scholarly journals Short oestrous cycles in sheep during anoestrus involve defects in progesterone biosynthesis and luteal neovascularisation

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
H M Brown ◽  
C Fabre Nys ◽  
J Cognié ◽  
R J Scaramuzzi
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Short Cycle ◽  
Luteal Function ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Cast Doubt ◽  
Ram Effect

Anoestrous ewes can be induced to ovulate by the socio-sexual, ‘ram effect’. However, in some ewes, the induced ovulation is followed by an abnormally short luteal phase causing a so-called ‘short cycle’. The defect responsible for this luteal dysfunction has not been identified. In this study, we investigated ovarian and uterine factors implicated in male-induced short cycles in anoestrous ewes using a combined endocrine and molecular strategy. Before ovulation, we were able to detect a moderate loss of thecal expression of steroid acute regulatory protein (STAR) in ewes that had not received progesterone priming (which prevents short cycles). At and following ovulation, we were able to identify a significant loss of expression of genes coding key proteins involved in the biosynthesis of progesterone (STAR,CYP11A1andHSD3B1(HSD3B)) as well as genes coding proteins critical for vascular development during early luteal development (VEGFAandKDR(VEGFR2)), suggesting dysfunction in at least two pathways critical for normal luteal function. Furthermore, these changes were associated with a significant reduction of progesterone production and luteal weight. Additionally, we cast doubt on the proposed uterus-mediated effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) as a cause of short cycles by demonstrating the dysregulation of luteal expression of the PGF receptor, which mediates the luteal effects of PGF2α, and by finding no significant changes in the circulating concentrations of PGFM, the principal metabolite of PGF2α in ewes with short cycles. This study is the first of its kind to examine concurrently the endocrine and molecular events in the follicular and early luteal stages of the short cycle.Free French abstractA French translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/3/357/suppl/DC1

scholarly journals Heat stress during the luteal phase decreases luteal size but does not affect circulating progesterone in gilts1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (10) ◽  
pp. 4314-4322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie L Bidne ◽  
Matthew R Romoser ◽  
Jason W Ross ◽  
Lance H Baumgard ◽  
Aileen F Keating
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Protein Abundance ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Estrous Cycles ◽  
Seasonal Infertility

Abstract Heat stress (HS) occurs when heat dissipation mechanisms are insufficient to maintain euthermia, and it is associated with seasonal infertility (SI), which manifests as smaller litters, longer wean-to-estrus interval, increased abortions, and reduced conception rates. To understand HS-induced mechanisms underlying SI, crossbred post-pubertal gilts (167 ± 10 kg; n = 14) experienced either thermal neutral (TN, 20 ± 1 °C, n = 7) or cyclical HS (35 ± 1 °C for 12 h and 31.6 °C for 12 h, n = 7) conditions from 2 to 12 d post-estrus (dpe). Estrous cycles were synchronized via altrenogest administration for 14 d, phenotypic manifestation of estrus was observed and gilts were assigned to experimental treatment. Gilts were limit fed 2.7 kg daily with ad libitum water access. Blood was collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 dpe via jugular venipuncture and animals were humanely euthanized at 12 dpe. The corpora lutea (CL) width were measured via digital calipers on both ovaries, and CL from one ovary were excised, weighed, and protein and steroid abundance analyzed via western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Relative to TN, HS increased (P < 0.01) rectal temperature and respiration rates and reduced (P < 0.01) feed intake. The CL from HS ovaries were reduced in diameter (P < 0.05) and weight (P < 0.01) relative to those from TN animals. No difference (P = 0.38) in CL or serum progesterone concentrations between groups was observed at any time point, though at 12 dpe the serum progesterone:CL weight was increased (P < 0.10) by HS. No treatment differences (P = 0.84) in circulating insulin were observed. Luteal protein abundance of steroid acute regulatory protein, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid, or prostaglandin F2α receptor were not different between treatments (P = 0.73). Taken together, these data demonstrate that the CL mass is HS sensitive, but this phenotype does not appear to be explained by the metrics evaluated herein. Regardless, HS-induced decreased CL size may have important implications to pig SI and warrants additional attention.

scholarly journals hCG Improves Luteal Function and Promotes Progesterone Output through the Activation of JNK Pathway in the Luteal Granulosa Cells of the Stimulated IVF Cycles†

2020 ◽  
Vol 102 (6) ◽  
pp. 1270-1280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamze Bildik ◽  
Nazli Akin ◽  
Yashar Esmaeilian ◽  
Francesko Hela ◽  
Kayhan Yakin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzymes ◽  
Jnk Pathway ◽  
Jnk Signaling ◽  
Luteal Function ◽  
Jnk Signaling Pathway

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a luteotropic hormone that promotes the survival and steroidogenic activity of corpus luteum (CL) by acting through luteinizing hormone receptors (LHRs) expressed on luteinized theca and granulosa cells (GCs). Therefore, it is used to support luteal phase in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles to improve clinical pregnancy rates and prevent miscarriage. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this action of hCG is not well characterized. To address this question, we designed an in vitro translational research study on the luteal GCs obtained from 58 IVF patients. hCG treatment at different concentrations and time points activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and significantly increased its endogenous kinase activity along with upregulated expression of steroidogenic enzymes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (stAR), 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD)) in a dose-dependent manner in the luteal GCs. As a result, in vitro P production of the cells was significantly enhanced after hCG. When JNK pathway was inhibited pharmacologically or knocked-down with small interfering RNA luteal function was compromised, P4 production was declined along with the expression of stAR and 3β-HSD in the cells. Further, hCG treatment after JNK inhibition failed to correct the luteal defect and promote P4 output. Similar to hCG, luteinizing hormone (LH) treatment improved luteal function as well and this action of LH was associated with JNK activation in the luteal GCs. These findings could be important from the perspective of CL biology and luteal phase in human because we for the first time identify a critical role for JNK signaling pathway downstream LHR activation by hCG/LH in luteal GCs. Summary Sentence JNK signaling pathway plays a central role in the upregulated expression of the steroidogenic enzymes StAR and 3b-HSD and augmented progesterone production by hCG/LH in human luteal granulosa cells.

scholarly journals Probing Ovulatory-Cycle Shifts in Women’s Preferences for Men’s Behaviors

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Stern ◽  
Tanja M. Gerlach ◽  
Lars Penke
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Courtship Behavior ◽  
Mate Preferences ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Ovulatory Cycle ◽  
Behavioral Cues ◽  
Cast Doubt ◽  
Women’S Preferences

The existence of ovulatory-cycle shifts in women’s mate preferences has been a point of controversy. There is evidence that naturally cycling women in their fertile phase, compared with their luteal phase, evaluate specific behavioral cues in men as more attractive for sexual relationships. However, recent research has cast doubt on these findings. We addressed this debate in a large, preregistered, within-participants study using salivary-hormone measures and luteinizing-hormone tests. One hundred fifty-seven female participants rated the sexual and long-term attractiveness of 70 men in dyadic intersexual interactions in natural videos. Multilevel comparisons across two ovulatory cycles indicated that women’s mate preferences for men’s behaviors did not shift across the cycle for either competitive or courtship behavior. Within-women hormone levels and relationship status did not affect these results. Hormonal mechanisms and implications for estrus theories are discussed.

scholarly journals Hierarchical expression of genes controlled by the Bacillus subtilis global regulatory protein CodY

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (22) ◽  
pp. 8227-8232 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Brinsmade ◽  
E. L. Alexander ◽  
J. Livny ◽  
A. I. Stettner ◽  
D. Segre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Expression Of Genes

Current Strategies in Treatment of Oligodendroglioma: Evolution of Molecular Signatures of Response

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1246-1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt A. Jaeckle ◽  
Karla V. Ballman ◽  
Ravi D. Rao ◽  
Robert B. Jenkins ◽  
Jan C. Buckner
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Molecular Signatures ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
Phase Iii Trials ◽  
Prognostic Group

Oligodendroglioma frequently (≥ 70%) responds to radiation and chemotherapy, and is the first CNS neoplasm in which a genetic signature (1p and 19q deletion) has been associated with outcome within the context of large clinical trials. Current translational investigations focus on deletions or mutations of potential tumor suppressor genes, epigenetic alterations, amplification or mutation of growth factor and regulatory genes, and characterization of signaling events and regulatory protein expression. The most compelling data has involved 1p and 19q loss, which is observed in over 50% of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. In two randomized phase III trials (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9402 and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 26951), the addition of neoadjuvant or adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV; respectively) to radiotherapy did not produce superior survival as compared with radiotherapy alone. A modest increase in progression-free survival was observed with the addition of PCV, but at the cost of increased toxicity. Combined 1p and 19q loss identified a favorable prognostic group in both studies, which appeared to be independent of treatment arms. However, it is unclear whether these deletions represent surrogate markers of a favorable biologic tumor behavior, or are predictive of outcome after specific treatment. Currently, there is insufficient data to allow therapeutic decisions to be made solely on the basis of 1p and 19q gene deletion status. Future phase III trials are evaluating other chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, including temozolomide, and include correlative investigations of aberrant molecular events in these neoplasms, which may lead to future therapeutic strategies that are based on specific molecular signatures.

EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α ON OVARIAN BLOOD FLOW AND VASCULAR RESISTANCE IN THE PSEUDOPREGNANT RABBIT

1975 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Olof Janson ◽  
Ivan Albrecht ◽  
Kurt Ahrén
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Vascular Resistance ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Interstitial Tissue ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Luteal Function ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
Before And After

ABSTRACT In the search for data supporting the hypothesis that the luteolytic effect of prostaglandins (PG) is initiated by a vascular mechanism, some haemodynamic parameters including ovarian blood flow and vascular resistance were measured in pseudopregnant anaesthetized rabbits before and after exogenous administration of PGF2α. The measurements were performed on days 5–10 of pseudopregnancy induced by 500 IU HCG iv. Infusion of 50 μg/kg PGF2α iv over a one-minute period caused significant falls in cardiac output, heart rate and blood pressure after 1–3 min. Blood pressure and cardiac output were normalized after 16–49 min. Blood flow in the ovarian vein (direct measurements) decreased and returned to initial values parallel to the blood pressure and no change in resistance in the vascular bed drained by the vein was noted. Total ovarian blood flow and resistance, as measured in surgically intact ovaries before and after PG infusion, using 35 or 15 μm 169Yb and 46Sc-labelled microspheres, changed and remained constant respectively, according to the same pattern as in the direct measurements. The distribution of blood flow between the corpora lutea and the interstitial tissue of the ovary measured by 15 μm radioactive microspheres. PGF2α caused an interstitial vasodilation whereas no significant change in luteal vascular resistance was noted. Since luteal blood flow represented a predominant part of total ovarian flow in the type of ovary studied, the interstitial vasodilatation caused only negligible changes in blood flow to the whole ovary. The present study does not support the hypothesis of a PG-induced luteal blood flow reduction preceding luteolysis. The possible significance of the interstitial vasodilatation for luteal function remains to be elucidated.

Synchronization of oestrus and subsequent fertility in cattle, using the prostaglandin F2α analogue, ICI 80996 (cloprostenol)

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (81) ◽  
pp. 437 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hearnshaw
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Optimum Time ◽  
Subcutaneous Injections ◽  
Late Luteal Phase ◽  
Initial Injection ◽  
Subsequent Fertility ◽  
Subsequent Cycle ◽  
Cycle Lengths

The prostaglandin analogue, ICI 80996 (cloprostenol), was administered subcutaneously to synchronize oestrus in cattle. One injection, or two injections 12 days apart, of 400 pg gave optimal results (78 and 72 per cent synchronized respectively) for the Hereford cross heifers used. Heifers treated with cloprostenol from days one to five of the cycle, did not respond to the first injection, but did so to a second injection given 12 days later. A greater percentage of heifers, treated in the mid or late luteal phase of the cycle, exhibited oestrus after the first injection of cloprostenol than after the second injection. The percentage of these heifers showing induced oestrus varied from 44 to 100 per cent. There was a peak in the incidence of oestrus between 49 and 72 hours after injection but the distribution ranged from 24 to 120 hours. Peripheral blood progesterone concentrations, palpation of the ovaries and subsequent cycle lengths, indicated that the cloprostenol had no adverse effects in the majority of heifers. However, about 30 per cent of the heifers that responded to an initial injection of cloprostenol given in the mid luteal phase of the cycle failed to respond to a second injection. Some of these heifers had abnormal progesterone profiles and subsequent reproductive patterns. Fertility, following one or two subcutaneous injections of cloprostenol and artificial insemination at the set times of 72 and 96 hours, was 30 and 46 per cent respectively. However, if only heifers inseminated at the optimum time were considered, fertility at pregnancy diagnosis (73 and 65 per cent) and calving (53 and 57 per cent) was acceptable.

445 RELATIONSHIPS OF LUTEAL PHASE VARIABLES (PRIOR TO AI) WITH FOLLICULAR WAVES IN WATER BUFFALOES

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 379
Author(s):  
H. Kohram ◽  
G. Mohammadi ◽  
E. Dirandeh
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Estrous Cycles ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Follicular Waves

This study was done to consider relationships of luteal phase variables (prior to AI) with follicular waves. The estrous cycles of 15 buffaloes were synchronized with 2 i.m. injections of prostaglandin F2α given 11 days apart. The buffaloes were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments. Buffaloes in the control treatment received no treatment, whereas G6 buffalos received a GnRH injection between Day 5 and 7 and G16 buffalos received a GnRH injection between Day 15 and 17 of the estrous cycle (estrus = Day 0). Daily, from estrus Day 0 to the next estrus Day 23, buffaloes had their ovaries scanned by ultrasound. Blood samples were collected by tail following each ultrasound examination from estrus until next estrus (estrus = 0). Concentrations of plasma progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay kit. The limit of detection of the assay was 0.1 45 ng mL-1 and the intra- and interassay coeffients of variation were 7.4% and 9.2%, respectively. Data were analyzed by using PROC GLM of SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). For comparisons between groups, the 2-sample t-test was used for continuous traits, such as size of CL or hormone concentrations. Prospective comparisons of indices of progesterone indicated that the length of luteal lifespan was longer in 3-wave than in 2-wave buffaloes (P < 0.01). Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar at peak and measured as area under the curve on Day 5 through 17 preceding insemination in 2-wave (5.30 ± 0.40 ng mL-1) and 3-wave buffaloes (5.10 ± 0.20 ng mL-1). Length of the luteal phase (defined as from the day of estrus until the last day on which plasma progesterone remained >2 ng mL-1) was <2 days shorter in 2-wave buffaloes than in 3-wave buffaloes (15.20 ± 0.40 v. 17.10 ± 0.50 d; P < 0.05). In addition, the day of peak progesterone occurred earlier in 2-wave buffaloes (13.50 ± 0.30 v. 15.30 ± 0.70 d; P < 0.05).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document