1
|
Acharyya A, Das J, Hasan KN. Rhythmicity in testicular melatonin and its correlation with the dynamics of spermatogenic cells in an annual reproductive cycle of Clarias batrachus under natural photo-thermal conditions. Theriogenology 2023; 208:15-27. [PMID: 37290144 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, the pineal hormone, is synthesized and secreted rhythmically in accordance with various environmental cues especially photo-thermal conditions. The reproductive physiology of seasonal breeders is synchronized with the surroundings by melatonin as a neuroendocrine mediator to acts as an important factor in fish reproduction. However, the data on the participation of melatonin in male reproduction and the putative interaction with the process of spermatogenesis in fish is scarce till date. So, major objectives of the current study are to determine for the first time, the relationship, if any, between seasonal levels of melatonin and testicular development and maturation of the germ cells, and also the involvements of specific meteorological parameters in spermatogenesis under natural photo-thermal conditions. We measured the concentration of circulatory and testicular melatonin; value of gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative percentages of different developing spermatogenic cells, area and perimeter (size and shape) of seminiferous lobules along with the level/duration of rainfall, water temperature and day length in six reproductive phases throughout an annual cycle in adult male catfish (Clarias batrachus). Intra-testicular and serum melatonin concentration showed a similar seasonal pattern with a peak during "functional maturity" phase and trough during "slow spermatogenesis" phase. Correlation as well as regression analyses also supported this positive relationship. Interestingly, intra-testicular melatonin also showed a significant positive correlation with GSI and relative percentage as well as lobular size of mature stages (spermatid and spermatozoa) of germ cells in an annual cycle. Furthermore, meteorological factors exhibited as critical cues to regulate the dynamics (in %) of spermatogenic cells and the level of testicular melatonin throughout the annual gonadal cycle. Our results corroborated by principal component (PC) analysis and showed very clearly that active "functional maturity" state is characterized by GSI, testicular melatonin, relative abundance and lobular size of mature spermatogenic stages as key internal oscillators; and studied environmental variables as the external clues for the regulation of spawning process. Collectively, the present data revealed that there is a relationship between melatonin levels and testicular growth and development of germ cells in Clarias batrachus under natural photo-thermal conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akash Acharyya
- Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, 723104, India
| | - Joydeep Das
- Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, 723104, India
| | - Kazi Nurul Hasan
- Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, 723104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Takahashi T, Ogiwara K. Roles of melatonin in the teleost ovary: A review of the current status. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 254:110907. [PMID: 33482340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.110907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, the neurohormone mainly synthesized in and secreted from the pineal gland of vertebrates following a circadian rhythm, is an important factor regulating various physiological processes, including reproduction. Recent data indicate that melatonin is also synthesized in the ovary and that it acts directly at the level of the ovary to modulate ovarian physiology. In some teleosts, melatonin is reported to affect ovarian steroidogenesis. The direct action of melatonin on the ovary could be a possible factor promoting oocyte maturation in teleosts. A role for melatonin in follicle rupture during ovulation in the teleost medaka has recently emerged. In addition, melatonin is suggested to affect oocyte maturation by its antioxidant activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these direct effects of melatonin are largely unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Félix F, Oliveira CCV, Cabrita E. Antioxidants in Fish Sperm and the Potential Role of Melatonin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:E36. [PMID: 33396234 PMCID: PMC7824569 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the effects of novel antioxidants have played an important role in the research focusing on fish cell protection. As food demand grows, aquaculture production becomes more intensive, and fish are more exposed to oxidative stress conditions, like high densities, temperature shifting, frequent fish handling and samplings, and prophylactic or disease treatments, which expose fish to a different environment. Particularly in reproduction, germ cells lose antioxidant capacity with spermatogenesis, as spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative stress. Antioxidants have been used in a variety of fish physiological problems including in reproduction and in the establishment of cryopreservation protocols. From the most used antioxidants to natural plant food and herbs, and endogenously produced antioxidants, like melatonin, a review of the literature available in terms of their effects on the protection of fish spermatozoa is presented here in a classified structure. Several direct and indirect approaches to improve gamete quality using antioxidants administration are mentioned (through feed supplementation or by adding in cryopreservation media), as well as factors affecting the efficiency of these molecules and their mechanisms of action. Special attention is given to the unclear melatonin pathway and its potential scavenger activity to prevent and counteract oxidative stress damage on fish spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina C. V. Oliveira
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Elsa Cabrita
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim BH, Hur SP, Hyeon JY, Yamashina F, Takemura A, Lee YD. Annual patterns of ocular melatonin level in the female grass puffer, Takifugu alboplumbeus: possible involvement in seasonal reproductive response. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:787-801. [PMID: 32128660 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-019-00749-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of ocular melatonin in the annual reproductive cycle of the female grass puffer. Spawning season of the female grass puffer is from June to July in Jeju, South Korea. Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay revealed that levels of ocular melatonin, which show an annual change, peaked in May (spawning season). Additionally, expression of reproductive-related genes also showed annual patterns: GnRH1 peaked in August, GnRH2 peaked in February, GnRH3, Kiss2, and LPXRFa peaked in November. These results suggest that ocular melatonin may be related to the annual reproductive cycle in the grass puffer. To better understand the photic regulation of AANAT1a mRNA in the retina, we observed the nocturnal pattern of ocular melatonin levels daily, which shows a nocturnal pattern in both short photoperiod (SD) and long photoperiod (LD) conditions. In the brain, AANAT2 mRNA also shows a nocturnal pattern in both SD and LD; however, the time of peak expression of AANAT2 mRNA was unchanged in both conditions. Following intraperitoneal injection of melatonin for 2 weeks, expression of GnRH2 and LPXRFa mRNA in the brain significantly increased, while that of Kiss2 mRNA was decreased, suggesting that melatonin has a reproduction-related effect. Furthermore, under SD and LD conditions for 14 weeks, the gonadosomatic index more increased and the maturity of the ovary progressed under LD compared with those under SD, suggesting that the SD photoperiodic signal inactivated ovarian development. These results indicate that the ocular melatonin may have a possible role in the reproductive endocrinology of the grass puffer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Hoon Kim
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 695-965, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Pyo Hur
- Jeju Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, 2670, Iijudong-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, 63349, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Yeon Hyeon
- Jeju Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, 2670, Iijudong-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, 63349, Republic of Korea
| | - Fumika Yamashina
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Akihiro Takemura
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Young-Don Lee
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 695-965, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aripin SA, Jintasatap O, Yoonpundh R. Effects of Melatonin and Zinc Amino Acid on Female Walking Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) Broodstock Performance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2018.289.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
6
|
Takahashi T, Hagiwara A, Ogiwara K. Prostaglandins in teleost ovulation: A review of the roles with a view to comparison with prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 461:236-247. [PMID: 28919301 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins are well known to be central regulators of vertebrate ovulation. Studies addressing the role of prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation have established that they are involved in the processes of oocyte maturation and cumulus oocyte complex expansion. In contrast, despite the first indication of the role of prostaglandins in teleost ovulation appearing 40 years ago, the mechanistic background of their role has long been unknown. However, studies conducted on medaka over the past decade have provided valuable information. Emerging evidence indicates an indispensable role of prostaglandin E2 and its receptor subtype Ptger4b in the process of follicle rupture. In this review, we summarize studies addressing the role of prostaglandins in teleost ovulation and describe recent advances. To help understand differences from and similarities to ovulation in mammalian species, the findings on the roles of prostaglandins in mammalian ovulation are discussed in parallel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Akane Hagiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Influences of exogenous melatonin on the oocyte growth and oxidative status of ovary during different reproductive phases of an annual cycle in carp Catla catla. Theriogenology 2017; 87:349-359. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
8
|
Moniruzzaman M, Hasan KN, Maitra SK. Melatonin actions on ovaprim (synthetic GnRH and domperidone)-induced oocyte maturation in carp. Reproduction 2016; 151:285-96. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The major objective of the present study was to demonstrate the actions of exogenous melatonin on ovaprim (synthetic GnRH and domperidone)-induced final oocyte maturation focusing on the oxidative status of pre-ovulatory follicles in the carpCatla catla. Accordingly, gravid carp during the early spawning phase of the reproductive cycle were injected with melatonin and/or ovaprim at different time intervals or luzindole (a pharmacological blocker of melatonin receptors) before their administration. We studied their effects on the latency period, the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD; a visual marker of final oocyte maturation) in oocytes, and the levels of maturation-promoting factor (MPF), as well as oxidative stress, different antioxidants, melatonin and MT1 melatonin receptor protein in the extracts of pre-ovulatory follicles. Notably, melatonin treatment 2 h before the injection of ovaprim resulted in the shortest latency period as well as the highest rate of GVBD and MPF formation. Exogenous melatonin, irrespective of the injection schedule, caused a significant reduction in intra-follicular oxidative stress and an increase in the levels of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, melatonin and its receptor protein. Concentrations of ovarian melatonin in each fish exhibited a significant negative correlation with the level of oxidative stress, but a positive correlation with the rate of GVBD and the activity/level of different antioxidants. However, no significant effects of melatonin and/or ovaprim were detected in luzindole-pretreated carp. Collectively, the present study provides the first evidence that melatonin pretreatment in carp ameliorates ovaprim actions on the process of final oocyte maturation by the formation of MPF and alleviates oxidative stress in pre-ovulatory follicles by stimulating different antioxidants.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ogiwara K, Takahashi T. A Dual Role for Melatonin in Medaka Ovulation: Ensuring Prostaglandin Synthesis and Actin Cytoskeleton Rearrangement in Follicular Cells. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:64. [PMID: 26864196 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the direct effects of melatonin on vertebrate ovulation remains a challenge. The present study provides the first characterization of the role of melatonin in ovulation using the teleost medaka. The melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole inhibited in vitro follicle ovulation. In the preovulatory follicles, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1a and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase 2, the enzymes responsible for melatonin synthesis, were expressed in the granulosa cells throughout the 24 h spawning cycle. The granulosa cells of the follicle also expressed the melatonin receptor 1a-a. An in vitro characterization study using medaka OLHNI-2 cells revealed that melatonin and luzindole act as an agonist and an antagonist, respectively, of the melatonin receptor. The intracellular cAMP levels in these cells were reduced after melatonin treatment. The expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 group 4a (Pla2g4a), the enzyme producing arachidonic acid (cyclooxygenase-2 substrate), was inhibited in the granulosa cells in luzindole-treated follicles. Follicular prostaglandin E2 levels and in vitro follicle ovulation were suppressed in follicles isolated at 12 h prior to ovulation and incubated with the Pla2g4a inhibitor AACOCF3. The G-actin:F-actin ratios in follicular cells increased with approaching ovulation, but this increase was suppressed after luzindole treatment. The phosphorylation of moesin, an ezrin-radixin-moesin protein, was inhibited in the follicular cells in luzindole-treated follicles. These results indicate a dual role for melatonin in medaka ovulation: melatonin ensures prostaglandin E2 synthesis throughout the spawning cycle and induces actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in the follicular cells at ovulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsueki Ogiwara
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maitra SK, Hasan KN. The Role of Melatonin as a Hormone and an Antioxidant in the Control of Fish Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:38. [PMID: 27199895 PMCID: PMC4854901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction in most fish is seasonal or periodic, and the spawning occurs in an appropriate season to ensure maximum survival of the offspring. The sequence of reproductive events in an annual cycle is largely under the control of a species-specific endogenous timing system, which essentially relies on a well-equipped physiological response mechanism to changing environmental cues. The duration of solar light or photoperiod is one of the most predictable environmental signals used by a large number of animals including fish to coordinate their seasonal breeding. In vertebrates, the pineal gland is the major photoneuroendocrine part of the brain that rhythmically synthesizes and releases melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) into the circulation in synchronization with the environmental light-dark cycle. Past few decades witnessed an enormous progress in understanding the mechanisms by which melatonin regulates seasonal reproduction in fish and in other vertebrates. Most studies emphasized hormonal actions of melatonin through its high-affinity, pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein (guanine nucleotide-binding protein)-coupled receptors on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis of fish. However, the discovery that melatonin due to its lipophilic nature can easily cross the plasma membrane of all cells and may act as a potent scavenger of free radicals and stimulant of different antioxidants added a new dimension to the idea explaining mechanisms of melatonin actions in the regulation of ovarian functions. The basic concept on the actions of melatonin as an antioxidant emerged from mammalian studies. Recently, however, some new studies clearly suggested that melatonin, apart from playing the role of a hormone, may also be associated with the reduction in oxidative stress to augment ovarian functions during spawning. This review thus aims to bring together the current knowledge on the role of melatonin as a hormone as well as an antioxidant in the control of fish reproduction and shape the current working hypotheses supported by recent findings obtained in carp or based on knowledge gathered in mammalian and avian species. In essence, this review highlights potential actions of melatonin as a hormone in determining temporal pattern of spawning and as an antioxidant in regulating oocyte maturation at the downstream of HPG axis in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saumen Kumar Maitra
- Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, India
- *Correspondence: Saumen Kumar Maitra,
| | - Kazi Nurul Hasan
- Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li J, You X, Bian C, Yu H, Coon SL, Shi Q. Molecular Evolution of Aralkylamine N-Acetyltransferase in Fish: A Genomic Survey. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 17:E51. [PMID: 26729109 PMCID: PMC4730296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All living organisms synchronize biological functions with environmental changes; melatonin plays a vital role in regulating daily and seasonal variations. Due to rhythmic activity of the timezyme aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the blood level of melatonin increases at night and decreases during daytime. Whereas other vertebrates have a single form of AANAT, bony fishes possess various isoforms of aanat genes, though the reasons are still unclear. Here, we have taken advantage of multiple unpublished teleost aanat sequences to explore and expand our understanding of the molecular evolution of aanat in fish. Our results confirm that two rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) led to the existence of three fish isoforms of aanat, i.e., aanat1a, aanat1b, and aanat2; in addition, gene loss led to the absence of some forms from certain special fish species. Furthermore, we suggest the different roles of two aanat1s in amphibious mudskippers, and speculate that the loss of aanat1a, may be related to terrestrial vision change. Several important sites of AANAT proteins and regulatory elements of aanat genes were analyzed for structural comparison and functional forecasting, respectively, which provides insights into the molecular evolution of the differences between AANAT1 and AANAT2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Xinxin You
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Hui Yu
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Steven L Coon
- Molecular Genomics Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fu Y, He CJ, Ji PY, Zhuo ZY, Tian XZ, Wang F, Tan DX, Liu GS. Effects of melatonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of sheep granulosa cells under thermal stress. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:21090-104. [PMID: 25405739 PMCID: PMC4264214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151121090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between oocyte and somatic cells plays a crucial role in the regulation of follicular development and oocyte maturation. As a result, granulosa cell apoptosis causes follicular atresia. In this study, sheep granulosa cells were cultured under thermal stress to induce apoptosis, and melatonin (MT) was examined to evaluate its potential effects on heat-induced granulosa cell injury. The results demonstrated that the Colony Forming Efficiency (CFE) of granulosa cells was significantly decreased (heat 19.70% ± 1.29% vs. control 26.96% ± 1.81%, p < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased (heat 56.16% ± 13.95%vs. control 22.80% ± 12.16%, p < 0.05) in granulosa cells with thermal stress compared with the control group. Melatonin (10−7 M) remarkably reduced the negative effects caused by thermal stress in the granulosa cells. This reduction was indicated by the improved CFE and decreased apoptotic rate of these cells. The beneficial effects of melatonin on thermal stressed granulosa cells were not inhibited by its membrane receptor antagonist luzindole. A mechanistic exploration indicated that melatonin (10−7 M) down-regulated p53 and up-regulated Bcl-2 and LHR gene expression of granulosa cells under thermal stress. This study provides evidence for the molecular mechanisms of the protective effects of melatonin on granulosa cells during thermal stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Chang-Jiu He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Peng-Yun Ji
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Zhi-Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiu-Zhi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cellular & Structural Biology, The UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Guo-Shi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|