Follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue after xenotransplantation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the competency of human frozen/thawed ovarian follicles matured in xenografts to form functioning corpora luteae after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration.

DESIGN

Prospective controlled animal study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PATIENT(S)

Three women (19, 28, and 36 years) who underwent oophorectomy.

ANIMAL(S)

Nineteen female severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.

INTERVENTION(S)

Cryopreserved human ovarian tissues were grafted into the s.c. space of bilaterally oophorectomized SCID mice. All the animals were stimulated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) for 4 weeks starting from 16 weeks after transplantation. Twelve animals were injected with hCG at the end of gonadotropin stimulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

[1] The rate of grafts with growing follicles, with antral follicles, and/or with corpora luteae. [2] The histologic assessment of follicles and corpora luteae. [3] The serum progesterone and estradiol level in animals with corpus luteum in the grafts.

RESULT(S)

[1] The rate of grafts with growing follicles and with corpora luteae was 33% to 100%, and 28% to 50%, respectively. [2] Corpora luteae in xenografts were all morphologically normal. [3] The progesterone levels were all above 3.0 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study showed that the cryopreserved human ovarian follicles can be matured to a stage at which they can form functioning corpora luteae in the host animal.

Developmental toxicity but no immunotoxicity in the rat after prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol

Studies with dioxins and PCB's have shown that the developing immune system may be especially vulnerable to xenobiotics during the perinatal period. However, current guidelines for reproductive toxicity testing do not include immune parameters. In the present study, we have explored the usefulness of including immune parameters within the prenatal developmental toxicity study in rats, using the treatment protocol as described in the OECD 414 developmental toxicity test guideline. In addition, the experimental protocol was enhanced by including ten dose groups to facilitate dose-response analysis. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was used as the model compound, as it is known to be toxic both for embryofetal development and for the immune system. The results show developmental toxicity in terms of decreased fetal survival and decreased pup body weight in the presence of reduced maternal food consumption and reduced body weight gain. However, immune parameters, including histopathology, hematology, and antibody responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in pups at 4 weeks of age were uncompromised. It is speculated that rather than the prenatal exposure protocol used here, the generation study design with both pre- and postnatal exposure may be preferable as a general screen to detect developmental immunotoxic injury after xenobiotic exposure.

Effect of unilateral, intraovarian infusions of bacteria on ovarian morphology in gilts

The aim of this study was to investigate whether unilateral, intraovarian infusions of bacteria might have induced morphological changes in the contralateral ovary. Eleven sexually matured gilts with controlled estrous cycle were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: I (Gr. I, treated; n = 4), and II (Gr. II, control; n = 7). In Gr. I, 1 ml of bacterial suspension (10(3) colony forming units/ml of saline of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium pyogenes, in proportion 1:1:1) was infused into the hilus of one ovary from the 15th to the 19th day of the estrous cycle. At the same time, 1 ml of saline was infused into the hilus of the contralateral ovary and into both ovaries of the control gilts. On the 7th day of the next cycle, the ovaries were dissected out. There were no significant differences in the number of follicles and corpora lutea (CL) as well as in weight and size between the bacteria-infused, contralateral and control ovaries. The microscopic observations of the bacteria-infused ovaries revealed the presence of focal infiltrations of neutrophils in the softened stroma, especially around dilated blood vessels filled with erythrocytes. In the contralateral ovaries, the number of regularly distributed neutrophils in the softened stroma was greater than that found in the bacteria-treated ovaries. CL of the bacteria-infused ovaries had more numerous, dilated blood vessels than CL observed in the contralateral gonads. More neutrophils were found in CL of both ovaries in Gr. I as compared to those observed in Gr. II. In Gr. II, single neutrophils were found also in the stroma where the tip of the cannula was inserted. This study revealed that in gilts, unilateral, intraovarian administration of bacteria did not change the number of ovarian structures, the weight and size of the bacteria-infused and contralateral ovary, but induced inflammatory changes in both ovaries.

Structure of the corpus luteum in the ovulatory polycystic ovary

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovaries (PCO) have a wide spectrum of presentation from anovulation and amenorrhoea to apparently regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles. We have recently reported a subtle defect in steroidogenic function in the luteal phase in the latter and an increase in the number of degenerating corpora lutea (CL) were observed in ovulatory PCO (ovPCO) during dissection. The possibility was therefore investigated of differences in structure or degeneration in CL formed during ovulatory cycles in women with PCO.

METHODS

This study compared the histology of the CL in ovPCO with that in the normal ovary. Corpora lutea were collected from nine normal ovaries (days 1-27 of the cycle) and from 13 women with ovPCO (days 5-38).

RESULTS

Variations in the degree of regression, both in relation to onset of menses and between different areas within individual CL, were recorded in both groups. During development and regression no obvious differences were observed between either group apart from an apparent increase in luteal haemorrhage, which was more common and more extensive in CL from PCO.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that possible luteal phase abnormalities of steroid secretion in women with ovulatory PCO are not associated with obvious morphological defects in the CL, however it is possible that the persistence of luteal structures seen in PCO was a consequence of increased luteal haemorrhage.

Selective apoptosis of luteal endothelial cells in dexamethasone-treated rats leads to ischemic necrosis of luteal tissue

In infertile cycles in rats, the corpus luteum (CL) ceases producing progesterone in about 2 days and is eliminated by structural luteolysis. Glucocorticoids disrupt the ovarian cycle and interfere with structural luteolysis. We studied the effects of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on rat luteolysis. Cycling rats were treated during 3 days (from estrus to diestrus) with different doses (0.025, 0.1, 0.4, and 1 mg/rat) of DEX or vehicle. DEX-treated rats showed a necrotic pattern of cell death, affecting exclusively the last generation of regressing CLs. In these animals, selective apoptosis of luteal endothelial cells, detected by both morphological characteristics and TUNEL assay, was observed on the morning of proestrus and was followed by necrosis of the luteal tissue. These effects were dose related. With the lowest DEX doses (0.025 and 0.1 mg), only some of the animals were affected and showed smaller necrotic areas in CLs. The deleterious effects of DEX on endothelial cells were in keeping with the immunohistochemical localization of glucocorticoid receptors in the endothelial cells of the last CL generation. The results of this study strongly suggest that DEX-induced selective apoptosis of endothelial cells leads to ischemic necrosis of the luteal tissue and raises the possibility that actions on endothelial cells may be underlying glucocorticoid-induced effects on the ovary.

Effects of monobutyl phthalate on reproductive function in pregnant and pseudopregnant rats

The effects of monobutyl phthalate (MBuP) on reproductive function were determined in pregnant and pseudopregnant rats. Rats were given MBuP by gastric intubation at 250, 500, 750, or 1000 mg/kg on days 0 to 8 of pregnancy and pregnancy outcome was determined on day 20 of pregnancy. The effects of MBuP on the uterine function, as a cause of early embryonic loss, were also determined in pseudopregnant rats, with an induced decidual cell response. The same doses of MBuP were given to pseudopregnant rats on days 0 to 8 of pseudopregnancy and the uterine weight on day 9 served as an index of uterine decidualization. MBuP at 1000 mg/kg caused significant increases in the incidences of preimplantation loss in females successfully mated and of postimplantation loss in females having implantations. Uterine decidualization in pseudopregnant rats was significantly decreased at 1000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that early embryonic loss due to MBuP is mediated, at least in part, via suppression of uterine decidualization, an impairment of uterine function.

[Experimental study on preventive and therapeutic effect of bushen huoxue recipe on autoimmune premature ovarian failure model]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BSHXR), a Chinese herbal medicinal preparation for tonifying Kidney and invigorating blood circulation, to prevent and treat autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) model.

METHODS

Female 8-10 weeks old BAL B/c mice were immunized by intracutaneously injecting porcine ovum zona pellucida (ZP), isolated by immuno-chromatography, in multiple points of two hind footpads to establish the POF model and treated with BSHXR started from early stage of immunization (prevented group) or after 3 times of injection (treated group). Changes in vaginal smears, serum estradiol (E2), antibody titer against ZP, response of splenic lymphocyte to ZP stimulation of different concentrations, and numbers of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum were analyzed.

RESULTS

Serum E2 level in the prevented and treated mice was all higher than that in the non-treated immunized model mice (the control group), P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively. But the anti-ZP titer lowered significantly after BSHXR administration, as compared with that in the control group. Level of antibodies in the treated group was lower than that of the control, and it was also lower in the prevented group than that in the control. The histo-morphological examination showed that the developing follicles and corpus luteum after BSHXR medication in both prevented and treated group increased significantly as compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). Splenic lymphocyte in the immunized model showed a higher antigen-specific proliferation reaction than that in non-immunized animal, and the reaction was ameliorated by BSHXR medication.

CONCLUSION

BSHXR could recover part of the ovarian function in POF mice mainly through inhibiting specific immune injury to revive the remnant follicles in ovary. The preventive effect of BSHXR was superior to the therapeutic effect of it.

Suppression of decidual cell response induced by tributyltin chloride in pseudopregnant rats: a cause of early embryonic loss

In our previous studies, tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) at doses of 16.3 mg/kg and above caused implantation failure (preimplantation embryonic loss) and postimplantation embryonic loss in rats following administration on gestational day (GD) 0 through GD 3 and GD 4 through GD 7, respectively. This study was designed to assess the effects of TBTCl on uterine function as a cause of early embryonic loss in pseudopregnant rats. TBTCl was given orally to pseudopregnant rats at doses of 4.1, 8.1, 16.3 and 32.5 mg/kg on pseudopregnant day (PPD) 0 to PPD 3 or 8.1, 16.3, 32.5 and 65.1 mg/kg on PPD 4 to PPD 7. The decidual cell response was induced by bilateral scratch trauma on PPD 4. The uterine weight on PPD 9 served as an index of uterine decidualization. Uterine weight and serum progesterone levels on PPD 9 were significantly decreased after administration of TBTCl at doses of 16.3 mg/kg and above on PPD 0 to PPD 3 or PPD 4 to PPD 7. Administration of TBTCl at doses of 8.1 mg/kg and above on PPD 0 to 3 also significantly decreased serum progesterone levels on PPD 4. TBTCl had no effect on ovarian weight and number of corpora lutea. It can be concluded that TBTCl suppresses the uterine decidual cell response and decreases progesterone levels, and these effects are responsible for early embryonic loss due to TBTCl exposure.

Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the human corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy: regulation by human chorionic gonadotropin

To investigate the relationship between apoptosis and the Bcl-2/ Bax system in the human corpus luteum (CL), the frequency of apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were examined in the CL during the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy. In situ analysis of DNA fragmentation showed that the number of apoptotic cells was much greater in the regressing CL than that in the midluteal phase CL, whereas there were almost no apoptotic cells in the CL of early pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Bcl-2 expression was observed in the luteal cells in the midluteal phase and early pregnancy, but not in the regressing CL. In contrast, Bax immunostaining was observed in the regressing CL, but not in the midluteal phase and early pregnancy. bcl-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in the CL during the menstrual cycle were highest in the midluteal phase and lowest in the regressing CL. In the CL of early pregnancy, bcl-2 mRNA levels were significantly higher than those in the midluteal phase. In contrast, bax mRNA levels were highest in the regressing CL and remarkably low in the CL of early pregnancy. Western blot analyses revealed that Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in the regressing CL than in the midluteal phase and early pregnancy, and that Bax expression was, in contrast, significantly higher in the regressing CL than in the midluteal phase and was remarkably low in the CL of early pregnancy. When corpora lutea of the midluteal phase were incubated with hCG, hCG significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and significantly decreased those of Bax. In conclusion, Bcl-2 and Bax may play important roles in the regulation of the life span of the human CL by controlling the rate of apoptosis. hCG may act to prolong the life span of the CL by increasing Bcl-2 expression and decreasing Bax expression when pregnancy occurs.

Induction of mammary gland development in estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice

Mammary glands from the estrogen receptor-a knockout (alphaERKO) mouse do not undergo ductal morphogenesis or alveolar development. Disrupted ERalpha signaling may result in reduced estrogen-responsive gene products in the mammary gland or reduced mammotropic hormones that contribute to the alphaERKO mammary phenotype. We report that circulating PRL is reduced in the female alphaERKO mouse. Implantation of an age-matched, heterozygous ERalpha pituitary isograft under the renal capsule of 25-day-old or 12-week-old alphaERKO mice increased circulating PRL and progesterone levels, and induced mammary gland development. Grafted alphaERKO mice also possessed hypertrophied corpora lutea demonstrating that PRL is luteotropic in the alphaERKO ovary. By contrast, ovariectomy at the time of pituitary grafting prevented mammary gland development in alphaERKO mice despite elevated PRL levels. Hormone replacement using pellet implants demonstrated that pharmacological doses of estradiol induced limited mammary ductal elongation, and estradiol in combination with progesterone stimulated lobuloalveolar development. PRL alone or in combination with progesterone or estradiol did not induce alphaERKO mammary growth. Estradiol and progesterone are required for the structural development of the alphaERKO mammary gland, and PRL contributes to this development by inducing ovarian progesterone levels. Therefore, the manifestation of the alphaERKO mammary phenotype appears due to the lack of direct estrogen action at the mammary gland and an indirect contributory role of estrogen signaling at the hypothalamic/pituitary axis.

Nitric oxide induces apoptosis in the human corpus luteum in vitro

The present study aimed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regression of the human corpus luteum. We therefore examined the effect of both NO and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on luteal cell apoptosis, and Bcl-2 production. The effect of NO on oestrogen production during corpus luteum regression was also studied. Slices from corpus luteum collected throughout the luteal phase were incubated for 4 h with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine (L-Arg, 1 mmol/l), the NOS inhibitor N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (1 mmol/l), or with HCG (10 IU/ml). Oestradiol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay; Bcl-2 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; apoptosis was detected in-situ by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling; and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Consistent with our previous findings, L-Arg elicited an inhibitory action on the production of oestradiol (P< 0.05). The number of apoptotic cells increased (P<0.05) from early to late corpus luteum, as did the number of cells positive for the expression of iNOS. The percentage of apoptotic cells in mid and late luteal phase was increased by L-Arg (56% and 310% respectively; P <0.05), and decreased by L-NMMA and HCG. Although no changes were observed in Bcl-2 concentration during the corpus luteum life span, L-Arg inhibited, and HCG augmented, Bcl-2 production (P<0.05) from mid and late corpus luteum cells in vitro. In summary, these results suggest that the opposite actions of L-Arg and HCG on human corpus luteum viability may, in part, be mediated by changes in the level of the anti-apoptotic activities caused by oestradiol and Bcl-2 protein.

Schistosomiasis of the ovary with endometriosis and corpus hemorrhagicum: a case report

We present a case of Schistosomiasis of the ovary associated with endometriosis and corpus hemorrhagicum. This association has not been reported previously. A 31-year-old Filipino woman visited Li Shin Hospital because of several weeks' history of lower abdominal pain. An ultrasound study revealed a right ovarian mass, and a right oophorectomy was performed. The gross findings included a corpus hemorrhagicum and endometriosis. The histopathologic findings revealed Schistosoma japonicum eggs in the fibrous wall of the ovary with evidence of a chronic inflammatory response containing eosinophils. After a second surgery and medical treatment with antiparasitic drugs, her symptoms were relieved. Adhesions resulting from the oophorectomy and endometriosis of the ovary had resulted in alteration of the blood channels and contributed to the aberrant spread of the Schistosoma eggs. The migration of overseas workers from endemic countries and the growing popularity of worldwide tourism may increase the incidence of parasitic infections.

Hyperreactio luteinalis despite the absence of a corpus luteum and suppressed serum follicle stimulating concentrations in a triplet pregnancy

Hyperreactio luteinalis is characterized by moderate to marked cystic enlargement of the ovaries related to multiple theca lutein cysts and is associated with very high sex steroid concentrations. It is a rare condition especially in the first trimester. The case described below is believed to be the only case of hyperreactio luteinalis reported following frozen embryo transfer. This case provides an opportunity to gain further insight into the mechanism responsible for this unusual condition. The 30 year old woman demonstrated a slightly elevated LH/FSH ratio (5 and 3 mIU/ml respectively) and normal baseline androgen concentrations. Two years following oocyte retrieval she had a second frozen embryo transfer. The ovaries were normal size when the embryos were transferred and androgens were still normal. The ovaries did not begin to enlarge until 51 days from transfer. A dichorionic intrauterine pregnancy with monozygotic twins in the left gestational sac was seen. Eventually, 86 days from transfer, the ovaries enlarged to 145x103x116 mm right; and 83x95x117 mm left. Serum oestradiol was 30 078 pg/ml, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 239 920 mIU/ml, serum progesterone >160 ng/ml, total testosterone 2254 ng/dl, free testosterone 42.3 pg/ml and androstenedione 7328 ng/dl. Throughout the first trimester, serum FSH was <1 mIU/ml. Thus, neither FSH nor a corpus luteum is necessary to initiate this syndrome.

Effects of induced endometritis on the life-span of corpora lutea in pseudopregnant rabbits and incidence of spontaneous uterine infections related to fertility of breeding does

A significant percentage of rabbit does fail to become pregnant after AI. We hypothesized that uterine infections induced by the insemination procedure are related to delayed luteolysis and high progesterone concentrations noted to present at the time of AI. The rabbits, randomly assigned to 4 groups (3 animals/group), were given 0.8 microgram GnRH analogue (Day 0) just prior to infusing the uterus with sterile extender (control group) or with extender inoculated with 0.5, 1, and 2 x 10(6) Pasteurella multocida (treated groups). The effects of treatments on functional life-span of CL were assessed by evaluating plasma progesterone from Day 0 to Day 23 of pseudopregnancy. In treated rabbits, the progesterone profiles closely overlapped those found in controls until approximately Day 14. Thereafter, they varied greatly between animals, but luteolysis was delayed by at least 5-6 d and developed less rapidly than in controls. On Day 21, progesterone concentrations were higher than normal in 4 treated does. In a field survey, vaginal swabs were collected at the time of the second AI from 114 non-pregnant rabbits and those positive to bacteriological culture, were killed humanely 16 d later to collect uterine swabs. Positive uterine swabs were found only in 19 of the 34 does having a positive vaginal swabs and all of them were not pregnant. The most frequent pathogen isolated was S. aureus (50%), followed by E. coli (37.5%) and P. multocida (12.5%). We demonstrated that uterine infection increases the life-span of CL in non-pregnant does and that infections of the genital tract system are quite common among does on breeding farms, probably related to using AI.

Targeted disruption of CDK4 delays cell cycle entry with enhanced p27(Kip1) activity

The mechanism by which cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) regulates cell cycle progression is not entirely clear. Cyclin D/CDK4 appears to initiate phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) leading to inactivation of the S-phase-inhibitory action of Rb. However, cyclin D/CDK4 has been postulated to act in a noncatalytic manner to regulate the cyclin E/CDK2-inhibitory activity of p27(Kip1) by sequestration. In this study we investigated the roles of CDK4 in cell cycle regulation by targeted disruption of the mouse CDK4 gene. CDK4(-/-) mice survived embryogenesis and showed growth retardation and reproductive dysfunction associated with hypoplastic seminiferous tubules in the testis and perturbed corpus luteum formation in the ovary. These phenotypes appear to be opposite to those of p27-deficient mice such as gigantism and gonadal hyperplasia. A majority of CDK4(-/-) mice developed diabetes mellitus by 6 weeks, associated with degeneration of pancreatic islets. Fibroblasts from CDK4(-/-) mouse embryos proliferated similarly to wild-type embryonic fibroblasts under conditions that promote continuous growth. However, quiescent CDK4(-/-) fibroblasts exhibited a substantial ( approximately 6-h) delay in S-phase entry after serum stimulation. This cell cycle perturbation by CDK4 disruption was associated with increased binding of p27 to cyclin E/CDK2 and diminished activation of CDK2 accompanied by impaired Rb phosphorylation. Importantly, fibroblasts from CDK4(-/-) p27(-/-) embryos displayed partially restored kinetics of the G(0)-S transition, indicating the significance of the sequestration of p27 by CDK4. These results suggest that at least part of CDK4's participation in the rate-limiting mechanism for the G(0)-S transition consists of controlling p27 activity.

Induction of inflammatory angiogenesis by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1

Almost any growth of tumors is to some extent associated with an inflammatory reaction which may be anti-tumorigenic by acting directly on tumor cells or protumorigenic cells presumably by inducing tumor-associated angiogenesis. In this study, we have analyzed the angiogenesis-inducing capacity of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a key regulatory molecule of monocyte trafficking to sites of inflammation. MCP-1 was found to be potently angiogenic when implanted into rabbit cornea, exerting potency similar to the specific angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A(121). MCP-1-induced angiogenesis in the cornea is associated with prominent recruitment of macrophages, whereas VEGF-A(121)-induced corneal angiogenesis is devoid of inflammatory cell recruitment. Based on these findings, we studied MCP-1 expression and macrophage recruitment in human invasive ductal mammary carcinomas in comparison with the physiological angiogenic processes in bovine ovarian corpus luteum. Macrophage recruitment was always associated with MCP-1 expression. High macrophage counts in mammary tumors corresponded with poor prognosis. In contrast, physiological ovarian angiogenesis was associated with only minimal inflammatory recruitment of macrophages. Our data show that MCP-1 is an indirect inflammation-associated inducer of angiogenesis and demonstrate distinct qualitative differences between tumor angiogenesis in human mammary tumors and physiological angiogenesis in the ovary.

Antioxidants mimic the ability of chorionic gonadotropin to suppress apoptosis in the rabbit corpus luteum in vitro: a novel role for superoxide dismutase in regulating bax expression

We have recently reported that members of the bcl-2 gene family are expressed and estradiol regulated in rabbit luteal cells during corpus luteum (CL) regression, and that estradiol and hCG are effective inhibitors of apoptosis in the rabbit CL in vivo and in vitro. As Bcl-2 and related proteins are known to regulate levels of reactive oxygen species or their intermediates in cells as one possible mechanism to control apoptosis, the present studies were designed to examine if oxidative stress plays a role in luteal cell apoptosis during CL regression in the rabbit. In the first set of experiments, healthy CL obtained from day 11 pseudopregnant rabbits were incubated in serum-free medium for 2 h in the absence or presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD; 1.5-150 U/ml), ascorbic acid (1-100 mM), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (25 and 50 mM), or catalase (10-1000 U/ml). Cells within CL incubated in medium alone exhibited extensive apoptosis (examined by analysis of extracted DNA using 3'-end labeling), and this onset of apoptosis was blocked in a dose-dependent fashion by treatment with SOD, ascorbic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or catalase. In the second set of experiments, expression of bax and bcl-x in CL after in vitro treatment without and with 100 U/ml SOD was examined. Although SOD treatment did not alter the levels of bcl-x messenger RNA (mRNA) over the 2-h incubation period, this antioxidant enzyme significantly reduced the levels of bax mRNA in incubated CL. In the final set of experiments, we observed that expression of mitochondrial- or manganese-containing SOD was significantly increased by treatment of isolated CL with 1 microg/ml hCG in vitro, whereas bax mRNA levels were significantly reduced under the same culture conditions. Collectively, these data indicate that the gonadotropin-mediated inhibition of apoptosis in rabbit luteal cells involves enhanced expression of the oxidative stress response gene, manganese-containing SOD, whose protein product may then function to protect luteal cells directly from the damaging effect of reactive oxygen species and/or indirectly by acutely down-regulating expression of Bax, a prooxidant member of the Bcl-2 protein family.

MRI appearance of ruptured corpus luteum

A 20-year-old woman was admitted complaining of lower abdominal pain. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed a fluid collection in the pouch of Douglas and an irregularly shaped ovary with cystic lesions. Malignant cystic mass of the right ovary was highly suspected from the ultrasound findings. Transvaginal peritoneal centesis yielded a bloody fluid, but the pregnancy test was negative. On the third day of admission, menstruation began. MR examination performed four days after the initial onset of pain showed a subacute hematoma just adjacent to the right ovary, and segmental interruption of the right ovarian cortex. Based on these MR findings and the patient's history, subacute hemorrhage from the right ovarian corpus luteum was suspected, and this was confirmed with surgical exploration.

The human corpus luteum: reduction in macrophages during simulated maternal recognition of pregnancy

It has been shown that immune cells, particularly macrophages, accumulate in the corpus luteum during luteolysis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal recognition of pregnancy on the localization and numbers of macrophages in the human corpus luteum. Corpora lutea (n = 12) were obtained from normally cycling women at the time of hysterectomy and were dated on the basis of serial urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) estimation. In addition, corpora lutea (n = 4) were collected from women who had received daily doubling doses of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to mimic the hormonal changes of early pregnancy. Macrophages were localized by immunohistochemistry using an anti-CD68 antibody. Steroidogenic cells, steroidogenic cells of thecal origin and endothelial cells were identified on serial sections by immunohistochemistry for 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17alpha-hydroxylase and von Willebrand factor, respectively. The luteal cells capable of responding directly to HCG were identified by isotopic in-situ hybridization for messenger RNA encoding LH/HCG receptors. Macrophages were localized primarily to the vascular connective tissue and theca-lutein areas of the corpus luteum, although some were found in the granulosa-lutein cell layer. Macrophage numbers increased throughout the luteal phase to a maximum in the late-luteal phase (P < 0.05). Luteal 'rescue' with HCG was associated with a marked reduction in the numbers of tissue macrophages when compared with those of the late-luteal phase (P < 0.001). One of the effects of HCG during maternal recognition of pregnancy is to prevent the normal influx of macrophages into the corpus luteum. As LH/HCG receptors localized to the steroidogenic cells, this implies a fundamental role for steroidogenic cell products in the control of macrophage influx into the human corpus luteum.

Influence of hypo- or hyperthyroidism on ovarian function in Brahman cows

Multiparous Brahman cows (n = 21) were randomly assigned during late fall within BW and body condition score (BCS) to receive either 3.0 mL of corn oil (C; n = 7), 3.0 mg/(cow x d) triiodothyronine (T3) s.c. in 3.0 mL of corn oil (HYPER; n = 7), or 4.0 mg/(kg x d) 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU; fed with concentrate) plus 3.0 mL/d corn oil (HYPO; n = 7). Water, minerals, and Coastal bermudagrass hay were available free choice, and all cows received 3.2 kg x cow(-1) x d(-1) of 5:1 corn:soybean meal concentrate. The feeding period extended through three normal estrous cycles. Blood samples were collected weekly during the first and second estrous cycle, or until d 42 for anestrous cows, and daily throughout the third cycle. Also, between d 9 and 14 of the third cycle, or after d 35 in anestrous cows, intensive samples were collected at 2-h intervals for 24 h. Serum T3, thyroxine (T4), and progesterone (P4) were measured in weekly and intensive samples, and cortisol, insulin, GH, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in intensive samples. The altered thyroid status of HYPER and HYPO cows was evident (P < .001) during the third estrous cycle in mean daily T3, T4, and intensive TSH (P < .001) concentrations. Changes in BW and BCS were influenced by treatment (P < .001). A greater (P < .001) proportion of HYPER cows exhibited abnormal cycle length, and three of seven cows became anestrous. For cows that continued normal cycles, treatment did not affect (P > .05) the number of follicular waves, diameter of the dominant follicle, diameter of the ovulatory follicle, or P4 profiles during the third cycle. Insulin and GH concentrations did not differ (P > .05) among treatments in intensive samples, but, mean cortisol was greatest (P < .02) in HYPER cows. For Brahman cows that maintained normal estrous cycles, induced hyper-or hypothyroid status did not influence ovarian function.

Changes in ovarian follicles following acute infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has been associated with several reproductive problems in cattle, including poor fertility, early embryonic deaths, abortion and congenital anomalies. Little is known about the cause of poor fertility in cows acutely infected with BVDV. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in ovarian function following acute infection with noncytopathic BVDV. The ovaries of 5 BVDV sero-negative and virus-negative pubertal heifers were monitored daily for 4 consecutive estrous cycles. The position and diameter of all follicles (> 5 mm) and luteal structures were recorded. Daily plasma samples were collected to measure peripheral progesterone and estradiol levels. Each heifer was infected intranasally with noncytopathic BVDV following ovulation of the second estrous cycle. The maximum diameter and growth rate of dominant anovulatory and ovulatory follicles were significantly reduced following acute BVDV infection. Similarly, the number of subordinate follicles associated with both the anovulatory and ovulatory follicle was reduced following infection. There were no significant differences in other follicle or luteal dynamic parameters or in peripheral progesterone or estradiol levels. Ovarian follicular growth was different during the first 2 estrous cycles following acute infection with BVDV when compared with the 2 estrous cycles preceding infection. These differences may be important in explaining reduced fertility in herds with acute BVDV infection.

Ovarian pregnancy; relationship to an intrauterine device

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the gestational sac is implanted within the ovary. The incidence is 0.5 to 3% of all ectopic gestations. In contrast to patients with tubal pregnancies, traditional risk factors, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and prior surgical procedure upon the pelvis, may not play a role in the aetiology. In the 2 cases reported here, it seems that using an intrauterine contraceptive device was an important factor.

Ovarian luteal cell toxicity of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and methoxy acetic acid in vivo and in vitro

These studies define the site and mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) in a nongravid female animal model using in vivo and in vitro methods. In vivo studies assessed vaginal cytology and histology, ovarian histology, and serum hormones in 80- to 90-day-old, adult, regularly cycling, female Sprague-Dawley rats treated daily with EGME or vehicle by oral gavage. Dose-response and time-course studies (four to nine rats per group per treatment) determined that 300 mg/kg EGME suppressed cyclicity without systemic toxicity within 3 to 8 days, and doses less than 100 mg/kg had no effect. Pathogenesis studies (six to nine rats per time and treatment) determined that 300 mg/kg EGME elevated serum progesterone within 32 hr after dosing, while serum estradiol, FSH, LH, and prolactin remained at baseline levels. In EGME-treated rats, cyclicity was suppressed, ovulation was inhibited, and corpora lutea were hypertrophied. Thus, EGME appeared to target the ovarian luteal cell. To further examine the toxicity in vitro, luteal cells were recovered from 23-day-old, hCG-primed Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with 0-10 mM methoxy acetic acid (MAA), the proximate toxic metabolite of EGME. MAA (1-10 mM) maintained elevated progesterone levels as production declined in untreated cells at 24 and 48 hr of culture. Progesterone production was maintained independent of LH-stimulated cAMP levels. MAA decreased ATP, but only at 48 hr and at 2.5 mM or greater concentrations. Thus, these studies establish that the ovarian luteal cell is a target of EGME and MAA in vivo and in vitro and that the effect on luteal cell progesterone production is likely independent of LH-stimulated cAMP pathways.

Disappearance of the ovulation stigma in baboons (Papio anubis, Papio cynocephalus) as determined by serial laparoscopies during the luteal phase

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how long an ovulation stigma remains visible as determined by serial laparoscopies performed during the luteal phase in baboons.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Sixteen female baboons with a normal pelvis (n = 6) and with endometriosis (n = 10) housed at the Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya.

INTERVENTIONS

Fifty-six laparoscopies were carried out before ovulation (n = 7) and serially during the luteal phase (n = 49; 3 +/- 1 per baboon): 1 to 2 days (n = 2), 4 to 5 days (n = 15), 8 to 9 days (n = 11), 12 to 13 days (n = 12), and 16 to 17 days (n = 9) after ovulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

During each laparoscopy the ovaries were screened systematically for the presence and size of an ovulation stigma and/or corpus luteum (CL).

RESULTS

When the laparoscopy was done within 5 days after ovulation, a fresh ovulation stigma was observed in all nine baboons with a normal pelvis or minimal endometriosis, but only in four of seven animals with mild to severe disease. If a fresh ovulation stigma had been observed within 5 days after ovulation (n = 13), it gradually became smaller but remained visible 8 to 9 days after ovulation in 91%, at 12 to 13 days after ovulation in 75%, and at 16 to 17 days after ovulation in 50% of the primates.

CONCLUSION

If a fresh ovulation stigma was observed in baboons within 5 days after ovulation, it diminished in size but remained visible up to 8, 12, and 16 days after ovulation in 91%, 75%, and 50% of animals, respectively. Therefore, diagnostic laparoscopies for the detection of an ovulation stigma in baboons should be performed in the early luteal phase.