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Zhou X, Jiang D, Zhang Z, Shen X, Pan J, Ouyang H, Xu D, Tian Y, Huang Y. Effect of active immunization with OPN5 on follicular development and egg production in quail under different photoperiods. Theriogenology 2024; 228:81-92. [PMID: 39116655 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
OPN5 is one of the main deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs), converting photoperiodic information into neuroendocrine signals to regulate reproduction in birds. This study investigated the mechanism of OPN5-mediated photoperiodic regulation of reproduction by active immunization against OPN5. 96 female quail were divided into OPN5-immunized and control group under the same photoperiod: 16 L:8 D (d 1 to d 35), 8 L:16 D (d 36 to d 70) and 12 L:12 D (d 71 to d 126). OPN5-immunized group was conducted with OPN5 protein vaccination and control group was given a blank vaccine. Samples were collected on d 1, d 30, d 60, and d 126. Results showed switching photoperiod to 8 L:16 D decreased the laying rate, GSI%, numbers of YFs and WFs, serum levels of PRL, P4 and E2, and pituitary PRL and TSHβ protein expressions in both groups (P < 0.05). Whereas the OPN5-immunized group exhibited higher laying rates than the control group (P < 0.05). The control group showed reduced GnRHR and TSHβ gene expressions in the pituitary and increased GnIH and DIO3 transcript and/or protein abundance in the hypothalamus. (P < 0.05). The OPN5-immunized group had lower DIO3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. (P < 0.05). Switching photoperiod from 8 L:16 D to 12 L:12 D increased the laying rates, GSI%, numbers of YFs and WFs, serum levels of PRL, and PRL protein expression in both groups (P < 0.05), and the responses were more pronounced in OPN5-immunized group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, quail with OPN5-immunization had higher OPN5 and DIO2 transcript and/or protein levels but lower DIO3 expressions in the hypothalamus along the transition photoperiods (P < 0.05). The results revealed that OPN5 responds to photoperiod transition, and its activation mediates related signaling to up-regulate TSH-DIO2/DIO3 pathway and VIP-PRL secretion to prime quail reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhou
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoshen Zhang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhou X, Jiang D, Xu Y, Pan J, Xu D, Tian Y, Shen X, Huang Y. Endocrine and molecular regulation mechanisms of follicular development and egg-laying in quails under different photoperiods. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4809-4818. [PMID: 37022011 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2196551] [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] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiod is a key environmental factor in regulating bird reproduction and induces neuroendocrine changes through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. OPN5, as a deep-brain photoreceptor, transmits light signals to regulate follicular development through TSH-DIO2/DIO3. However, the mechanism among OPN5, TSH-DIO2/DIO3, and VIP/PRL in the HPG axis underlying the photoperiodic regulation of bird reproduction is unclear. In this study, 72 laying quails with 8-week-old were randomly divided into the long-day (LD) group [16 light (L): 8 dark (D)] and the short-day (SD) group (8 L:16 D), and then samples were collected on d 1, d 11, d 22, and d 36 of the experiment. The results showed that compared with the LD group, the SD group significantly inhibited follicular development (P < 0.05), decreased the P4, E2, LH, and PRL in serum (P < 0.05), downregulated the expression of GnRHR, VIP, PRL, OPN5, DIO2, and LHβ (P < 0.05), reduced the expression of GnRH and TSHβ (P > 0.05), and promoted DIO3, GnIH gene expression (P < 0.01). The short photoperiod downregulates OPN5, TSHβ, and DIO2 and upregulates DIO3 expression to regulate the GnRH/GnIH system. The downregulation of GnRHR and upregulation of GnIH resulted in a decrease in LH secretion, which withdrew the gonadotropic effects on ovarian follicles development. Slow down of follicular development and egg laying may also arise from lack of PRL potentiation to small follicle development under short days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danli Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanglong Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunbo Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunmao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, China
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Immunohistochemical Changes in the Testicular Excurrent Duct System of Healthy, Male Japanese Quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica) Observed at 4, 6-7, 12, and 52 Weeks of Age. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214028. [PMID: 36430504 PMCID: PMC9694578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunolocalization of the cytoskeletal and the extracellular matrix proteins was investigated in the testicular excurrent duct system of healthy Japanese quail at 4, 6−7, 12 and 52 weeks of age. TdT dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to assess apoptotic cell formation. The epithelia of the testicular excurrent duct system in birds of all age groups displayed various immunolabeling intensities and localization of cytokeratin 5 and beta-tubulin, while α-SMA was observed in epithelia only of 4-week-old birds. In all age groups, vimentin immunostaining was observed in the rete testes and efferent ductular epithelia, but not in the epididymal duct unit. The periductal smooth muscle cells of the excurrent duct system displayed variably intense immunopositivity with cytokeratin 5, desmin, fibronectin, α-SMA, and beta-tubulin. Furthermore, beta-tubulin and vimentin immunolabeled endothelial cells and fibroblasts with various intensities, while fibronectin immunostained extracellular matrices surrounding these cells. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were observed in the rete testes and efferent ductular epithelia, with increased frequency (p < 0.001) in 52-week-old birds. The study serves as a baseline normal for this region in healthy birds at 4, 6−7, 12, and 52 weeks of age, for comparison in future similar immunohistochemical studies involving environmental toxins affecting this region.
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Zheng Y, Zhang Q, Jing L, Fei Y, Zhao H. The Effects of Chronic Lead Exposure on Testicular Development of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological Damages, Oxidative Stress, Steroidogenesis Disturbance, and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testis Axis Disruption. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 201:3446-3460. [PMID: 36210404 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) becomes a global public health concern for its high toxicology. Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and Pb contamination exerts multiple negative influences on bird life. Pb also impacts on avian reproductive system. Thus, in this study, we attempted to determine toxicological effects and possible mechanistic pathways of Pb on avian testicular development by using the model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Male quail chicks of 1-week-old were exposed to 0, 50, 500, and 1000 ppm Pb concentrations in drinking water for 5 weeks when reaching sexual maturation. The results showed that high Pb doses (500 and 1000 ppm) induced testis atrophy and cloacal gland shrinkage. Microstructural damages of both hypothalamus and testis indicated the disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by Pb exposure. The decrease of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) may also imply HPG axis disruption. Moreover, excess testicular oxidative damages featured by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) indicated increasing risks of reproductive dysfunction by Pb. Furthermore, increasing apoptosis and upregulation of gene expression associated with cell death suggested testicular abnormal development. In addition, molecular signaling involved with steroidogenesis in the testis was disturbed by Pb treatment. The study showed that Pb could impair testicular development and reproductive function by morphological and histological injury, hormone suppression, oxidative stress, cell death, and HPG axis disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyang Jing
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Fei
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, People's Republic of China.
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Pan JQ, Liufu S, Sun JF, Chen WJ, Ouyang HJ, Shen X, Jiang DL, Xu DN, Tian YB, He JH, Huang YM. Long-day photoperiods affect expression of OPN5 and the TSH-DIO2/DIO3 pathway in Magang goose ganders. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102024. [PMID: 35986948 PMCID: PMC9405101 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Qiu Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Sui Liufu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Jun-Feng Sun
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Wen-Jun Chen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Hong-Jia Ouyang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Xu Shen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Dan-Li Jiang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Dan-Ning Xu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Yun-Bo Tian
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China
| | - Jian-Hua He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yun-Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Waterfowl Healthy Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, China.
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Hanlon C, Takeshima K, Bédécarrats GY. Changes in the Control of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Gonadal Axis Across Three Differentially Selected Strains of Laying Hens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). Front Physiol 2021; 12:651491. [PMID: 33841186 PMCID: PMC8027345 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic selection for earlier sexual maturation and extended production cycles in laying hens has significantly improved reproductive efficiency. While limited emphasis has been placed on the underlying physiological changes, we hypothesize that modifications in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis have occurred. Thus, three strains of White leghorn derivatives were followed from hatch to 100 weeks of age (woa), including Lohmann LSL-lite (n = 120) as current commercial hens, heritage Shaver White leghorns (n = 100) as 2000s commercial equivalents, and Smoky Joe hens (n = 68) as 1960s commercial equivalents. Body weight (BW) and egg production were monitored, and blood samples were collected throughout to monitor estradiol (E2) concentrations. Tissue samples were collected at 12, 17, 20, 25, 45, 60, 75, and 100 woa to capture changes in mRNA levels of key genes involved in the HPG axis and monitor ovarian follicular pools. All hens, regardless of strain, age or photoperiod laid their first egg within a 64-gram BW window and, as E2 levels increased prior to photostimulation (PS) in Lohmann and Shaver hens, a metabolic trigger likely induced sexual maturation. However, increased levels of Opsin 5 (OPN5) were observed during the maturation period. Although an elevation in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone I (GnRH-I) mRNA levels was associated with early maturation, no changes in gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) mRNA levels were observed. Nonetheless, a significant shift in pituitary sensitivity to GnRH was associated with maturation. Throughout the trial, Lohmann, Shaver, and Smoky Joe hens laid 515, 417, and 257 eggs, respectively (p < 0.0001). Results show that the extended laying persistency in Lohmann hens was supported by sustained pituitary sensitivity to GnRH-I, recurrent elevations in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) mRNA levels, and five cyclical elevations in E2 levels. This was also associated with a consistently higher pool of small white ovarian follicles. In summary, our results demonstrate first that, regardless of photoperiodic cues, meeting a specific narrow body weight threshold is sufficient to initiate sexual maturation in Leghorn chicken derivatives. Furthermore, recurrent increases in E2 and FSH may be the key to sustain extended laying period, allowing modern layers to double their reproductive capacity compared to their 1960s-counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Hanlon
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kayo Takeshima
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Hanlon C, Ramachandran R, Zuidhof MJ, Bédécarrats GY. Should I Lay or Should I Grow: Photoperiodic Versus Metabolic Cues in Chickens. Front Physiol 2020; 11:707. [PMID: 32670092 PMCID: PMC7332832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While photoperiod has been generally accepted as the primary if not the exclusive cue to stimulate reproduction in photoperiodic breeders such as the laying hen, current knowledge suggests that metabolism, and/or body composition can also play an influential role to control the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG)-axis. This review thus intends to first describe how photoperiodic and metabolic cues can impact the HPG axis, then explore and propose potential common pathways and mechanisms through which both cues could be integrated. Photostimulation refers to a perceived increase in day-length resulting in the stimulation of the HPG. While photoreceptors are present in the retina of the eye and the pineal gland, it is the deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs) located in the hypothalamus that have been identified as the potential mediators of photostimulation, including melanopsin (OPN4), neuropsin (OPN5), and vertebrate-ancient opsin (VA-Opsin). Here, we present the current state of knowledge surrounding these DBPs, along with their individual and relative importance and, their possible downstream mechanisms of action to initiate the activation of the HPG axis. On the metabolic side, specific attention is placed on the hypothalamic integration of appetite control with the stimulatory (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone; GnRH) and inhibitory (Gonadotropin Inhibitory Hormone; GnIH) neuropeptides involved in the control of the HPG axis. Specifically, the impact of orexigenic peptides agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as the anorexigenic peptides pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) is reviewed. Furthermore, beyond hypothalamic control, several metabolic factors involved in the control of body weight and composition are also presented as possible modulators of reproduction at all three levels of the HPG axis. These include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) for its impact in liver metabolism during the switch from growth to reproduction, adiponectin as a potential modulator of ovarian development and follicular maturation, as well as growth hormone (GH), and leptin (LEP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Hanlon
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ramesh Ramachandran
- Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Martin J. Zuidhof
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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