1
|
Manca ME, Manunta ML, Spezzigu A, Torres-Rovira L, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Pasciu V, Piu P, Leoni GG, Succu S, Chesneau D, Naitana S, Berlinguer F. Melatonin deprival modifies follicular and corpus luteal growth dynamics in a sheep model. Reproduction 2014; 147:885-95. [PMID: 24570480 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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 (n=6) and sham-operated (n=6). 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 (310±24.7 vs 217.5±24.7 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 (4.3±0.2 vs 5.2±0.2; P<0.05), because waves were 1 day longer when compared with the controls (7.2±0.3 vs 6.1±0.3; P<0.05). The mean area of the corpora lutea (105.4±5.9 vs 65.4±5.9 mm(2); P<0.05) and plasma progesterone levels (7.1±0.7 vs 4.9±0.6 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Manca
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Maria Lucia Manunta
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Antonio Spezzigu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Laura Torres-Rovira
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Valeria Pasciu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Peter Piu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Giovanni G Leoni
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Sara Succu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Didier Chesneau
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, FranceDepartment of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Salvatore Naitana
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, ItalyEmbryo SardegnaTechnology, Reproduction, and Fertility, 07034 Perfugas, Località Suiles (SS), ItalyDepartment of Animal ReproductionINIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, SpainInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)UMR85, F-37380 Nouzilly, FranceCNRSUMR 7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|