Neonatal testosterone exposure induces early development of follicular cysts followed by sympathetic ovarian hyperinnervation

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Anesetti ◽  
Rebeca Chávez-Genaro
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Temporal Association ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Neonatal Rats ◽  
Ovarian Morphology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cyst Development

This study analysed the temporal association between ovarian cyst development induced by neonatal androgenisation and sympathetic innervation. Neonatal rats (postnatal Days 1 to 5) were treated with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone and the effects were evaluated at postnatal Days 20, 40, 90 or 180. Ovulation rate, number of cystic follicles and density of sympathetic fibres were analysed. The effects of surgical denervation or gonadotrophin stimulation were also assessed. Rats exposed to testosterone showed no oestrous cycle activity and did not ovulate, maintaining a polycystic ovarian morphology at all ages studied. Also, a significant increase in ovarian density of noradrenergic fibres was detected at postnatal Days 90 and 180. Sympathectomy was unable to re-establish ovarian activity; however, human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation was enough to induce ovulation. The impact of dihydrotestosterone on ovarian function was less noticeable, showing the coexistence of corpora lutea and cystic structures without changes in sympathetic innervation. Our findings suggest that a remodelling of ovarian sympathetic innervation occurs as a response to modifications in the pattern of follicular growth induced by testosterone. A role of sympathetic innervation in the maintenance of the polycystic condition is suggested.

Seasonal differences in ovarian activity in cows

1984 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. McNatty ◽  
N. Hudson ◽  
M. Gibb ◽  
K. M. Henderson ◽  
S. Lun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Plasma Prolactin ◽  
Seasonal Differences ◽  
Time Of Year

ABSTRACT The plasma concentrations of LH and prolactin and various parameters of ovarian function were examined in cows on known days of the oestrous cycle during May and June (autumn and winter) and during October (spring). Luteinizing hormone peak frequency and plasma prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in October than during the May–June period (LH, P<0·05; prolactin, P<0·01). The mean diameters of large healthy follicles (≥8 mm diameter) and the dominant oestrogen-secreting follicles were significantly larger (P<0·01 for both follicle types) and each follicle contained more granulosa cells (both P<0·01) in May–June than in October. The LH responsiveness of theca interna with respect to androstenedione production and the levels of aromatase activity in granulosa cells did not differ with time of year. The corpora lutea were heavier (P<0·05) and secreted more progesterone (P<0·01) in May–June than in October. It is concluded that seasonal differences in ovarian activity exist in cows and that these differences are probably the consequence of seasonal differences in gonadotrophin secretion. J. Endocr. (1984) 102, 189–198

scholarly journals Fetal Programming: Prenatal Testosterone Treatment Leads to Follicular Persistence/Luteal Defects; Partial Restoration of Ovarian Function by Cyclic Progesterone Treatment

Endocrinology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 1997-2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Manikkam ◽  
Teresa L. Steckler ◽  
Kathleen B. Welch ◽  
E. Keith Inskeep ◽  
Vasantha Padmanabhan
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Polycystic Ovaries ◽  
Partial Restoration ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
P Concentration ◽  
Ovarian Morphology ◽  
Follicular Dynamics

Prenatal testosterone (T) excess during midgestation leads to estrous cycle defects and polycystic ovaries in sheep. We hypothesized that follicular persistence causes polycystic ovaries and that cyclic progesterone (P) treatment would overcome follicular persistence and restore cyclicity. Twice-weekly blood samples for P measurements were taken from control (C; n = 16) and prenatally T-treated (T60; n = 14; 100 mg T, im, twice weekly from d 30–90 of gestation) Suffolk sheep starting before the onset of puberty and continuing through the second breeding season. A subset of C and T60 sheep were treated cyclically with a modified controlled internal drug-releasing device for 13–14 d every 17 d during the first anestrus (CP, 7; TP, 6). Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed for 8 d in the first and 21 d in the second breeding season. Prenatal T excess reduced the number, but increased the duration of progestogenic cycles, reduced the proportion of ewes with normal cycles, increased the proportion of ewes with subluteal cycles, decreased the proportion of ewes with ovulatory cycles, induced the occurrence of persistent follicles, and reduced the number of corpora lutea in those that cycled. Cyclic P treatment in anestrus, which produced one third the P concentration seen during luteal phase of cycle, did not reduce the number of persistent follicles, but increased the number of progestogenic cycles while reducing their duration. These findings suggested that follicular persistence might contribute to the polycystic ovarian morphology. Cyclic P treatment was able to only partially restore follicular dynamics, but this may be related to the low replacement concentrations of P achieved.

58 OVARIAN DOWN-REGULATION WITH ORAL PROGESTIN FOR FIXED-TIME LAPAROSCOPIC OVIDUCTAL ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION WITH FRESHLY COLLECTED AND FROZEN–THAWED SPERMATOZOA IN DOMESTIC CATS

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Swanson ◽  
J. Newsom ◽  
L. A. Lyons ◽  
R. A. Grahn ◽  
H. L. Bateman
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Soy Lecithin ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Progestin Treatment ◽  
Relative Fertility

Laparoscopic oviductal AI (LO-AI) with low numbers of freshly collected or frozen-thawed spermatozoa has resulted in high pregnancy success (50–70%) in domestic cats. However, proper timing of AI depends on identifying anestrual, non-luteal queens before exogenous gonadotropin injection, confounding AI scheduling and limiting applicability with felids housed at distant institutions. Recent research (Stewart et al. 2012 Biol. Reprod. 87, 1–11) has shown that daily oral progestin treatment is effective for down-regulating ovarian activity in cats and allowing synchronized stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins. Our study objectives were to (1) assess the effect of oral progestin treatment on pregnancy success following LO-AI in domestic cats and (2) compare relative fertility following LO-AI of each female with low numbers of freshly collected versus frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Young (<2 years old), nulliparous domestic cats were assigned to either control (Con; n = 8) or oral progestin (OP; n = 7) treatment groups. Con females were monitored daily for behavioural oestrus and blood samples from anestrual females assessed for progesterone concentration to confirm non-luteal status before exogenous gonadotropin treatment [100 IU of eCG followed 85 h later with 1000 IU of porcine LH (pLH)]. Oral progestin females were fed altrenogest (Regu-Mate; 0.088 mg kg–1 of body weight) mixed in moist cat food for 38 consecutive days and then treated with exogenous gonadotropins 6 days after altrenogest cessation. At 31 to 33 h post-pLH treatment, each female was inseminated via laparoscopy in 1 oviduct with freshly collected sperm (motile) from 1 male and frozen-thawed sperm (motile; frozen in a soy lecithin-based cryomedium) from a second male. Ultrasonography was conducted approximately Day 21 post-AI for pregnancy diagnosis. Pregnant females were spayed immediately and recovered fetuses assessed for paternity using short tandem repeat molecular marker analysis to determine relative fertility of fresh versus frozen semen. All females ovulated following gonadotropin treatment, averaging ( ± standard error of the mean) 20.6 ± 1.7 corpora lutea per queen. Most [12/15 (80%)] females conceived following LO-AI, producing an average of 8.1 ± 1.4 implantations and 5.9 ± 1.2 fetuses per pregnancy. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between Con and OP cats in pregnancy success [Con: 6/8 (75%); OP: 6/7 (86%)] or in mean implantation number (Con: 6.0 ± 1.8; OP: 10.2 ± 2.0) or fetal number (Con: 4.3 ± 1.6; OP: 7.5 ± 1.6) in pregnant cats. Paternity assessment revealed that freshly collected and frozen-thawed spermatozoa were equally effective (P > 0.05) in producing pregnancies (fresh: 11/15 (73%); frozen: 10/15 (67%)], with no difference (P > 0.05) in total fetal numbers [fresh: 37/69 (54%); frozen: 32/69 (46%)]. These results indicate that oral progestin treatment may be used to down-regulate ovarian function in felids for fixed-time AI without compromising fertility in vivo, and that LO-AI with low numbers of cat sperm frozen in a soy lecithin medium may produce high pregnancy percentages and normal litter sizes.

scholarly journals Ovarian function and reproductive senescence in the rat: role of ovarian sympathetic innervation

Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. R59-R68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Cruz ◽  
Daniela Fernandois ◽  
Alfonso H Paredes
Keyword(s):  
Functional Role ◽  
Sympathetic Nerve Activity ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Nerve Activity ◽  
Reproductive Senescence ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous ◽  
Follicular Reserve

Successful reproduction is the result of a myriad interactions in which the ovary and the ovarian follicular reserve play a fundamental role. At present, women who delay maternity until after 30 years of age have a decreased fertility rate due to various causes, including damaged follicles and a reduction in the reserve pool of follicles. Therefore, the period just prior to menopause, also known as the subfertile period, is important. The possibility of modulating the follicular pool and the health of follicles during this period to improve fertility is worth exploring. We have developed an animal model to study the ovarian ageing process during this subfertile period to understand the mechanisms responsible for reproductive senescence. In the rat model, we have shown that the sympathetic nervous system participates in regulating the follicular development during ovarian ageing. This article reviews the existing evidence on the presence and functional role of sympathetic nerve activity in regulating the follicular development during ovarian ageing, with a focus on the subfertile period.Free Spanish abstract: A Spanish translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/153/2/R59/suppl/DC1.

105 P75 Neuronal Cells and Fibers in the Bovine Ovary

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
R. Carrasco ◽  
C. E. Leonardi ◽  
J. Singh ◽  
G. P. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Surface Epithelium ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Immunoreactive Neuron ◽  
Engineering Research ◽  
Bovine Ovary

Neurotrophins are molecules involved in the development and survival of neurons and its cellular projections. Results of recent studies have implicated the local role of the high affinity neurotropin receptor, trkA, in bovine ovarian follicle selection and early luteogenesis (Carrasco et al. 2016 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 14, 47), but innervation and neuropeptide control remains an unexplored aspect of ovarian function. P75 is the low-affinity receptor for all neurotrophins and is expressed in ovarian tissue. The objective of this study was to explore the distribution of P75 neurons and fibres within the ovary and to examine the relationship of these components with follicular development. The ovaries of cows (n = 5) were collected at the time of slaughter, 36 h after induced luteolysis (i.e. proestrus). The ovaries were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 48 h, and samples from the ovarian hilus, medulla, and cortex (3 blocks per ovary) were cryo-sectioned (20–50 µm). Tissue sections were incubated for 48 h with a rabbit antibody against rat P75 or a mouse monoclonal antibody against neurofilament. Immunodetection was visualised by an amplification procedure with horseradish peroxidase using nickel DAB as a chromogen. Sections were counterstained with nuclear fast red for follicle identification. Immunoreactive cell bodies were counted in 10 to 20 fields (40×) per section, and data were expressed based on ovarian areas (cortex, medulla, or hilus) as an average count per 40× field per animal. Data among ovarian regions were compared by ANOVA; differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Antral follicles ≤5 mm displayed strong immunoreactivity in the theca layer, without reaction in the granulosa cells. In contrast, preovulatory follicles were devoid of P75 immuno-reactivity in the theca layer. Oval P75 immunoreactive neuron-like cells were present in all ovarian areas studied. The neuronal nature of the P75 immunoreactive cells was confirmed by the presence of a similar pattern when adjacent sections were stained for neurofilaments, a protein characteristic of neurons. In the stroma of the ovarian cortex and medulla, neurons were present individually (scattered) rather than grouped; however, a dense network of neurons and fibres was detected immediately beneath the ovarian surface epithelium. No differences between the cortex, medulla, and hilus were found in the mean number of immunoreactive cells (10.6 ± 2.8, 14.4 ± 3.6 and 13.9 ± 2.0 cells/40× field, respectively). Immunoreactive neuron-like cells and fibres were in close proximity to blood vessels in the ovarian medulla. Corpora lutea were devoid of P75 immunoreactivity. In conclusion, results document the existence of a neuronal network in the bovine ovary, displaying an association with follicles at different stages of development. The abundance of neuronal components (i.e. neuron cell bodies and axons) in the ovarian stromal and surface epithelium implies a role of innervation (either extrinsic or intrinsic) in the control of ovarian follicular development and function. Research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

scholarly journals Transcriptome analysis during photostimulated recrudescence reveals distinct patterns of gene regulation in Siberian hamster ovaries†

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-559
Author(s):  
Kathleen Leon ◽  
Jon D Hennebold ◽  
Suzanne S Fei ◽  
Kelly A Young
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Siberian Hamsters ◽  
Ovary Function ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

Abstract In Siberian hamsters, exposure to short days (SDs, 8 h light:16 h dark) reduces reproductive function centrally by decreasing gonadotropin secretion, whereas subsequent transfer of photoinhibited hamsters to stimulatory long days (LDs, 16 L:8 D) promotes follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release inducing ovarian recrudescence. Although differences between SD and LD ovaries have been investigated, a systematic investigation of the ovarian transcriptome across photoperiod groups to identify potentially novel factors that contribute to photostimulated restoration of ovarian function had not been conducted. Hamsters were assigned to one of four photoperiod groups: LD to maintain ovarian cyclicity, SD to induce ovarian regression, or post transfer (PT), where females housed in SD for 14-weeks were transferred to LD for 2-days or 1-week to reflect photostimulated ovaries prior to (PTd2) and following (PTw1) the return of systemic FSH. Ovarian RNA was extracted to create RNA-sequencing libraries and short-read sequencing Illumina assays that mapped and quantified the ovarian transcriptomes (n = 4/group). Ovarian and uterine masses, plasma FSH, and numbers of antral follicles and corpora lutea decreased in SD as compared to LD ovaries (P &lt; 0.05). When reads were aligned to the mouse genome, 18 548 genes were sufficiently quantified. Most of the differentially expressed genes noted between functional LD ovaries and regressed SD ovaries; however, five main expression patterns were identified across photoperiod groups. These results, generally corroborated by select protein immunostaining, provide a map of photoregulated ovary function and identify novel genes that may contribute to the photostimulated resumption of ovarian activity.

scholarly journals Effect of single-chain ovine gonadotropins with dual activity on ovarian function in sheep

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 148 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa M Rutigliano ◽  
Betty M Adams ◽  
Albina Jablonka-Shariff ◽  
Irving Boime ◽  
Thomas E Adams
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Single Injection ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Comparable Amount ◽  
Free Protein ◽  
Preovulatory Follicles ◽  
Ovulatory Follicles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Follicle Maturation

We examined the half-life and biological activity of two single-chain proteins that combined portions of ovine FSH and LH. We proposed the hypothesis that these chimeric proteins would display LH and FSH activities and would promote follicle maturation in ewes. Estrus activity was synchronized using progestogen-impregnated vaginal pessaries. To negate the impact of endogenous LH and FSH, animals received serum-containing antibodies against GNRH 1 day before pessary removal (PR). At PR sheep (five animals per group) received a single injection (10 IU/kg, i.v.) of either the ovine-based (oFcLcα) gonadotropin analog, an ovine-based analog containing oLHβ truncated at the carboxyl terminus (oFcL(ΔT)cα), or a human-based gonadotropin analog (hFcLcα). Control animals received a comparable amount of gonadotropin-free protein. Ovulation was induced 3 days after PR using human chorionic gonadotropin (1000 IU, i.v.). Ovaries were collected 11 days after PR. Neither estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4) production, development of preovulatory follicles or corpora lutea (CL) were noted in control animals receiving gonadotropin-free protein. Significant increase in the synthesis of E2 and P4 was noted in sheep receiving the dually active gonadotropin analogs. The number of CLs present 11 days after PR was significantly increased in sheep receiving the chimeric glycoproteins compared with control animals. The magnitude of the secretory and ovarian responses did not differ between hFcLcα and oFcLcα or between oFcLcα and oFcL(ΔT)cα. Immunoactivity of LH and FSH was low in control animals, but was significantly elevated in sheep receiving the gonadotropin analogs. In conclusion, ovine-based gonadotropin analogs are functionally active in sheep and a single injection is adequate to induce the development of multiple ovulatory follicles.

435. Follicle differentiation and luteinisation in the mouse is associated with hypoxia inducible factor activity

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
K. Tam ◽  
D. Russell ◽  
K. Kind ◽  
J. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Egfp Expression ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
Follicle Differentiation

Hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) are transcription factors that mediate the response to hypoxic stress. Under hypoxic conditions, HIF is stabilised, translocates to the nucleus, and binds to the Hypoxia Response Elements (HRE) upstream of numerous target genes involved in angiogenesis and glycolysis, including Vegf, Glut-1 and Ldha. Little is known about the role of HIFs in regulating ovarian function. In rat granulosa cells, FSH stimulates HIF 1α via the PI3K/Akt pathway, demonstrating a role for HIFs during follicular development. In contrast, there is limited information regarding the role of HIFs during corpus luteum formation. In this study we investigated whether HIFs play a role in follicle differentiation and luteinisation. Prepubertal C57Bl6 females were stimulated with eCG (5 IU) followed 46 h later by hCG (5 IU). Mice were sacrificed at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h post hCG and granulosa cells were collected for Western analysis of HIF-1a protein. To investigate HIF activation in the ovary, a transgenic reporter mouse line was developed by lenti-viral incorporation of an HRE (4)-SV40-eGFP construct. Ovaries were collected from mice plugged day 1, 4 and 8 for CL analysis in vivo.A time- dependent increase of HIF 1α protein levels in granulosa cells, maximal around time of ovulation, was observed. Ovaries from cycling HRE-eGFP transgenic mice exhibited no eGFP in primordial, primary or preantral follicles. Upon antrum formation, eGFP was evident in occasional sections in antral follicles but HIF signalling was restricted within the theca. In contrast, corpora lutea on pregnancy day 1, 4 and 8 readily expressed eGFP and eGFP expression increases as luteinisation progresses.These results demonstrate that in vivo HIFs may play a role in folliculogenesis, but this is restricted to theca cells of antral follicles before hCG stimulation. Following hCG, maximal HIF activity is associated with the time of ovulation. In addition, HIF activity is maintained during luteinisation.

scholarly journals A single dose of allopregnanolone affects rat ovarian morphology and steroidogenesis

Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Tatiana Pelegrina ◽  
Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres ◽  
Fernando Alfredo Giuliani ◽  
Joana Antonella Asensio ◽  
Fernanda Parborell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Spectrophotometric Analysis ◽  
Enzymatic Activities ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Medial Basal Hypothalamus ◽  
Ovarian Morphology ◽  
Progesterone Metabolite

Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, is one of the best characterized neurosteroids. In a dose that mimics serum levels during stress, allopregnanolone inhibits sexual receptivity and ovulation and induces a decrease in luteinizing hormone levels. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of an intracerebroventricular administration of allopregnanolone on ovarian morphophysiology; serum and tissue levels of progesterone and estrogen; and enzymatic activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3α-hydroxysteroid oxido-reductase in the ovary and in the medial basal hypothalamus on the morning of estrus. Ovarian morphology was analyzed under light microscopy. The hormone assays were performed by radioimmunoassay. The enzymatic activities were measured by spectrophotometric analysis. The morphometric analysis revealed that, in allopregnanolone-treated animals, the number of secondary and Graafian follicles was decreased, whereas that of atretic follicles and cysts was significantly increased. Some cysts showed luteinized unruptured follicles. There were no differences in the number of tertiary follicles or corpora lutea in comparison with the corresponding control groups. In allopregnanolone-treated animals, progesterone serum levels were increased, whereas ovarian progesterone levels were decreased. Moreover, 3β-HSD and 3α-HSOR enzymatic activities were increased in the medial basal hypothalamus, whereas ovarian levels were decreased. The enzyme 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase showed the opposite profile. The results of this study showed that allopregnanolone interferes on ovarian steroidogenesis and ovarian morphophysiology in rats, providing a clear evidence for the role of this neurosteroid in the control of reproductive function under stress situations.Free Spanish abstract: A Spanish translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/153/1/75/suppl/DC1.

scholarly journals Follistatin is essential for normal postnatal development and function of mouse oviduct and uterus

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 985 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Holdsworth-Carson ◽  
R. G. Craythorn ◽  
W. R. Winnall ◽  
K. Dhaliwal ◽  
R. Genovese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Tract Function ◽  
Uterine Inflammation ◽  
And Function

Female mice lacking the follistatin gene but expressing a human follistatin-315 transgene (tghFST315) have reproductive abnormalities (reduced follicles, no corpora lutea and ovarian–uterine inflammation). We hypothesised that the absence of follistatin-288 causes the abnormal reproductive tract via both developmental abnormalities and abnormal ovarian activity. We characterised the morphology of oviducts and uteri in wild type (WT), tghFST315 and follistatin-knockout mice expressing human follistatin-288 (tghFST288). The oviducts and uteri were examined in postnatal Day-0 and adult mice (WT and tghFST315 only) using histology and immunohistochemistry. Adult WT and tghFST315 mice were ovariectomised and treated with vehicle, oestradiol-17β (100 ng injection, dissection 24 h later) or progesterone (1 mg × three daily injections, dissection 24 h later). No differences were observed in the oviducts or uteri at birth, but abnormalities developed by adulthood. Oviducts of tghFST315 mice failed to coil, the myometrium was disorganised, endometrial gland number was reduced and oviducts and uteri contained abundant leukocytes. After ovariectomy, tghFST315 mice had altered uterine cell proliferation, and inflammation was maintained and exacerbated by oestrogen. These studies show that follistatin is crucial to postnatal oviductal–uterine development and function. Further studies differentiating the role of ovarian versus oviductal–uterine follistatin in reproductive tract function at different developmental stages are warranted.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document