scholarly journals The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2570
Author(s):  
Paweł Kordowitzki ◽  
Wiesława Kranc ◽  
Rut Bryl ◽  
Bartosz Kempisty ◽  
Agnieszka Skowronska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Numerous Cell ◽  
Related Proteins ◽  
Reproductive Processes ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.

scholarly journals Impact of Cold Exposure on the Reproductive Function in Female Rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tong Xu ◽  
Xi Li ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Yongqiang Zhang ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cold Exposure ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Estrus Cycle ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Holistic View

Female reproductive system diseases caused by exposure to a cold environment are widely considered as important human health challenges. Although the projection of female reproduction in cold temperature has been studied, a holistic view on the probable effects of cold exposure on the functions of the female reproductive system has not been achieved. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of cold exposure to the functions of the ovary and uterus in female rats. For this purpose, female rats were randomly grouped as follows: (1) the cold group was exposed to -10°C, 4 h per day for 2 weeks, and (2) the normal temperature (23 ± 1°C) group was used as control. Alterations were observed in different parameters, including body weight gain, organ coefficients, estrus cycle, and pathology of the cold-exposed female rats. Similarly, the serum reproductive hormones and mRNA expression were evaluated. Cold exposure induced estrus cycle irregularity and some alterations in the morphology of the ovary. Cold exposure impairs the function of the ovary probably by changing the level of serum LH and increasing LHR expression. Cold exposure induced a significant reduction of uterine epithelium height. Cold exposure causes alterations in the morphology of the uterus probably because of the effect of progesterone, the increase in the PR level, and the decrease in the ER level.

scholarly journals The epigenetic impacts of endocrine disruptors on female reproduction across generations†

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 635-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saniya Rattan ◽  
Jodi A Flaws
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Hormone Level ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Hormone Action ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Epigenetic Effects ◽  
Dose Responses

AbstractHumans and animals are repeatedly exposed to endocrine disruptors, many of which are ubiquitous in the environment. Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormone action; thus, causing non-monotonic dose responses that are atypical of standard toxicant exposures. The female reproductive system is particularly susceptible to the effects of endocrine disruptors. Likewise, exposures to endocrine disruptors during developmental periods are particularly concerning because programming during development can be adversely impacted by hormone level changes. Subsequently, developing reproductive tissues can be predisposed to diseases in adulthood and these diseases can be passed down to future generations. The mechanisms of action by which endocrine disruptors cause disease transmission to future generations are thought to include epigenetic modifications. This review highlights the effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system, with an emphasis on the multi- and transgenerational epigenetic effects of these exposures.

O-217 Bitter Taste Receptors expression in human follicular cells: new perspectives in female fertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Luddi ◽  
B Semplici ◽  
F P Luongo ◽  
L Governini ◽  
R Ponchia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Techniques ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Follicular Cells ◽  
Reproductive Techniques

Abstract Study question Bitter TasteReceptors (TAS2Rs)role in female reproductive system cells: potential implications in mechanisms underlying oocyte maturation and sperm-oocytes interaction. Summary answer TAS2Rs and genes involved in their transduction cascade are differentially expressed in granulosa (GCs)and cumulus cells(CCs). What is known already TASRs expression can be found also in extraoral location wherein their function appears less obvious. TASRs are reported to be involved in signal transduction cascade induced by chemotactic activation in spermatozoa and the expression of TAS2Rs in ejaculated human sperm has been demonstrated. The presence of these receptors in male reproductive system and in sperm gives cues to investigate their possible role in sperm-oocyte interaction. Functional implications have been collected indicating that taste receptors are also important to increase the number of highly fertilization-competent sperm cells within the female genital tract hypothesizing a role in the field of female reproduction. Study design, size, duration We enrolled for this study 30patients undergoing IVF cycles because of couple infertilityfrom June 2019 to October 2020at the UOSA of Assisted Reproductive techniques, Siena University Hospital(Italy). Participants/materials, setting, methods Female patients referring to UOSA of Assisted Reproductive techniques(median age 35 years) underwent a personalised controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol. After oocyte pickup, GCs were isolated from the follicular fluid through differential gradient. CCs were collected after oocytes denuding. TAS2Rs and genes involved in the transduction cascade elicited expression/localization in both GCs and CCs were confirmed by Droplet Digital PCR, western blot andimmunofluorescence. Main results and the role of chance For the first time, the expression and cellular localization of the TAS2Rs (TAS2R3, TAS2R4, TAS2R14, TAS2R19 and TAS2R43), their G-coupled proteins (GNAT1 orα-transducinandGNAT3 or α-gustducin) and enzymes involved in the transduction signal (PDE4A, TRPM5 and PLCB2)were demonstrated in the female reproductive system. Overall expression of TAS2Rs emerged higher in GCs than in CCs, confirming the specific molecular fingerprinting during differentiation of ovarian somatic cells. TAS2R14 is the most expressed gene in both GCs and CCs, this could account for its potential involvement in follicular cells physiology and/or for a key role of this receptor in fertilization, as supported by data showing TAS2R14 to be correlated with sperm progressive motility. We demonstrated a positive correlation in GCs between the expression of the TAS2Rs and GNAT3; interestingly, when each subset of TAS2Rs genes was correlated with the signaling gene, TAS2R14 emerged as the one with the higher correlation with GNAT3. Immunofluorescence showed different localization of TAS2Rs and their G-coupled proteins between GCs and CCs. Interestingly some of them presented some fluorescent granules, suggesting a possible involvement of proteins in membrane trafficking. Finally, results of G-coupled proteins western blot, revealed the higher expression of α-gustducin then α-transducin, confirming the gene expression. Limitations, reasons for caution All findings have to be validated in a larger cohort. Moreover, our data pave the way to the understanding of biological functions exerted by these receptors in the female reproductive tract. Wider implications of the findings Further studies might contribute to better understanding the physiologic role of taste receptorsfemale reproductive system. This should becrucial to clarify the role of these receptors in maturation or competence acquiring of oocytes, or also in sperm-oocytes attraction and recognition, crucial point in fertilization process Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Circadian gene PER1 senses progesterone signal during human endometrial decidualization

2019 ◽  
Vol 243 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Nan Meng ◽  
Haili Bao ◽  
Yufei Jiang ◽  
Ningjie Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Homeostatic Regulation ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Circadian Gene ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Reproductive Process ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Progesterone is an important hormone for female reproduction; however, how the fluctuation of progesterone acts upon reproductive processes remains largely unknown. Mounting evidence indicates a pivotal role of the circadian clock in sensing hormone dynamics for homeostatic regulation of physiological functions. Therefore, we sought to determine whether clock genes respond to progesterone signaling in female reproductive system. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the circadian system could respond to progesterone signaling during human endometrial decidual transformation. The expression of the circadian gene PER1 increased immediately and remained elevated during human endometrial decidualization. The progesterone receptor activated PER1 transcription by directly binding to its promoter from the onset of the stromal proliferation-differentiation transition. PER1 knockout significantly downregulated the expression of some PGR target genes, and attenuated human endometrial decidual transformation by expediting FOXO1 protein degradation. In conclusion, progesterone could control the female reproductive process through sustained feedback from the circadian gene PER1, which is probably involved to P4-PR signaling responsiveness in the initiation and maintenance of decidualization.

scholarly journals Prolactin potentiates insulin-stimulated leptin expression and release from differentiated brown adipocytes

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 679-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Viengchareun ◽  
H Bouzinba-Segard ◽  
J-P Laigneau ◽  
M-C Zennaro ◽  
P A Kelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Functional Link ◽  
Brown Adipocytes ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Brown Adipose ◽  
Numerous Cell ◽  
Leptin Expression

The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) exerts pleiotropic effects, which are mediated by a membrane receptor (PRLR) present in numerous cell types including adipocytes. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) expresses uncoupling proteins (UCPs), involved in thermogenesis, but also secretes leptin, a key hormone involved in the control of body weight. To investigate PRL effects on BAT, we used the T37i brown adipose cell line, and demonstrated that PRLRs are expressed as a function of cell differentiation. Addition of PRL leads to activation of the JAK/STAT and MAP kinase signaling pathways, demonstrating that PRLRs are functional in these cells. Basal and catecholamine-induced UCP1 expression were not affected by PRL. However, PRL combined with insulin significantly increases leptin expression and release, indicating that PRL potentiates the stimulatory effect of insulin as revealed by the recruitment of insulin receptor substrates and the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. To explore the in vivo physiological relevance of PRL action in BAT, we showed that leptin content was significantly increased in BAT of PRLR-null mice compared with wild-type mice, highlighting the involvement of PRL in the leptin secretion process. This study provides the first evidence for a functional link between PRL and energy balance via a cross-talk between insulin and PRL signaling pathways in brown adipocytes.

A Comparison of Plasminogen Activators Derived from Rat Plasma, Primary Rat Hepatocytes and Isolated Perfused Rat Liver

1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (02) ◽  
pp. 166-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoav Sharoni ◽  
Maria C Topal ◽  
Patricia R Tuttle ◽  
Henry Berger
Keyword(s):  
Rat Liver ◽  
Isoelectric Point ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Plasminogen Activators ◽  
Rat Plasma ◽  
Isolated Perfused Rat Liver ◽  
Perfused Rat Liver ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Physiological Relevance

SummaryOf the two cell types it was possible to culture from the dissociated rat liver, hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, only the former were fibrinolytically active. Rat hepatocytes during the first 24 hr in culture secreted two plasminogen activators with molecular weights identical to those found in rat plasma, an 80,000-dalton form (PA-80) and a 45,000-dalton form (PA-45). Partially purified preparations of plasminogen activators from both sources were subjected to isoelectric focusing (IEF) to compare characteristics further. There were three distinct peaks of PA-45 in each preparation with isoelectric points of 7.1, 7.2 and 7.4; all electrophoretic forms had the same low affinity to fibrin. PA-80 from both sources displayed similar IEF profiles with forms ranging from pH values of 7 to 8, all with the same high affinity to fibrin. The major form of PA-80 in the plasma preparation had an isoelectric point of 7.9 whereas that in the hepatocyte preparation had an isoelectric point of 7.6. The isolated perfused rat liver was also shown to produce both PA-80 and PA-45 emphasizing the physiological relevance of the findings with hepatocytes. It is concluded that in the rat hepatocytes contribute to the plasma profile with regard to the plasminogen activator content.

FEMALE ENDOCRINE CONTROL MECHANISMS DURING THE NEONATAL PERIOD

1972 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 396-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-D. Schulz ◽  
H. Haarmann ◽  
A. Harland
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Neonatal Period ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Endocrine Control ◽  
Hypothalamic Region ◽  
Rna And Protein Synthesis ◽  
Physiological Dose

ABSTRACT The present investigation deals with the oestrogen-sensitivity of the female reproductive system during the neonatal period. Newborn female guinea pigs were used as test animals. At different times after a single subcutaneous injection of a physiological dose of 0.1 μg or an unphysiologically high dose of 10 μg 17β-oestradiol/100 g body weight, the RNA- and protein-synthesis was examined in the hypothalamic region, pituitary, cerebral cortex, liver, adrenal gland, ovary and uterus. With a physiological dose an increase in organ weight, protein content, RNA-and protein-synthesis was found only in the uterus. These alterations turned out to be dose-dependent. In addition to the findings in the uterus an inhibition of the aminoacid incorporation rate occurred in the liver following the injection of the high oestradiol dose. As early as 1 hour after the administration of 0.1 μg 17β-oestradiol an almost 100% increase in uterine protein synthesis was detectable. This result demonstrates a high oestrogen-sensitivity of this organ during the neonatal period. All the other organs of the female reproductive system such as the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary did not show any oestrogen response. Therefore the functional immaturity of the uterus during post partem life is not the result of a deficient hormone sensitivity but is correlated with the absence of a sufficient hormonal stimulus at this time. The investigation on the effects of actinomycin resulted in different reactions in the uterus and liver. In contrast to the liver a paradoxical actinomycin effect was found in the uterus after treatment with actinomycin alone. This effect is characterized by a small inhibition of RNA-synthesis and a 50% increase in protein synthesis. The treatment of the newborn test animals with actinomycin and 17β-oestradiol together abolished the oestrogen-induced stimulation of the uterine RNA-and protein-synthesis. Consequently, the effect of oestrogens during the neonatal period is also connected with the formation of new proteins via an increased DNA-directed RNA-synthesis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document