DOCSLIB.ORG

Prostaglandin F2α (Pgf2α) Stimulates PTGS2 Expression and Pgf2α

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Prostaglandin F2α (Pgf2α) Stimulates PTGS2 Expression and Pgf2α REPRODUCTIONRESEARCH Melatonin deprival modifies follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics in a sheep model Maria Elena Manca, Maria Lucia Manunta, Antonio Spezzigu1, Laura Torres-Rovira, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes2, Valeria Pasciu, Peter Piu, Giovanni G Leoni, Sara Succu, Didier Chesneau3,4, Salvatore Naitana and Fiammetta Berlinguer Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy, 1Embryo Sardegna, Technology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Localita` Suiles (SS), Italy, 2Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain, 3Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, France and 4CNRS, UMR 7247, Universite´ Franc¸ois Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France Correspondence should be addressed to F Berlinguer; Email: [email protected] Abstract This study assessed the effect of melatonin deprival on ovarian status and function in sheep. Experimental procedures were carried out within two consecutive breeding seasons. Animals were divided into two groups: pinealectomised (nZ6) and sham-operated (nZ6). The completeness of the pineal gland removal was confirmed by the plasma concentration of melatonin. Ovarian status was monitored by ovarian ultrasonography for 1 year to study reproductive seasonality. Follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics were assessed during an induced oestrous cycle. As the effects of melatonin on the ovary may also be mediated by its antioxidant properties, plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was determined monthly for 1 year. Pinealectomy significantly extended the breeding season (310G24.7 vs 217.5G24.7 days in controls; P!0.05). Both pinealectomised and sham-operated ewes showed a well-defined wave-like pattern of follicle dynamics; however, melatonin deficiency caused fewer waves during the oestrous cycle (4.3G0.2 vs 5.2G0.2; P!0.05), because waves were 1 day longer when compared with the controls (7.2G0.3 vs 6.1G0.3; P!0.05). The mean area of the corpora lutea (105.4G5.9 vs 65.4G5.9 mm2; P!0.05) and plasma progesterone levels (7.1G0.7 vs 4.9G0.6 ng/ml; P!0.05) were significantly higher in sham-operated ewes compared with pinealectomised ewes. In addition, TEAC values were significantly lower in pinealectomised ewes compared with control ones. These data suggest that melatonin, besides exerting its well-known role in the synchronisation of seasonal reproductive fluctuations, influences the growth pattern of the follicles and the steroidogenic capacity of the corpus luteum. Free Italian abstract An Italian translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/6/885/suppl/DC1. Reproduction (2014) 147 885–895 Introduction the time of year. Ewes have a breeding season characterised by a succession of 16–18-day long Seasonal breeders have developed mechanisms to oestrous cycles, which usually start in late summer or restrict fertility to a particular time of the year. This at the beginning of autumn and end in late winter or at ensures the birth of the offspring during the most the very beginning of spring, in the northern hemisphere favourable season, generally when the resources needed but varies according to breed and latitude (Ortavant et al. to support the requirements of lactation and post- 1985). Thereafter, the anoestrous season takes place weaning growth of the offspring are most abundant. without behavioural or ovarian cyclicity. Ambient Domestication may have attenuated or suppressed some photoperiod is transduced by a photoneuroendocrine of the various physiological expressions of seasonality, system composed of the retina, the suprachiasmatic but domesticated small ruminants have retained most nucleus (seat of the master circadian clock) and the of them. pineal gland (Malpaux et al. 2001). The latter releases Sheep, like the majority of seasonal breeders, use the hormone melatonin exclusively at night, so that photoperiod as the main environmental cue to establish the duration of secretion varies according to day length q 2014 Society for Reproduction and Fertility DOI: 10.1530/REP-13-0405 ISSN 1470–1626 (paper) 1741–7899 (online) Online version via www.reproduction-online.org Downloaded from Bioscientifica.com at 10/02/2021 04:48:13AM via free access 886 M E Manca and others and provides an endocrine representation of photo- Medicine of the University of Sassari, Italy (latitude 408430N). period (Malpaux et al. 2001, Simonneaux & Ribelayga These facilities meet the requirements of the European Union 2003). Melatonin transmits day length information to for Scientific Procedure Establishments. the neuroendocrine–gonadal axis exerting indirect All animals received physical and neurological exami- actions on the Kiss1/GPR54 system responsible for nations, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis controlling reproduction via the neural axis by tuning and urine analysis. Animals considered unhealthy were circulating gonadotrophin and sex steroid levels (Revel excluded from the study. Ewes were randomly divided into Z et al. 2007). two groups: i) pinealectomised ewes (n 6) and ii) sham– Z As described above, it is generally accepted that pinealectomised ewes (n 6). melatonin exerts its primary reproductive action at the Plasma melatonin concentration was determined in each level of the brain and pituitary. However, the presence animal before the surgery, and 60 days and 12 months after the of high melatonin levels in follicular fluid (Brzezinski surgery. One year after the surgery, ewes were enrolled in the et al. 1987) and the presence of receptors in granulosa study for the evaluation of the effects of melatonin deprival on cells (Yie et al. 1995, Niles et al. 1999, Woo et al. 2001, ovarian status. The observational period was comprised within Soares et al. 2003a, Wang et al. 2012, Barros et al. 2013) two consecutive natural breeding seasons (from late August 2010 to late December 2011) described for this breed at this have suggested a role of melatonin on ovarian function. latitude. To determine the effect of melatonin deprival on This hypothesis has been confirmed by recent studies reproductive seasonality, ovarian status was determined reporting strong evidence for melatonin action on the weekly during a complete natural year (starting on August 22) ovary, such as modulation of ovarian steroidogenesis by transrectal ultrasonography. The presence of ovulation, and (mainly progesterone (P4) production; Taketani et al. thus of oestrous cyclicity, was confirmed by the visualisation of 2011) and contribution in the maintenance of a proper corpora lutea. During this period, jugular blood samples were follicular structure and function (Soares et al. 2003a,b, withdrawn every 30 days to evaluate total antioxidant capacity Barros et al. 2013, Maganhin et al. 2013). In a previous throughout a complete natural year in pinealectomised and study, we demonstrated that melatonin supplementation sham-operated ewes. during the anoestrous period modifies the pattern of At the end of the observation period (December), follicular follicular waves by increasing the turnover of dominant and corpus luteal growth dynamics were monitored during an follicles (Berlinguer et al. 2009). induced oestrous cycle in pinealectomised and sham-operated The main role of melatonin within the follicle may be ewes. Ovulation was synchronised in all the ewes with also to act as a free radical scavenger. The antioxidant two doses of 125 mg prostaglandin analogue (cloprostenol, properties of melatonin have been extensively studied Estrumate, Essex Animal Health, Friesoythe, Germany) given (Reiter et al. 2013, Tamura et al. 2013). The scavenger 10 days apart. Corpora lutea and follicular development were activity of melatonin or of its metabolites may thus assessed by daily transrectal ultrasonography performed account for its beneficial effect on follicular and oocyte from the day of oestrus detection with vasectomised rams development (Tamura et al. 2008). until the next ovulation. Coincidentally, luteal cell function This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin was evaluated daily by determining plasma P4 concentrations deprival on follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics from jugular blood samples. in sheep. In addition, the effect of melatonin deprival on blood total antioxidant capacity was determined. Surgical procedure Pre-medication, induction, maintenance of anaesthesia, Materials and methods analgesic treatment and intraoperative monitoring Chemicals The ewes were kept off feed 24 h prior to surgery but had free All reagents and media were purchased from Sigma Chemical access to water for up to 3–4 h prior to surgery. Ewes received Co. unless otherwise specified. 2.0 mg/kg i.v. ketoprofen (Vet-Ketofen 1%, Merial, Assago, Italy), 0.4 mg/kg i.v. diazepam (Diazepam 0.5%, Intervet GmbH, Unterschleisssheim, Germany) and 6 mg/kg i.v. fenta- Animals and experimental design nyl (Fentanest, Actavis, Nerviano, Italy). The scalp and the Approval was obtained from the Institutional Animal Care and subcutaneous tissue were infiltrated with 10 ml mepivacaine Use Committee, and all procedures conformed to the National 2% (Mepibil, Hospira, Naples, Italy). For induction, sheep Institutes of Health Guidelines for the Care of Laboratory received 8 mg/kg thiopental sodium i.v. (Pentothal; Intervet Animals. All the animals used were adult multiparous Sarda GmbH) followed by orotracheal intubation. ewes from a uniform flock (nZ12; 2.5–5 years old,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chapter 28 *Lecture Powepoint
    Chapter 28 *Lecture PowePoint The Female Reproductive System *See separate FlexArt PowerPoint slides for all figures and tables preinserted into PowerPoint without notes. Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. Introduction • The female reproductive system is more complex than the male system because it serves more purposes – Produces and delivers gametes – Provides nutrition and safe harbor for fetal development – Gives birth – Nourishes infant • Female system is more cyclic, and the hormones are secreted in a more complex sequence than the relatively steady secretion in the male 28-2 Sexual Differentiation • The two sexes indistinguishable for first 8 to 10 weeks of development • Female reproductive tract develops from the paramesonephric ducts – Not because of the positive action of any hormone – Because of the absence of testosterone and müllerian-inhibiting factor (MIF) 28-3 Reproductive Anatomy • Expected Learning Outcomes – Describe the structure of the ovary – Trace the female reproductive tract and describe the gross anatomy and histology of each organ – Identify the ligaments that support the female reproductive organs – Describe the blood supply to the female reproductive tract – Identify the external genitalia of the female – Describe the structure of the nonlactating breast 28-4 Sexual Differentiation • Without testosterone: – Causes mesonephric ducts to degenerate – Genital tubercle becomes the glans clitoris – Urogenital folds become the labia minora – Labioscrotal folds
    [Show full text]
  • The Discovery of Different Types of Cervical Mucus and the Billings Ovulation Method
    The Discovery of Different Types of Cervical Mucus and the Billings Ovulation Method Erik Odeblad Emeritus Professor, Dept. of Medical Biophysics, University of Umeå, Sweden Published with permission from the Bulletin of the Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia, 27 Alexandra Parade, North Fitzroy, Victoria 3068, Australia, Volume 21, Number 3, pages 3-35, September 1994. Copyright © Ovulation Method Research and Reference Centre of Australia 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Anatomy and Physiology 4. What is Mucus? 5. The Commencement of my Research 6. The Existence of Different Types of Crypts and of Mucus 7. Identification and Description of G, L, and S Mucus 8. G- and G+ Mucus 9. Age, Pregnancy, the Pill and Microsurgery 10. P Mucus 11. F Mucus 12. The Role of the Vagina 13. The Different Types of Secretions and the Billings Ovulation Method 14. Early Infertile Days 15. The Days of Possible Fertility 16. Late Infertile Days 17. Anovulatory Cycles 18. Lactation 19. Diseases and the Billings Ovulation Method 20. The Future 21. Acknowledgements 22. Author's Note 23. References 24. Appendix Abstract An introduction to and some new anatomical and physiological aspects of the cervix and vagina are presented and also an explanation of the biosynthesis and molecular structure of mucus. The history of my discoveries of the different types of cervical mucus is given. In considering my microbiological investigations I suspected the existence of different types of crypts and cervical mucus and in 1959 1 proved the existence of these different types. The method of examining viscosity by nuclear magnetic resonance was applied to microsamples of mucus extracted 1 outside of several crypts.
    [Show full text]
  • And Theca Interna Cells from Developing Preovulatory Follicles of Pigs B
    Differential production of steroids by dispersed granulosa and theca interna cells from developing preovulatory follicles of pigs B. K. Tsang, L. Ainsworth, B. R. Downey and G. J. Marcus * Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Kl Y 4E9 ; tAnimal Research Centre, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6; and \Department of Animal Science, Macdonald College of McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X ICO Summary. Dispersed granulosa and theca interna cells were recovered from follicles of prepubertal gilts at 36, 72 and 108 h after treatment with 750 i.u. PMSG, followed 72 h later with 500 i.u. hCG to stimulate follicular growth and ovulation. In the absence of aromatizable substrate, theca interna cells produced substantially more oestrogen than did granulosa cells. Oestrogen production was increased markedly in the presence of androstenedione and testosterone in granulosa cells but only to a limited extent in theca interna cells. The ability of both cellular compartments to produce oestrogen increased up to 72 h with androstenedione being the preferred substrate. Oestrogen production by the two cell types incubated together was greater than the sum produced when incubated alone. Theca interna cells were the principal source of androgen, predominantly androstenedione. Thecal androgen production increased with follicular development and was enhanced by addition of pregnenolone or by LH 36 and 72 h after PMSG treatment. The ability of granulosa and thecal cells to produce progesterone increased with follicular development and addition of pregnenolone. After exposure of developing follicles to hCG in vivo, both cell types lost their ability to produce oestrogen.
    [Show full text]
  • Spermatozoa After Sperm Residence in the Female Reproductive Tract E
    Detection of altered acrosomal physiology of cryopreserved human spermatozoa after sperm residence in the female reproductive tract E. Z. Drobnis, P. R. Clisham, C. K. Brazil L. W. Wisner, C. Q. Zhong and J. W. Overstreet ^Division of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, and department of Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8659, USA At least some of the spermatozoa that remain motile following cryopreservation have sustained sublethal damage that reduces their functional capacity in vivo. Although it is believed that acrosomal damage is partly responsible for impaired sperm function in vivo, direct evidence for this hypothesis is lacking because spermatozoa have not been collected from the female reproductive tract for evaluation. In the study reported here, cervical mucus was collected from women 24 h after artificial insemination by cervical cup. For both cryopreserved and nonfrozen inseminates, spermatozoa within the cervical mucus and spermatozoa that migrated out of mucus into culture medium (t = 1 h) were viable and had intact acrosomes. However, although nonfrozen spermatozoa did not initially respond to induction of the acrosome reaction with follicular fluid, a significant proportion of cryopre- served spermatozoa did respond. These results demonstrate that cryopreservation increases the acrosomal lability of spermatozoa residing in the female reproductive tract. An in vitro test was developed to detect this form of cryodamage. Sperm-free mucus was collected before insemination and spermatozoa from the inseminate were allowed to swim into this column of mucus in vitro. Spermatozoa recovered from this mucus sample were compared with spermatozoa from the paired sample collected from the cervix 24 h later.
    [Show full text]
  • Extracellular Vesicles
    Human Reproduction Update, Vol.22, No.2 pp. 182–193, 2016 Advanced Access publication on December 9, 2015 doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv055 Extracellular vesicles: roles in gamete maturation, fertilization and embryo Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article-abstract/22/2/182/2457903 by University of California, San Diego user on 17 April 2019 implantation Ronit Machtinger1,*, Louise C. Laurent2, and Andrea A. Baccarelli3 1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer 52561, Israel 2Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA 3Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA *Correspondence address. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center and Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer 52561, Israel. E-mail: [email protected] Submitted on May 13, 2015; resubmitted on November 3, 2015; accepted on November 9, 2015 table of contents ........................................................................................................................... † Introduction † Methods † Extracellular vesicles † Extracellular vesicles and sperm maturation † Extracellular vesicles, communication in the ovarian follicle and oocyte maturation † Extracellular vesicles in fertilization † Extracellular vesicles
    [Show full text]
  • Physiology and Regulation of Oviductal Secretions
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Composing the Early Embryonic Microenvironment: Physiology and Regulation of Oviductal Secretions Marie Saint-Dizier 1,2,* , Jennifer Schoen 3, Shuai Chen 3, Charles Banliat 2,4 and Pascal Mermillod 2 1 Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Department Agrosciences, University of Tours, 37200 Tours, France 2 Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS 7247, University of Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France; [email protected] (C.B.); [email protected] (P.M.) 3 Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, FBN Dummerstorf, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; [email protected] (J.S.); [email protected] (S.C.) 4 Union Evolution, Rue Eric Tabarly, 35538 Noyal-Sur-Vilaine, France * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +33-247-427-508 Received: 18 November 2019; Accepted: 25 December 2019; Published: 28 December 2019 Abstract: The oviductal fluid is the first environment experienced by mammalian embryos at the very beginning of life. However, it has long been believed that the oviductal environment was not essential for proper embryonic development. Successful establishment of in vitro embryo production techniques (which completely bypass the oviduct) have reinforced this idea. Yet, it became evident that in vitro produced embryos differ markedly from their in vivo counterparts, and these differences are associated with lower pregnancy outcomes and more health issues after birth. Nowadays, researchers consider the oviduct as the most suitable microenvironment for early embryonic development and a substantial effort is made to understand its dynamic, species-specific functions. In this review, we touch on the origin and molecular components of the oviductal fluid in mammals, where recent progress has been made thanks to the wider use of mass spectrometry techniques.
    [Show full text]
  • Formation of Ovarian Follicular Fluid
    ,Jr.llv ìo Formation of Ovarian Follicular Fluid Thesis submitted for the degree Doctor of Philosophy a'. T}IE U l' OF At}ELAIDE ftJSTEAU,A LËqT7 ll¡ ¡!.¡. r¡ltl Hannah Clarke BSc (Hons) Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The Universþ of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia, Australia June 2005 Dedication In Memory of my Grandmother Margaret crowley-smith (1e16 - 20os) 2 Acknowledgements I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to the production of this thesis. It is your support, encouragement and friendship that have enabled me to fulfil one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my life. To my supervisors Assoc. Prof. Raymond Rodgers (The University of Adelaide), Dr Sharon Byers (The Women and Children's Hospital Adelaide) and Dr Chris Hardy (CSIRO, Division of Sustainable Ecosystems), I gratefully acknowledge the opportunity you have given me and for your guidance, intellectual input and motivation throughout the course of this doctorate degree. I look forward to your continued support throughout my scientific career. To the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The University of Adelaide, the 'Women Department of Pathophysiology, The and Children's Hospital Adelaide and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Pest Animal Control Co- operative research Centre (PACRC), thank-you for providing me with the opportunity to undertake this doctorate degree and for the financial support. To my numerous laboratory colleagues: Karla Hutt, Sandra Beaton, Nigel French, Helen Irving-Rodgers, Lyn Harland, Stephanie Morris, Malgosia Krupa I am very grateful for the assistance you have provided and for your moral support and friendship.
    [Show full text]
  • Ansc 630: Reproductive Biology 1
    ANSC 630: REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY 1 INSTRUCTOR: FULLER W. BAZER, PH.D. OFFICE: 442D KLEBERG CENTER EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICE PHONE: 979-862-2659 ANSC 630: INFORMATION CARD • NAME • MAJOR • ADVISOR • RESEARCH INTERESTS • PREVIOUS COURSES: – Reproductive Biology – Biochemistry – Physiology – Histology – Embryology OVERVIEW OF FUNCTIONAL REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY: THE MAJOR COMPONENTS PARS NERVOSA PARS DISTALIS Hypothalamic Neurons Hypothalamic Neurons Melanocyte Supraoptic Stimulating Hormone Releasing Paraventricular Factor Axons Nerve Tracts POSTERIOR PITUITARY INTERMEDIATE LOBE OF (PARS NERVOSA) Oxytocin - Neurophysin PITUITARY Vasopressin-Neurophysin Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) Hypothalamic Divisions Yen 2004; Reprod Endocrinol 3-73 Hormone Profile of the Estrous Cycle in the Ewe 100 30 30 50 15 15 GnRH (pg/ml)GnRH GnRH (pg/ml)GnRH 0 0 (pg/ml)GnRH 0 4 h 4 h 4 h PGF2α Concentration 0 5 10 16 0 Days LH FSH Estradiol Progesterone Development of the Hypophysis Dubois 1993 Reprod Mamm Man 17-50 Neurons • Cell body (soma; perikaryon) – Synthesis of neuropeptides • Cellular processes • Dendrites • Axon - Transport • Terminals – Storage and Secretion Yen 2004 Reprod Endocrinol 3-73 • Peptide neurotransmitter synthesis • Transcription – Gene transcribes mRNA • Translation – mRNA translated for protein synthesis • Maturation – post-translational processing • Storage in vesicles - Hormone secreted from vesicles Hypothalamus • Mid-central base of brain – Optic chiasma – 3rd ventricle – Mammillary body • Nuclei – Clusters of neurons • Different
    [Show full text]
  • Lecture Outline
    Biology 218 – Human Anatomy RIDDELL Chapter 27 Adapted form Tortora 10th ed. LECTURE OUTLINE A. Introduction (p. 835) 1. Sexual reproduction is the process by which organisms produce offspring by means of germ cells called gametes; when a male gamete unites with a female gamete during fertilization, the resulting cell contains one set of chromosomes from each parent. 2. The organs of the reproductive systems may be grouped by function: i. gonads produce gametes and secrete sex hormones a. testes produce sperm cells b. ovaries produce ova ii. ducts receive, store, and transport gametes iii. accessory sex glands produce substances that protect gametes and facilitate their movement iv. supporting structures assist delivery and joining of gametes and, in females, the growth of the fetus during pregnancy 3. Gynecology is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system; although urology is the study of the urinary system, urologists also diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system. B. Male Reproductive System (p. 836) 1. The male reproductive system includes: i. testes (male gonads), which produce sperm and secrete hormones ii. system of ducts, which stores and transports sperm to the exterior iii. accessory sex glands, which produce secretions that mix with sperm to form semen iv. supporting structures including the scrotum and penis 2. Scrotum: (p. 836) i. the scrotum is an outpouching of the abdominal wall consisting of loose skin and superficial fascia that hangs from the root of the penis ii. externally, it has a median ridge called a raphe which separates the pouch into two lateral portions iii.
    [Show full text]
  • Follicular Fluid Redox Involvement for Ovarian Follicle Growth
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Repositório Aberto da Universidade do Porto Freitas et al. Journal of Ovarian Research (2017) 10:44 DOI 10.1186/s13048-017-0342-3 REVIEW Open Access Follicular Fluid redox involvement for ovarian follicle growth Cláudia Freitas1,2†, Ana Catarina Neto3,4†, Liliana Matos3,4,5, Elisabete Silva3,4, Ângela Ribeiro3,4,6, João Luís Silva-Carvalho2,3,6,7 and Henrique Almeida3,4,7* Abstract As the human ovarian follicle enlarges in the course of a regular cycle or following controlled ovarian stimulation, the changes in its structure reveal the oocyte environment composed of cumulus oophorus cells and the follicular fluid (FF). In contrast to the dynamic nature of cells, the fluid compartment appears as a reservoir rich in biomolecules. In some aspects, it is similar to the plasma, but it also exhibits differences that likely relate to its specific localization around the oocyte. The chemical composition indicates that the follicular fluid is able to detect and buffer excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species, employing a variety of antioxidants, some of them components of the intracellular milieu. An important part is played by albumin through specific cysteine residues. But the fluid contains other molecules whose cysteine residues may be involved in sensing and buffering the local oxidative conditions. How these molecules are recruited and regulated to intervene such process is unknown but it is a critical issue in reproduction. In fact, important proteins in the FF, that regulate follicle growth and oocyte quality, exhibit cysteine residues at specific points, whose untoward oxidation would result in functional loss.
    [Show full text]
  • Sperm Attraction to a Follicular Factor(S)
    Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 88, pp. 2840-2844, April 1991 Medical Sciences Sperm attraction to a follicular factor(s) correlates with human egg fertilizability (spern-egg communication/follicular fluid/chemotaxis/sperm accumulation/fertilization) DINA RALT*, MORDECHAI GOLDENBERGt, PETER FETTEROLFO, DANA THOMPSON§, JEHOSHUA DORt, SHLOMO MASHIACHt, DAVID L. GARBERS§¶, AND MICHAEL EISENBACH* 11 *Department of Membrane Research and Biophysics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel; tDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University Medical School, Tel-Hashomer, 62621 Ramat-Gan, Israel; and tDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, §Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 Communicated by Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir, December 19, 1990 ABSTRACT Spermatozoa normally encounter the egg at factor(s) by measuring sperm accumulation in follicular fluid the fertilization site (in the Fallopian tube) within 24 hr after in vitro. We show that human spermatozoa indeed accumu- ovulation. A considerable fraction of the spermatozoa ejacu- late in follicular fluid and that this accumulation correlates lated into the female reproductive tract of mammals remains with the ability of the egg to be fertilized. motionless in storage sites until ovulation, when the sperma- tozoa resume maximal motility and reach the fertilization site within minutes. The nature of the signal for sperm movement MATERIALS AND METHODS is not known, but one possible mechanism is attraction of Preparations of Sperm Cells. Human ejaculates were col- spermatozoa to a factor(s) released from the egg. We have lected by masturbation from normal healthy donors.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Follicular Fluid of Preovulatory Follicles of Repeat Breeder Dairy
    Animal Reproduction Science 205 (2019) 62–69 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Animal Reproduction Science journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/anireprosci Effects of follicular fluid of preovulatory follicles of repeat breeder dairy cows with subclinical endometritis on oocyte developmental T competence ⁎ Mahdi Heidaria, Mojtaba Kafia, Abdolah Mirzaeia, , Aniseh Asaadia, Adel Mokhtarib a Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran b Veterinarian of Isfahan Dairy Farms, Isfahan, Iran ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: The aims of the present study were to determine the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Blastocyst hormonal progesterone, estradiol-17β, insulin growth factor (IGF-1) and magnesium in the serum Follicular fluid and the preovulatory follicle follicular fluid (FF) in repeat breeder (RB) cows without (nSCE) or Lipopolysaccharide with subclinical endometritis (SCE), and further to examine the effects of this FF on develop- Endometritis mental competence of cattle oocytes. In Experiment 1, 13 of 23 clinically healthy Holstein RB Bovine cows were identified (uterine PMNs) to have SCE. The cows were estrous synchronized, and 6–12 h after detection of standing estrus, FF and blood of the preovulatory follicles were col- lected. The mean ( ± SD) LPS (862.3 ± 148.1 compared with 1063.4 ± 262.8 EU/ml, P = 0.04) and estradiol-17β (188.9 ± 15.8 compared with 162.0 ± 31.5 ng/ml, P = 0.02) concentrations of FF was different between nSCE and SCE cows. In Experiment 2, FF of RB cows with relatively lesser (nSCE, n = 4) and greater (SCE, n = 4) percentages of uterine PMNs was separately added to the oocyte maturation medium for in vitro embryo production.
    [Show full text]