate that during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle the ovarian venous blood draining an ovary containing luteal tissue contains significantly more inhibin bioactivity than ovarian venous blood from an ovary not containing luteal tissue. During the follicular phase the concentration of inhibin bioactivity in ovarian venous blood was reduced compared with the luteal phase. From this data we conclude that the sheep corpus luteum secretes inhibin bioactivity into the ovarian venous blood.

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

Pulsatile secretion of inhibin, oestradiol and androstenedione by the ovary of the sheep during the oestrous cycle

1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Campbell ◽  
G. E. Mann ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
D. T. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Pulse Amplitude ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Early Follicular Phase ◽  
Lh Secretion ◽  
Late Follicular Phase

ABSTRACT The pattern of pulsatile secretion of inhibin, oestradiol and androstenedione by the ovary at different stages of the oestrous cycle in sheep was studied in five Finn–Merino ewes in which the left ovary had been autotransplanted to the neck. The ewes had jugular venous blood samples collected at 4-hourly intervals from 42 h before the induction of luteolysis by i.m. injection of cloprostenol (100 μg) on day 10 of the oestrous cycle, until day 3 of the following cycle. There were five periods of intensive blood sampling, when both ovarian and jugular venous blood samples were collected, as follows: (a) mid-luteal phase, before the second injection of cloprostenol on day 10 (15-min intervals for 6 h); (b) early follicular phase, 24 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (c) late follicular phase, 48 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (d) after the LH surge on day 1 of the cycle, 76 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 4 h); (e) early luteal phase on day 3 of the cycle, 120 h after the second injection of cloprostenol (10-min intervals for 3 h). Plasma was collected and the samples assayed for LH, FSH, progesterone, oestradiol, androstenedione and inhibin. The ovarian secretion rates for oestradiol, androstenedione and inhibin were calculated. All ewes responded normally to the luteolytic dose of cloprostenol with the preovulatory surge of LH occurring within 56·4±1·6 h (mean ± s.e.m.) followed by the establishment of a normal luteal phase. The pulse frequency of LH, oestradiol and androstenedione increased in the transition from the luteal to the follicular phase (P<0·01). On day 1 of the cycle LH secretion consisted of low-amplitude high-frequency pulses (1·0±0·1 pulse/h) to which androstenedione, but not oestradiol, responded. On day 3 of the cycle LH secretion was similar to that on day 1 but both androstenedione and oestradiol secretion were pulsatile in response to LH, indicating the presence of oestrogenic follicles. The stage of the cycle had no significant effects on LH pulse amplitude and nadir but the ovarian secretory response to LH stimulation did vary with the stage of the cycle. Prolactin pulse frequency, amplitude and nadir were higher (P<0·05) during the follicular phase than the luteal phase. Prolactin pulse frequency was depressed (P<0·05) on day 1 of the cycle but increased to follicular phase levels on day 3. Prolactin pulse frequency was significantly correlated to oestradiol pulse frequency (r = 0·54; P<0·01). During the luteal phase there were insufficient oestradiol pulses to obtain an estimate of pulse amplitude and nadir but both these parameters reached their highest level during the late follicular phase, fell to negligible levels on day 1 and increased to early follicular phase levels on day 3. Androstenedione pulse amplitude and nadir exhibited similar but less marked variation. Inhibin secretion was episodic at all stages of the cycle examined but did not exhibit significant variation with stage of cycle in any of the parameters of episodic secretion measured. Inhibin pulses were not related to either LH or prolactin at any stage of the cycle. FSH secretion was not detectably pulsatile but jugular venous concentrations of FSH at each stage of the oestrous cycle were negatively correlated with mean oestradiol (r= −0·52; P<0·01 but not inhibin secretion (r = 0·19). We conclude that (i) LH secretion is pulsatile at all stages of the oestrous cycle but the steroidogenic responses of the ovary varies with the stage of the cycle, reflecting changes in characteristics of the follicle population, (ii) ovarian inhibin secretion is episodic and displays little change with the stage of the oestrous cycle and (iii) episodic inhibin secretion is not related to either pulses of LH or prolactin. The aetiology of these inhibin pulses therefore remains unknown. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 126, 385–393

DISTRIBUTION OF OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL-17β IN SOW OVARIES

1963 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torleiv Lunaas
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Fluid ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Residual Tissue ◽  
Highly Correlated

ABSTRACT The contents of oestrone and oestradiol-17β were estimated in component parts of sow ovaries representative of the follicular and luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and also in whole juvenile ovaries. The values obtained of the sum total oestrone and oestradiol-17β in the follicular fluid and in the corresponding residual tissue were highly correlated. The proportions of oestradiol-17β tended to be larger in the follicular fluid than in the tissue (mean percentage: 84.3 and 69.6 respectively). In ovaries from the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle the oestrogen levels were generally lower than in ovaries from the follicular phase. Whereas no difference was found between the very low levels of oestrone in the corpora lutea and in the remainder of the ovary containing small follicles, the levels of oestradiol-17β differed significantly, being lower in the luteal tissue. Within each category of ovaries the absolute levels of the oestrogens were very variable. The results are discussed in relation to the pattern of urinary oestrone excretion in the sow during the oestrous cycle.

THE CORPUS LUTEUM OF THE SHEEP: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MORPHOLOGY AND FUNCTION DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE

1966 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Wendler Deane ◽  
Mary F. Hay ◽  
R. M. Moor ◽  
L. E. A. Rowson ◽  
R. V. Short
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Luteal Tissue ◽  
And Function ◽  
Regressive Changes

ABSTRACT Certain structural and functional aspects of the regression of the corpus luteum in the sheep were studied using biochemical, histological, electron microscopic and histochemical techniques. Alterations in the size and density of mitochondria in the lutein cells on Day 12 or 13 of the oestrous cycle were the first sign of luteal regression seen. This was followed by the appearance of cytoplasmic lipid droplets on Day 13 or 14, in the large, definitive lutein cells. The rapid decline in the secretory activity of the corpus luteum on Day 15 was associated with a reduction in Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and diaphorase activities, as well as with shrinkage of the lutein cells and pyknosis of their nuclei. Despite a general correlation between all the above regressive changes, however, there was in a few instances a lack of complete concordance between the parameters studied. It is therefore not possible to state that any one criterion gives a consistently reliable indication of the functional state of the corpus luteum. A good correlation was found between the progesterone concentration in the ovarian venous blood and that in the luteal tissue during the regression of the corpus luteum. The occurrence of some regressive changes on Day 12 may be related to the fact that this is the time when the ovine corpus luteum must be stimulated by an embryo in the uterus to survive.

Seasonal and steroid-dependent effects on the modulation of LH secretion in the ewe by intracerebroventricularly administered β-endorphin or naloxone

1989 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. E. Horton ◽  
H. Francis ◽  
I. J. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Opioid Peptide ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Opioid Antagonist ◽  
Endogenous Opioid ◽  
Endogenous Opioid Peptide ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT The natural opioid ligand, β-endorphin, and the opioid antagonist, naloxone, were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) to evaluate effects on LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes and in ovariectomized ewes treated with oestradiol-17β plus progesterone either during the breeding season or the anoestrous season. Ovary-intact ewes were also studied during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Jugular blood samples were taken at 10-min intervals for 8 h and either saline (20–50 μl), 100 μg naloxone or 10 μg β-endorphin were injected i.c.v. after 4 h. In addition, luteal phase ewes were injected i.c.v. with 25 μg β-endorphin(1–27), a purported endogenous opioid antagonist. In ovariectomized ewes, irrespective of season, saline and naloxone did not affect LH secretion, but β-endorphin decreased the plasma LH concentrations, by reducing LH pulse frequency. The effect of β-endorphin was blocked by administering naloxone 30 min beforehand. Treating ovariectomized ewes with oestradiol-17β plus progesterone during the breeding season reduced plasma LH concentrations from 6–8 μg/l to less than 1 μg/l. In these ewes, saline did not alter LH secretion, but naloxone increased LH pulse frequency and the plasma concentrations of LH within 15–20 min. During anoestrus, the combination of oestradiol-17β plus progesterone to ovariectomized ewes reduced the plasma LH concentrations from 3–5 μg/l to undetectable levels, and neither saline nor naloxone affected LH secretion. During the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, naloxone enhanced LH pulse frequency, which resulted in increased plasma LH concentrations; saline had no effect. In these sheep, β-endorphin decreased LH pulse frequency and the mean concentrations of LH, and this effect was prevented by the previous administration of naloxone. The i.c.v. administration of β-endorphin(1–27) to luteal phase ewes did not affect LH secretion. These data demonstrate the ability of a naturally occurring opioid peptide to inhibit LH secretion in ewes during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, irrespective of the gonadal steroid background. In contrast, whilst the gonadal steroids suppress LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes during both seasons, they only appear to activate endogenous opioid peptide (EOP)-mediated inhibition of LH secretion during the breeding season. Furthermore, these data support the notion that LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes is not normally under the control of EOP, so that naloxone has no effect. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 122, 509–517

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.

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.

The effect of a potent gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist on ovarian secretion of oestradiol, inhibin and androstenedione and the concentration of LH and FSH during the follicular phase of the sheep oestrous cycle

1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Campbell ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
H. M. Picton ◽  
D. T. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Gnrh Antagonist ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Inhibitory Feedback ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone

ABSTRACT By selective removal and replacement of LH stimulation we sought to examine the relative importance of inhibin and oestradiol in controlling FSH secretion, and the role of LH in the control of ovarian hormone secretion, during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Eight Finn–Merino ewes which had one ovary removed and the other autotransplanted to a site in the neck were given two injections of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (50 μg/kg s.c.) in the follicular phase of the cycle 27 h and 51 h after luteal regression had been induced by cloprostenol (100 μg i.m.). Four of the ewes received, in addition, i.v. injections of 2·5 μg LH at hourly intervals for 23 h from 42 to 65 h after GnRH antagonist treatment. Ovarian jugular venous blood samples were taken at 10-min intervals for 3 h before and 5 h after the injection of antagonist (24–32 h after cloprostenol) and from 49 to 53 h after antagonist (74–78 h after cloprostenol). Additional blood samples were taken at 4-h intervals between the periods of intensive blood sampling. The GnRH antagonist completely inhibited endogenous pulsatile LH secretion within 1 h of injection. This resulted in a marked decrease in the ovarian secretion of oestradiol and androstenedione (P<0·001), an effect that was reversible by injection of exogenous pulses of LH (P<0·001). The pattern of ovarian inhibin secretion was episodic, but removal or replacement of stimulation by LH had no effect on the pattern or level of inhibin secretion. Peripheral concentrations of FSH rose (P<0·01) within 20 h of administration of the antagonist and these increased levels were maintained in ewes given no exogenous LH. In ewes given LH, however, FSH levels declined within 4 h of the first LH injection and by the end of the experimental period the levels of FSH were similar to those before administration of antagonist (P<0·01). These results confirm that ovarian oestradiol and androstenedione secretion, but not inhibin secretion, is under the acute control of LH. We conclude that oestradiol, and not inhibin, is the major component of the inhibitory feedback loop controlling the pattern of FSH secretion during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle in ewes. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 126, 377–384

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.

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