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Mohtaj Khorassani Y, Moghimi A, Khakzad MR, Fereidoni M, Hassani D, Torbati Gah J. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression in valproic acid-exposed rats. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1385189. [PMID: 38562305 PMCID: PMC10982371 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1385189] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential treatment for autism, although its effects on behavior and gene expression are not well understood. The GRIN2B gene, known for its involvement in encoding a glutamate receptor subunit crucial for neuron communication and associated with autism, was a focus of this study. Methods Using a rat model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid, we examined the impact of HBOT on autism-like behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: control, VPA (valproic acid-exposed), VPA+HBOT [2 atmosphere absolute (ATA)], and VPA+HBOT (2.5 ATA). The rats underwent several behavioral tests to assess social behavior, anxiety, stereotype and exploratory behaviors, and learning. Following the behavioral tests, the HBOT groups received 15 sessions of HBOT at pressures of 2 and 2.5 (ATA), and their behaviors were re-evaluated. Subsequently, real-time PCR was employed to measure GRIN2B gene expression in the frontal lobe. Results Our results indicated that HBOT significantly increased social interaction and exploratory behaviors in VPA-exposed rats, alongside elevated GRIN2B gene expression in their frontal lobe. Discussion Our findings imply that HBOT might have a potential role in ameliorating autism-related behaviors in the VPA rat model of autism through potential modulation of GRIN2B gene expression. However, additional research is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine the HBOT protocol for optimizing its effectiveness in improving autism-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Mohtaj Khorassani
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khakzad
- Innovative Medical Research Center and Department of Immunology, Mashhad Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoud Fereidoni
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Delaram Hassani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Torbati Gah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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Cáceres ARR, Cardone DA, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Bosch IM, Cuello-Carrión FD, Rodriguez GB, Scotti L, Parborell F, Halperin J, Laconi MR. Local effect of allopregnanolone in rat ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular and corpora lutea development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6402. [PMID: 38493224 PMCID: PMC10944484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a known neurosteroid and a progesterone metabolite synthesized in the ovary, CNS, PNS, adrenals and placenta. Its role in the neuroendocrine control of ovarian physiology has been studied, but its in situ ovarian effects are still largely unknown. The aims of this work were to characterize the effects of intrabursal ALLO administration on different ovarian parameters, and the probable mechanism of action. ALLO administration increased serum progesterone concentration and ovarian 3β-HSD2 while decreasing 20α-HSD mRNA expression. ALLO increased the number of atretic follicles and the number of positive TUNEL granulosa and theca cells, while decreasing positive PCNA immunostaining. On the other hand, there was an increase in corpora lutea diameter and PCNA immunostaining, whereas the count of TUNEL-positive luteal cells decreased. Ovarian angiogenesis and the immunohistochemical expression of GABAA receptor increased after ALLO treatment. To evaluate if the ovarian GABAA receptor was involved in these effects, we conducted a functional experiment with a specific antagonist, bicuculline. The administration of bicuculline restored the number of atretic follicles and the diameter of corpora lutea to normal values. These results show the actions of ALLO on the ovarian physiology of the female rat during the follicular phase, some of them through the GABAA receptor. Intrabursal ALLO administration alters several processes of the ovarian morpho-physiology of the female rat, related to fertility and oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Cardone
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Fernando Darío Cuello-Carrión
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Leopoldina Scotti
- Ovarian Pathophysiology Studies Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IByME) - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Parborell
- Ovarian Pathophysiology Studies Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IByME) - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Cañumil VA, Bogetti E, de la Cruz Borthiry FL, Ribeiro ML, Beltrame JS. Steroid hormones and first trimester vascular remodeling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:363-387. [PMID: 33752825 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation and placentation require neoangiogenesis and the remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. Progesterone and estradiol control various of the placental functions, but their role in vascular remodeling remains controversial. Therefore, this chapter aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of steroid hormones in the uteroplacental vascular remodeling during the first trimester of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Cañumil
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Bogetti
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F L de la Cruz Borthiry
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Ribeiro
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J S Beltrame
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Wetendorf M, Li R, Wu SP, Liu J, Creighton CJ, Wang T, Janardhan KS, Willson CJ, Lanz RB, Murphy BD, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ. Constitutive expression of progesterone receptor isoforms promotes the development of hormone-dependent ovarian neoplasms. Sci Signal 2020; 13:eaaz9646. [PMID: 33023986 PMCID: PMC10251233 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaz9646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Differences in the relative abundances of the progesterone receptor (PGR) isoforms PGRA and PGRB are often observed in women with reproductive tract cancers. To assess the importance of the PGR isoform ratio in the maintenance of the reproductive tract, we generated mice that overexpress PGRA or PGRB in all PGR-positive tissues. Whereas few PGRA-overexpressing mice developed reproductive tract tumors, all PGRB-overexpressing mice developed ovarian neoplasms that were derived from ovarian luteal cells. Transcriptomic analyses of the ovarian tumors from PGRB-overexpressing mice revealed enhanced AKT signaling and a gene expression signature similar to those of human ovarian and endometrial cancers. Treating PGRB-overexpressing mice with the PGR antagonist RU486 stalled tumor growth and decreased the expression of cell cycle-associated genes, indicating that tumor growth and cell proliferation were hormone dependent in addition to being isoform dependent. Analysis of the PGRB cistrome identified binding events at genes encoding proteins that are critical regulators of mitotic phase entry. This work suggests a mechanism whereby an increase in the abundance of PGRB relative to that of PGRA drives neoplasia in vivo by stimulating cell cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margeaux Wetendorf
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine and Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Rainer B Lanz
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, University of Montreal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Wongpanit K, Manabe N. Expression and localization of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP), an anti-apoptotic factor, in corpora lutea during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in Thai swamp buffalo <i>(Bubalus bubalis)</i>. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:29-33. [PMID: 31801913 PMCID: PMC7040207 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In female mammals, luteal cells rapidly proliferate and form corpora lutea (CLs) after ovulation. The corpus luteum (CL) plays crucial roles in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. To gain further insights into the role of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP), an anti-apoptosis factor that is structurally similar to procaspase-8 but lacks proteolytic enzyme activity, we examined the expression in CLs of Thai swamp buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) during the early, mid, and late stage of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. cFLIP short form and long form (cFLIP<inf>S</inf> and cFLIP<inf>L</inf>, respectively) mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. cFLIP<inf>S</inf> mRNA levels were low in the mid and late stages of the estrous cycle and increased during pregnancy (P < 0.05). cFLIP<inf>L</inf> mRNA was highly expressed in CLs during pregnancy and was lower in the mid and late stages of the estrous cycle. The level of cFLIP<inf>S</inf> protein was high in CLs during pregnancy and low levels were noted in the mid stage of the estrous cycle (P < 0.05). Higher levels of cFLIP<inf>L</inf> protein were demonstrated in CLs during pregnancy and lower levels were found in CLs during the early stage of the estrous cycle. Strong positive immunohistochemical staining for cFLIP<inf>S/L</inf> proteins was observed in luteal cells during pregnancy. The present findings revealed that cFLIP was at the highest level in CLs during pregnancy, and this may act as a dominant survival anti-apoptotic factor by inhibiting intracellular apoptosis signal transduction in luteal cells of CLs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannika Wongpanit
- Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Kasetsart University, Sakon Nakhon 47000, Thailand
| | - Noboru Manabe
- Animal Resource Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki 319-0206, Japan.,Department of Human Sciences, Osaka International University, Osaka 570-8555, Japan
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Delsouc MB, Bronzi CD, Becerra CD, Bonaventura MM, Mohamed FH, Casais M. Ganglionic and ovarian action of acetylcholine during diestrous II in rats. Neuroendocrine control of the luteal regression. Steroids 2019; 148:19-27. [PMID: 31071343 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate if acetylcholine (Ach), added to the celiac ganglion-superior ovarian nerve-ovary system (CG-SON-ovary) or in ovary incubations, modifies the release of progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A2), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and alters the expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD), and apoptotic genes in ovarian tissue during the diestrous II (DII) in rats. The CG-SON-ovary system or the ovary alone were removed and placed into separate cuvettes both containing Krebs-Ringer solution (control groups). In experimental groups, 10-6 M Ach was added into the ganglion compartment or into the ovary compartment. P4, A2 and GnRH were measured by RIA, mRNA expression by RT-PCR, and catecholamines by HPLC. In addition, a routine histological technique was applied. In ex-vivo system, 10-6 M Ach into the ganglion compartment decreased P4 and NE release, altered 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD expression, and decreased bax/bcl-2 ratio, while increasing the release of A2 and DA, and bcl-2 expression. In ovary incubations, 10-6 M Ach decreased P4 and GnRH release, decreased 3β-HSD and bcl-2 expression, increased A2 release, increased 20α-HSD and bax expression, and the bax/bcl-2 ratio, and induced disorganization of the corpus luteum structure. The peripheral nervous system protected the ovary from the apoptotic mechanisms while in the ovary incubation the effect was reversed. Our results indicate that Ach in DII regulates steroidogenesis and apoptosis in the ovary, by modulating the concentration of neurotransmitters. In vivo, an alteration in the extrinsic cholinergic innervation of the ovary could disrupt the endocrine control of the reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Delsouc
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Cynthia D Bronzi
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Cristina Daneri Becerra
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - María M Bonaventura
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP C1428ADN, CABA, Argentina
| | - Fabián H Mohamed
- Cátedra de Histología, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Marilina Casais
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL), CONICET, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Ejército de Los Andes 950, CP D5700HHW, San Luis, Argentina.
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The role of oxidative stress in ovarian toxicity induced by haloperidol and clozapine—a histological and biochemical study in albino rats. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 378:371-383. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Asensio JA, Cáceres ARR, Pelegrina LT, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Scotti L, Parborell F, Laconi MR. Allopregnanolone alters follicular and luteal dynamics during the estrous cycle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:35. [PMID: 29636114 PMCID: PMC5894215 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid synthesized in the central nervous system independently of steroidogenic glands; it influences sexual behavior and anxiety. The aim of this work is to evaluate the indirect effect of a single pharmacological dose of allopregnanolone on important processes related to normal ovarian function, such as folliculogenesis, angiogenesis and luteolysis, and to study the corresponding changes in endocrine profile and enzymatic activity over 4 days of the rat estrous cycle. We test the hypothesis that allopregnanolone may trigger hypothalamus - hypophysis - ovarian axis dysregulation and cause ovarian failure which affects the next estrous cycle stages. METHODS Allopregnanolone was injected during the proestrous morning and then, the animals were sacrificed at each stage of the estrous cycle. Ovarian sections were processed to determine the number and diameter of different ovarian structures. Cleaved caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, α-actin and Von Willebrand factor expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The enzymatic activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were determined by spectrophotometric assays. Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni was performed to determine statistical differences between control and treated groups along the four stages of the cycle. RESULTS The results indicate that allopregnanolone allopregnanolone decreased the number of developing follicles, while atretic follicles and cysts increased with no effects on normal cyclicity. Some cysts in treated ovaries showed morphological characteristics similar to luteinized unruptured follicles. The apoptosis/proliferation balance increased in follicles from treated rats. The endocrine profile was altered at different stages of the estrous cycle of treated rats. The angiogenic markers expression increased in treated ovaries. As regards corpora lutea, the apoptosis/proliferation balance and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity decreased significantly. Progesterone levels and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity increased in treated rats. These data suggest that allopregnanolone interferes with steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis at different stages of the cycle. CONCLUSION Allopregnanolone interferes with corpora lutea regression, which might indicate that this neurosteroid exerts a protective role over the luteal cells and prevents them from luteolysis. Allopregnanolone plays an important role in the ovarian pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Antonela Asensio
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laura Tatiana Pelegrina
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Leopoldina Scotti
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología del Ovario, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Parborell
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología del Ovario, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Luteolytic efficiency of reduced doses of cloprostenol in the ewe. Effect of progesterone concentrations at the time of treatment. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 186:68-76. [PMID: 28951024 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Seventy six ewes were treated with 7.5, 12.5, 25 or 50μg of cloprostenol on day 6 or 9 post-estrus to compare the luteolytic efficiency of the PGF2α analogue at each stage and to evaluate if progesterone concentrations at the time of treatment affect such efficiency. Blood samples were obtained before cloprostenol administration and 12, 24, 48, and 72h thereafter. There was an effect of dose (p<0.05) but not of day post-estrus on the proportion of animals completing luteolysis. As the dose increased, the proportion of ewes completing luteolysis also increased. Also, as the dose increased from 7.5 to 25μg, more ewes showed a transient progesterone decline instead of an absence of response, indicating that in some ewes reduced doses initiated luteolysis but were not able to finish the process. Since the dose of 25μg resulted in close to 50% luteolytic efficacy, this group was used to study the effects of progesterone concentrations at the time of treatment on the response to cloprostenol. Pre-treatment progesterone concentrations were higher (p<0.01) in ewes experiencing luteolytic failure than in those that completed luteolysis. There was a negative correlation between initial progesterone concentrations and their reduction by 12h post-treatment. It is concluded that high progesterone concentrations are associated with a reduction in sensitivity to small doses of cloprostenol. Possible mechanisms and implications of this luteoprotective effect are discussed.
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Zhang X, Mi M, Hao W, Fan Q, Gao B. Progesterone down-regulates SLIT/ROBO expression in mouse corpus luteum. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:740-746. [PMID: 28947260 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone produced by the corpus luteum (CL) is essential for preparation, implantation and maintenance of gestation. Furthermore, progesterone plays a protective role against luteolysis in rodents. It has been reported that Slit/Robo family members expressed in the CL and involved in prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induced luteolysis. However, the interactions between progesterone and Slits/Robos in CL are not clear. This study was designed to examine whether or not luteolysis is regulated by the interaction of progesterone and Slits/Robos in mouse CL. METHODS In the current study, we used Real-time PCR to identify the effect of progesterone on Slit2/Robo1 expression in cultured luteal cells in vitro, and the exogenous progesterone injection on mouse luteolysis and Slit/Robo expression in vivo was studied via Real-time PCR and Western bolt. RESULTS Our in vitro experiment revealed that 1μM progesterone significantly decreased Slit2/Robo1 mRNA levels at 6h, 12h and 24h. Our in vivo experiment showed that the mRNA and protein levels of Slit2 and Robo1 decreased significantly 7days after progesterone supplement. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that progesterone maintains CL function and resists luteolysis possibly through down-regulating Slit/Robo signaling pathway in the CL.
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Cell-specific immuno-localization of progesterone receptor alpha in the rabbit ovary during pregnancy and after parturition. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 180:100-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Satoh H, Yoshio H, Kawaminami M, Kurusu S. Type-dependent differences in Fas expression and phagocytes distribution in rat corpora lutea during natural regression: an immunohistochemical evidence. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 78:1771-1777. [PMID: 27546215 PMCID: PMC5240753 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Though Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system-dependent apoptosis is considered to be the primary
form of cell death in regressing corpus luteum (CL), the cellular identity and regulation
of expression of the ligand and receptor molecules are not fully understood. Here, we
focused on immunohistochemical determination of Fas expression during natural regression
with comparison of three different types of rat CLs. Detected Fas was in good spatial
association with cleaved caspase-3 and FasL proteins and with macrophages and neutrophils.
In CLs of the cycle and pseudopregnancy, Fas-positive cell types included large and small
luteal (steroidogenic) cells and capillary endothelial cells mainly, and blood-derived
immune cells occasionally. Fas signals were abundant at multiple focal inflammatory-like
sites. In contrast, Fas signals in CL of pregnancy did not localize in steroidogenic
cells, but almost exclusively in endothelial cells and granulocytes. The signals scattered
evenly throughout the CL tissue as phagocytes also did. In all CLs types, the numbers of
Fas-expressing cells increased transiently after functional inactivation and at the early
phase of structural regression. This observation revealed spatio-temporally regulated
expression of Fas that was highly associated with apoptotic and phagocytotic systems and
type-dependent differences in Fas expression and phagocytes dynamics in naturally
regressing CL of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Satoh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
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Progesterone, estrogen, and androgen receptors in the corpus luteum of the domestic cat, Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ) and Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ). Theriogenology 2016; 86:2107-2118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Zubeldia-Brenner L, Roselli CE, Recabarren SE, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Lara HE. Developmental and Functional Effects of Steroid Hormones on the Neuroendocrine Axis and Spinal Cord. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12401. [PMID: 27262161 PMCID: PMC4956521 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the principal effects of steroid hormones at central and peripheral levels in the neuroendocrine axis. The data discussed highlight the principal role of oestrogens and testosterone in hormonal programming in relation to sexual orientation, reproductive and metabolic programming, and the neuroendocrine mechanism involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype. Moreover, consistent with the wide range of processes in which steroid hormones take part, we discuss the protective effects of progesterone on neurodegenerative disease and the signalling mechanism involved in the genesis of oestrogen-induced pituitary prolactinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zubeldia-Brenner
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C E Roselli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, Portland, OR, USA
| | - S E Recabarren
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - M C Gonzalez Deniselle
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H E Lara
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Galvão A, Skarzynski D, Ferreira-Dias G. Nodal Promotes Functional Luteolysis via Down-Regulation of Progesterone and Prostaglandins E2 and Promotion of PGF2α Synthetic Pathways in Mare Corpus Luteum. Endocrinology 2016; 157:858-71. [PMID: 26653568 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated the role of Nodal, an embryonic morphogen from the TGFβ superfamily in corpus luteum (CL) secretory activity using cells isolated from equine CL as a model. Expression pattern of Nodal and its receptors activin receptor A type IIB (ACVR2B), activin receptor-like kinase (Alk)-7, and Alk4, as well as the Nodal physiological role, demonstrate the involvement of this pathway in functional luteolysis. Nodal and its receptors were immune localized in small and large luteal cells and endothelial cells, except ACVR2B, which was not detected in the endothelium. Nodal mRNA in situ hybridization confirmed its transcription in steroidogenic and endothelial cells. Expression analysis of the aforementioned factors evidenced that Nodal and Alk7 proteins peaked at the mid-CL (P < .01), the time of luteolysis initiation, whereas Alk4 and ACVR2B proteins increased from mid- to late CL (P < .05). The Nodal treatment of luteal cells decreased progesterone and prostaglandin (PG) E2 concentrations in culture media (P < .05) as well as mRNA and protein of secretory enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytosolic PGE2 synthase, and microsomal PGE2 synthase-1 (P < .05). Conversely, PGF2α secretion and gene expression of PG-endoperoxidase synthase 2 and PGF2α synthase were increased after Nodal treatment (P < .05). Mid-CL cells cultured with PGF2α had increased Nodal protein expression (P < .05) and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic-3 phosphorylation (P < .05). Finally, the supportive interaction between Nodal and PGF2α on luteolysis was shown to its greatest extent because both factors together more significantly inhibited progesterone (P < .05) and promoted PGF2α (P < .05) synthesis than Nodal or PGF2α alone. Our results neatly pinpoint the sites of action of the Nodal signaling pathway toward functional luteolysis in the mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Galvão
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research (A.G., D.S.), Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (A.G., G.F.-D.), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dariusz Skarzynski
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research (A.G., D.S.), Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (A.G., G.F.-D.), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research (A.G., D.S.), Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (A.G., G.F.-D.), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Amelkina O, Zschockelt L, Painer J, Serra R, Villaespesa F, Braun BC, Jewgenow K. Apoptosis-Related Factors in the Luteal Phase of the Domestic Cat and Their Involvement in the Persistence of Corpora Lutea in Lynx. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143414. [PMID: 26599641 PMCID: PMC4658015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient gland formed in the ovary after ovulation and is the major source of progesterone. In the Iberian and Eurasian lynx, CL physiologically persist after parturition and retain their capacity to produce progesterone, thus suppressing the ovarian activity. This unique reproductive characteristic has a big impact on the success of assisted reproduction techniques in the endangered Iberian lynx. The mechanisms behind CL persistence are not yet understood and require extensive studies on potential luteotropic and luteolytic factors in felids. Because the apoptosis system has been shown to be involved in structural regression of CL in many species, we aimed to investigate the capacity of perCL to undergo apoptosis. In addition, we performed initial studies on the apoptosis system in the luteal phase of the domestic cat. No previous research on this system has been made in this species. Our factors of interest included agents of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, i.e., pro-survival B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and pro-apoptotic BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), the executioner caspase-3 (CASP3), as well as of the extrinsic pathway, i.e., pro-apoptotic receptor FAS, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors (pro-apoptotic TNFRSF1A and pro-survival TNFRSF1B). We analyzed the relative mRNA levels of these factors, as well as protein localization of CASP3 and TNF during stages of pregnancy and the non-pregnant luteal phase in CL of domestic cats. The same factors were investigated in freshly ovulated CL (frCL) and perCL of Iberian and Eurasian lynx, which were histologically analyzed. All factors were present in the CL tissue of both domestic cat and lynx throughout all analyzed stages. The presence of pro-apoptotic factors BAX, CASP3, FAS and TNFRSF1A in perCL of the Eurasian and Iberian lynx might indicate the potential sensitivity of perCL to apoptotic signals. The expression of pro-survival factors BCL2 and TNFRSF1B was significantly higher in perCL compared to frCL of studied Iberian lynx, suggesting the potential involvement of these factors in the structural integrity of perCL. In both Iberian lynx and pregnant and non-pregnant domestic cats, the expression of TNFRSF1A was significantly higher in forming CL compared to other stages, suggesting the conserved involvement of this factor in the tissue reorganization during formation of the feline CL. The mRNA levels of CASP3 and TNFRSF1B were highest during regression stages of domestic cat CL. The current study provides initial results on the possible involvement of the apoptosis system in the structure and function of the feline CL and in its physiological persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Amelkina
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Lina Zschockelt
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Painer
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Serra
- Iberian lynx captive breeding program, Centro Nacional de Reprodução de Lince Ibérico, Silves, Portugal
| | - Francisco Villaespesa
- Iberian lynx captive breeding program, Centro de Cría de Lince Ibérico El Acebuche, Parque Nacional de Doñana, Huelva, Spain
| | - Beate C. Braun
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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Accialini P, Hernández SF, Bas D, Pazos MC, Irusta G, Abramovich D, Tesone M. A link between Notch and progesterone maintains the functionality of the rat corpus luteum. Reproduction 2015; 149:1-10. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the interaction between the Notch pathway and progesterone to maintain the functionality of the corpus luteum (CL). When Notch signaling is activated, the γ-secretase complex releases the active intracellular domains (NICD) of their receptors, which exert survival effects. We designed studies to analyze whether thein vitroinhibition of Notch affects progesterone production, steroidogenic regulators, apoptotic parameters, and signaling transduction pathways in the cultures of CL isolated from pregnant and superovulated rats. We detected a decrease in progesterone production when corpora lutea (CL) were incubated withN-(N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-l-alanyl))-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), a γ-secretase inhibitor. This effect could be in part due to the decrease detected in the CL protein levels of P450scc because STAR and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were not affected by Notch inhibition. Besides, the addition of aminoglutethimide to the CL culture medium decreased NICD of NOTCH1. We observed an increase in the expression of active CASPASE3 (CASP3) after inhibition by Notch, which was reversed by the presence of progesterone. The BAX:BCLXLratio was increased in CL treated with DAPT and the presence of progesterone reversed this effect. In addition, phosphorylation of AKT was inhibited in CL treated with DAPT, but had no effect on ERK activation. To demonstrate that the action of DAPT is specifically related with the inhibition of Notch, CLs were incubated with DLL4 antibody and a decrease in progesterone production was detected. These results suggest the existence of a novel link between progesterone and the Notch signaling pathway to maintain the functionality of the CL.
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Stimulatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on progesterone production and survivability of cultured bubaline luteal cells. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 148:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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19
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Aisemberg J, Vercelli CA, Bariani MV, Billi SC, Wolfson ML, Franchi AM. Progesterone is essential for protecting against LPS-induced pregnancy loss. LIF as a potential mediator of the anti-inflammatory effect of progesterone. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56161. [PMID: 23409146 PMCID: PMC3567061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to mice on day 7 of gestation led to 100% embryonic resorption after 24 h. In this model, nitric oxide is fundamental for the resorption process. Progesterone may be responsible, at least in part, for a Th2 switch in the feto-maternal interface, inducing active immune tolerance against fetal antigens. Th2 cells promote the development of T cells, producing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which seems to be important due to its immunomodulatory action during early pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate the involvement of progesterone in the mechanism of LPS-induced embryonic resorption, and whether LIF can mediate hormonal action. Using in vivo and in vitro models, we provide evidence that circulating progesterone is an important component of the process by which infection causes embryonic resorption in mice. Also, LIF seems to be a mediator of the progesterone effect under inflammatory conditions. We found that serum progesterone fell to very low levels after 24 h of LPS exposure. Moreover, progesterone supplementation prevented embryonic resorption and LPS-induced increase of uterine nitric oxide levels in vivo. Results show that LPS diminished the expression of the nuclear progesterone receptor in the uterus after 6 and 12 h of treatment. We investigated the expression of LIF in uterine tissue from pregnant mice and found that progesterone up-regulates LIF mRNA expression in vitro. We observed that LIF was able to modulate the levels of nitric oxide induced by LPS in vitro, suggesting that it could be a potential mediator of the inflammatory action of progesterone. Our observations support the view that progesterone plays a critical role in a successful pregnancy as an anti-inflammatory agent, and that it could have possible therapeutic applications in the prevention of early reproductive failure associated with inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Aisemberg
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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20
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Manojlović-Stojanoski M, Nestorović N, Ristić N, Trifunović S, Ajdžanović V, Šošić-Jurjević B, Milošević V. Pregnancy reduces the responsiveness of the pituitary-adrenal axis to dexamethasone. Acta Histochem 2012; 114:562-70. [PMID: 22119208 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the influence of pregnancy on responsiveness of the pituitary-adrenal (PA) axis to dexamethasone (Dx) in rats. Dams and virgins were injected with Dx in three consecutive daily doses of 1.0, 0.5, 0.5mg/kg/bw, starting from day 16 of pregnancy, and sacrificed 24 and 72 h after termination of treatment. Immunocytochemical, morphometrical and biochemical methods were used to assess pituitary and adrenal function. Three-way ANOVA revealed Dx inhibition of the PA axis in virgin and pregnant females after 24 and 72 h. Pregnant females demonstrated a significantly lower (p<0.05) degree of suppression regarding ACTH volume density and blood concentrations and the volume and number of the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis cells, comparing with virgin females 72 h following Dx administration, accompanied by total recovery of the zona glomerulosa. In contrast to virgin females, the corticosterone levels on day 21 of gestation reached control levels. Between days 19 and 21 of pregnancy, a significant increase in estrogen levels and the fall of progesterone influence, at least partially, the presented differences. It can be concluded that the PA axis response to the inhibitory influence of Dx is less pronounced in gravid females during late pregnancy than in virgin rats.
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21
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Al-Gubory KH, Garrel C, Faure P, Sugino N. Roles of antioxidant enzymes in corpus luteum rescue from reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 25:551-60. [PMID: 23063822 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone produced by the corpus luteum (CL) regulates the synthesis of various endometrial proteins required for embryonic implantation and development. Compromised CL progesterone production is a potential risk factor for prenatal development. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play diverse roles in mammalian reproductive biology. ROS-induced oxidative damage and subsequent adverse developmental outcomes constitute important issues in reproductive medicine. The CL is considered to be highly exposed to locally produced ROS due to its high blood vasculature and steroidogenic activity. ROS-induced apoptotic cell death is involved in the mechanisms of CL regression that occurs at the end of the non-fertile cycle. Luteal ROS production and propagation depend upon several regulating factors, including luteal antioxidants, steroid hormones and cytokines, and their crosstalk. However, it is unknown which of these factors have the greatest contribution to the maintenance of CL integrity and function during the oestrous/menstrual cycle. There is evidence to suggest that antioxidants play important roles in CL rescue from luteolysis when pregnancy ensues. As luteal phase defect impacts fertility by preventing implantation and early conceptus development in livestock and humans, this review attempts to address the importance of ROS-scavenging antioxidant enzymes in the control of mammalian CL function and integrity. The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine organ that develops after ovulation from the ovulated follicle during each reproductive cycle. The main function of the CL is the production and secretion of progesterone which is necessary for embryonic implantation and development. Compromised CL progesterone production is a potential risk factor for prenatal development and pregnancy outcomes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are natural by-products of cellular respiration and metabolism, play diverse roles in mammalian reproductive biology. ROS-induced oxidative damage and subsequent development of adverse pregnancy outcomes constitute important issues in reproductive medicine. Before the end of the first trimester, a high rate of human and animal conceptions end in spontaneous abortion and most of these losses occur at the time of implantation in association with ROS-induced oxidative damage. Every cell in the body is normally able to defend itself against the oxidative damage caused by the ROS. The cellular antioxidant enzymes constitute the first line of defence against the toxic effects of ROS. The CL is considered to be highly exposed to locally produced ROS due to its high blood vasculature and metabolic activity. There is now evidence to suggest that cellular antioxidants play important roles in CL rescue from regression when pregnancy ensues. As defective CL function impacts fertility by preventing implantation and early conceptus development in livestock and humans, this review attempts to address the importance of antioxidant enzymes in the control of mammalian CL function and integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaïs H Al-Gubory
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Département de Physiologie Animale et systèmes d'élevage, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Galvão A, Henriques S, Pestka D, Lukasik K, Skarzynski D, Mateus LM, Ferreira-Dias GML. Equine Luteal Function Regulation May Depend on the Interaction Between Cytokines and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: An In Vitro Study1. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:187. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.097147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Vallcaneras SS, Casais M, Anzulovich AC, Delgado SM, Sosa Z, Telleria CM, Rastrilla AM. Androstenedione acts on the coeliac ganglion and modulates luteal function via the superior ovarian nerve in the postpartum rat. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 125:243-50. [PMID: 21439382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Androstenedione can affect luteal function via a neural pathway in the late pregnant rat. Here, we investigate whether androstenedione is capable of opposing to regression of pregnancy corpus luteum that occurs after parturition, indirectly, from the coeliac ganglion. Thus, androstenedione was added into the ganglionar compartment of an ex vivo coeliac ganglion-superior ovarian nerve-ovary system isolated from non-lactating rats on day 4 postpartum. At the end of incubation, we measured the abundance of progesterone, androstenedione and oestradiol released into the ovarian compartment. Luteal mRNA expression and activity of progesterone synthesis and degradation enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 20α-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (20α-HSD), respectively, as well as the aromatase, Bcl-2, Bax, Fas and FasL transcript levels, were also determined. Additionally, we measured the ovarian release of norepinephrine, nitric oxide and luteal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. The presence of androstenedione in the ganglion compartment significantly increased the release of ovarian progesterone, androstenedione and oestradiol without modifying 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD activities or mRNA expression. The ovarian release of oestradiol in response to the presence of androstenedione in the ganglion compartment declined with time of incubation in accord with a reduction in the aromatase mRNA expression. Androstenedione added to the ganglion compartment decreased FasL mRNA expression, without affecting luteal Bcl-2, Bax and Fas transcript levels; also increased the release of norepinephrine, decreased the release of nitric oxide and increased iNOS mRNA. In summary, on day 4 after parturition, androstenedione can mediate a luteotropic effect acting at the coeliac ganglion and transmitting to the ovary a signaling via a neural pathway in association with increased release of norepinephrine, decreased nitric oxide release, and decreased expression of FasL.
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Lipopolysaccharide induces alterations in ovaries and serum level of progesterone and 17β-estradiol in the mouse. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1471-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Suresh PS, Jayachandra KC, Medhamurthy R. The effect of progesterone replacement on gene expression in the corpus luteum during induced regression and late luteal phase in the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:20. [PMID: 21291521 PMCID: PMC3038151 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In higher primates, although LH/CG play a critical role in the control of corpus luteum (CL) function, the direct effects of progesterone (P4) in the maintenance of CL structure and function are unclear. Several experiments were conducted in the bonnet monkey to examine direct effects of P4 on gene expression changes in the CL, during induced luteolysis and the late luteal phase of natural cycles. METHODS To identify differentially expressed genes encoding PR, PR binding factors, cofactors and PR downstream signaling target genes, the genome-wide analysis data generated in CL of monkeys after LH/P4 depletion and LH replacement were mined and validated by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Initially, expression of these P4 related genes were determined in CL during different stages of luteal phase. The recently reported model system of induced luteolysis, yet capable of responsive to tropic support, afforded an ideal situation to examine direct effects of P4 on structure and function of CL. For this purpose, P4 was infused via ALZET pumps into monkeys 24 h after LH/P4 depletion to maintain mid luteal phase circulating P4 concentration (P4 replacement). In another experiment, exogenous P4 was supplemented during late luteal phase to mimic early pregnancy. RESULTS Based on the published microarray data, 45 genes were identified to be commonly regulated by LH and P4. From these 19 genes belonging to PR signaling were selected to determine their expression in LH/P4 depletion and P4 replacement experiments. These 19 genes when analyzed revealed 8 genes to be directly responsive to P4, whereas the other genes to be regulated by both LH and P4. Progesterone supplementation for 24 h during the late luteal phase also showed changes in expression of 17 out of 19 genes examined. CONCLUSION These results taken together suggest that P4 regulates, directly or indirectly, expression of a number of genes involved in the CL structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmanaban S Suresh
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Kadthur C Jayachandra
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Rudraiah Medhamurthy
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
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Diaz FJ, Luo W, Wiltbank MC. Effect of decreasing intraluteal progesterone on sensitivity of the early porcine corpus luteum to the luteolytic actions of prostaglandin F2alpha. Biol Reprod 2010; 84:26-33. [PMID: 20739670 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.084368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) causes luteolysis of the pig corpus luteum (CL) only after Day 12 of the estrous cycle. Recent evidence indicates that progesterone (P4) may protect the CL from cell death. The present study tested the hypothesis that acute inhibition of P4 by treatment with epostane (EPO; 3betaHSD inhibitor) in CL lacking luteolytic capacity (Day 9 CL) will allow PGF to induce responses associated with luteolysis. Multiple PGF-induced responses were evaluated, including genes involved in production of PGF and estradiol-17beta, apoptosis (caspase 3), and transcription (FOSB). These responses are associated with PGF-induced luteolysis and do not normally occur in CL lacking luteolytic capacity. Animals on Day 7 after estrus were divided into four groups: 1) control (C), 2) PGF, 3) EPO, and 4) PGF plus EPO (PGF+EPO). Treatment with EPO (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given every 12 h for 36 h. Treatment with PGF (25 mg) or vehicle was given at 38 h, and CL were collected from all animals at 48 h. Some CL from each animal were frozen in liquid nitrogen for mRNA and protein analysis. Remaining CL were incubated in media for 2 h for determination of P4 and PGF production. EPO dramatically decreased production of P4 by luteal tissue (ng/mg tissue) by 90% and 95% in EPO and PGF+EPO groups, respectively, compared to C (P < 0.01). Low production of PGF by luteal tissue was found in C, PGF, and EPO groups; however, treatment with PGF+EPO dramatically increased (782%) luteal PGF production. Similar to intraluteal PGF production, increased mRNA for cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) and phospholipase A2 (group IB; PLA2G1B) was found in the PGF+EPO, but not in the EPO or PGF, group. Aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA was not induced by PGF or EPO; however, PGF+EPO caused a more than 40-fold increase in CYP19A1 mRNA (P < 0.01). CASP3 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01) by EPO (3.4-fold) and by PGF (2.7-fold) but was most dramatically increased by PGF+EPO (5.3-fold), whereas caspase activity was only increased by PGF (1.5-fold) or PGF+EPO (2.2-fold). Thus, these data support the hypothesis that elimination of the protective effect of intraluteal P4 does not directly cause luteolysis of the early CL but allows PGF to induce luteolytic responses in CL lacking luteolytic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Diaz
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program and Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Davis TL, Bott RC, Slough TL, Bruemmer JE, Niswender GD. Progesterone inhibits oxytocin- and prostaglandin F2alpha-stimulated increases in intracellular calcium concentrations in small and large ovine luteal cells. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:282-8. [PMID: 19812299 PMCID: PMC2809223 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.079970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 07/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the corpus luteum has an important role in regulating its own demise. A series of experiments was performed to study the effects of luteal concentrations of progesterone on the functions of steroidogenic luteal cells. In the first experiment, steroidogenic small luteal cells (SLCs) were separated from endothelial cells, and it was determined that it was the SLCs that contained receptors for oxytocin. Treatment with progesterone (95 muM) for as little as 1 h decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of SLCs responding to oxytocin (10 muM) with an increase in intracellular concentrations of calcium, and this effect continued for the duration of the experiment. In a second experiment, the response to oxytocin was increased (P < 0.05) by 3 h (but not 1 h) following progesterone removal, with a further increase by 16 h. The ability of 1 muM prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) to increase intracellular concentrations of calcium was also decreased (P < 0.05) by progesterone treatment. By 3 h following removal of progesterone, the percentage of steroidogenic large luteal cells (LLCs) responding to PGF(2 alpha) was increased and not different from that observed in cells 16 h after progesterone removal. Finally, cyclodextrins (methyl-beta cyclodextrin [M beta CD]) were used to remove cholesterol from the plasma membrane of luteal cells, and M beta CD loaded with cholesterol was used to put cholesterol back into the plasma membrane of progesterone-treated cells. Treatment with M beta CD reduced (P < 0.05) the responsiveness of SLCs to oxytocin and LLCs to PGF(2 alpha). Use of cholesterol-loaded M beta CD returned the responsiveness of both SLCs and LLCs treated with progesterone to that observed in vehicle (no progesterone)-treated controls. In summary, intraluteal concentrations of progesterone inhibit the ability of oxytocin to increase intracellular concentrations of calcium in SLCs and the ability of PGF(2 alpha) to increase intracellular concentrations of calcium in LLCs. The highest concentration of progesterone appears to act by influencing cholesterol content of the luteal cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Davis
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Kurusu S, Suzuki K, Taniguchi K, Yonezawa T, Kawaminami M. Structural regression of the rat corpus luteum of pregnancy: relationship with functional regression, apoptotic cell death, and the suckling stimulus. Zoolog Sci 2009; 26:729-34. [PMID: 19832686 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.26.729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nature of the structural regression of the corpus luteum of pregnancy (PCL) was investigated in rats from day 19 of pregnancy (PRG19) through day 6 postpartum (PP6). A pre-partum decrease in tissue weight of the PCL during the last 4 days of pregnancy was apparent (nearly a 40% decrease) and seemed to parallel the fall in plasma progesterone. The PCL in normally lactating rats further experienced a gradual decrease in the postpartum period, but the reduction was significantly slowed by PP6 in non-lactating rats that were forced to wean from the parturient day (PPO). TUNEL analysis revealed that apoptotic cell death in the regressing PCL showed a 3-4 fold increase in signals after parturition (on PP3) but was fairly limited. Instead, luteal steroidogenic cells came to have cytoplasmic vacuoles by PRG21, and vacuoles increased through PP3. A decelerated decrease in PCL weight following forced weaning was potentially reversed by repeated administration of exogenous prolactin (10 IU) twice daily. This study adds evidence that structural regression of the rat PCL 1) starts to occur before the completion of functional regression, 2) involves a modest incidence of TUNEL-reactive apoptosis, and 3) is promoted by the suckling stimulus, presumably through the effects of prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Kurusu
- Laboratories of Veterinary Physiology, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
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Garrel C, Ceballos-Picot I, Germain G, Al-Gubory KH. Oxidative stress-inducible antioxidant adaptive response during prostaglandin F2α-induced luteal cell deathin vivo. Free Radic Res 2009; 41:251-9. [PMID: 17364952 DOI: 10.1080/10715760601067493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress-induced antioxidant adaptive response would be particularly important to cells in high reactive oxygen species (ROS) environments. We aimed to determine the dynamic adaptive response of antioxidant enzymatic systems in sheep corpus luteum (CL) during PGF2alpha-induced luteal cell death. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GSR), and in situ DNA fragmentation were determined in CL at day 10 of the estrous cycle (0 h) and at 12, 24 or 48 h after PGF2alpha injection. A decrease in plasma progesterone concentration was first observed at 6 h after treatment (P < 0.05). Apoptotic cells were rarely observed in the CL at 0 h (less than 0.7%), and their incidence increased (P < 0.01) by 12 h post-PGF2alpha (11.7%) and remained thereafter elevated through 48 h. Activities of SOD1, SOD2, GPX and GSR were not changed at any time points after PGF2alpha treatment. CAT activity increased at 12 h (P < 0.01) and at 24 h (P < 0.05) after PGF2alpha treatment as compared to that at 0 h. These findings demonstrate that PGF2alpha induce luteal cell death without depressing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is suggested that transient increase in CAT activity is an adaptive response of the CL to oxidative stress induced by PGF2alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Garrel
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Stress Oxydant, Département de Biologie Intégrée, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, France
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Doerr MD, Goravanahally MP, Rhinehart JD, Inskeep EK, Flores JA. Effects of Endothelin Receptor Type-A and Type-B Antagonists on Prostaglandin F2alpha-Induced Luteolysis of the Sheep Corpus Luteum1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:688-96. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.064105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Sugino N, Okuda K. Species-related differences in the mechanism of apoptosis during structural luteolysis. J Reprod Dev 2007; 53:977-86. [PMID: 17984567 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.19047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteolysis is defined as the loss of function and subsequent involution of the luteal structure. The luteolytic process is usually subdivided, whereby the decline in progesterone is described as functional luteolysis and the structural involution is described as structural luteolysis. After the corpus luteum ceases to produce progesterone, it decreases in size, experiences a loss of cellular integrity, and then disappears from the ovary as a result of apoptosis of luteal cells. However, the control mechanisms responsible for initiating and mediating apoptosis during structural luteolysis seem more complex than originally envisioned. Furthermore, efforts to elucidate the apoptotic mechanisms have been complicated by the fact that different mammalian species have different mechanisms for controlling luteal function. Therefore, it is of interest to know whether different mammalian species have different apoptotic mechanisms. The goal of this review was to focus on species-related differences in the mechanism of apoptosis during structural luteolysis in rodents, cattle and humans, the species that are used most for luteolysis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiro Sugino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
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Peluffo MC, Stouffer RL, Tesone M. Activity and expression of different members of the caspase family in the rat corpus luteum during pregnancy and postpartum. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2007; 293:E1215-23. [PMID: 17726144 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00261.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies were designed to examine the expression and activity of four caspases that contribute to the initial (caspases-2, -8, and -9) and final (caspase-3) events in apoptosis in the rat corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy (days 7, 17, 19, and 21 of gestation), postpartum (days 1 and 4), and after injection (0, 8, 16, 24, and 36 h) of the physiological luteolysin PGF2alpha. In addition, the temporal relationship of caspase expression/activity relative to steroid production and luteal regression was evaluated. During pregnancy, the activity of all four caspases was significantly greater on day 19, before a decline in CL progesterone (P) and CYP11A1 levels at day 21 of gestation. The levels of the caspase-3 active fragment (p17, measured by Western blot) also increased at days 19 and 21 of pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analyses detected specific staining for the caspases in luteal cells (large and small) as well as in endothelial cells. However, the percentage of apoptotic cells did not increase in the CL until postpartum. Following PGF2alpha injection, there was a significant decrease in CL P by 24 h, although the activity of all four caspases did not increase until 36 h posttreatment. The active p17 fragment of caspase-3 also significantly increased at 36 h post-PGF2alpha. These results suggest that an increase in the activity of caspases-2, -8, -9, and -3 is associated with the early events of natural luteolysis at the end of pregnancy. Also, the exogenous administration of the luteolysin PGF2alpha may regulate members of the caspase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Peluffo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental IBYME-CONICET Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428 ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hapon MB, Motta AB, Ezquer M, Bonafede M, Jahn GA. Hypothyroidism prolongs corpus luteum function in the pregnant rat. Reproduction 2007; 133:197-205. [PMID: 17244746 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that hypothyroidism in the rat produces a prolongation of pregnancy associated with a delay in the fall of circulating progesterone (P4) at term. The aim of the present work is to determine whether the delayed P4 decline in hypothyroid mother rats is due to a retarded induction of P4 degradation to 20alphaOH P4 or to a stimulation of its synthesis, and to investigate the possible mechanisms that may underlie the altered luteal function. We determined by RIA the circulating profile of the hormones (TSH, PRL, LH, P4, PGF2alpha, and PGE2) involved in luteal regulation at the end of pregnancy and, by semiquantitative RT-PCR, the expression of factors involved in P4 synthesis (CytP450scc, StAR, 3betaHSD, PRLR) and metabolism (20alphaHSD, PGF2alphaR, iNOS and COX2). Our results show that the delay in P4 decline and parturition is the resultant of retarded luteal regression, caused by a combination of decreases in luteolytic factors, mainly luteal PGF2alpha, iNOS mRNA expression and also circulating LH, and increased synthesis or action of luteotrophic factors, such as luteal and circulating PGE2 and circulating PRL. All these changes may be direct causes of the decreased 20alphaHSD mRNA and protein (measured by western blot analysis) expression, which in the presence of unchanged expression of the factors involved in P4 synthesis results in elevated luteal and circulating P4 that prolonged pregnancy and also may favor longer survival of the corpus luteum.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Hapon
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, IMBECU-CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is one of the few endocrine glands that forms from the remains of another organ and whose function and survival are limited in scope and time. The CL is the site of rapid remodeling, growth, differentiation, and death of cells originating from granulosa, theca, capillaries, and fibroblasts. The apparent raison d'etre of the CL is the production of progesterone, and all the structural and functional features of this gland are geared toward this end. Because of its unique importance for successful pregnancies, the mammals have evolved a complex series of checks and balances that maintains progesterone at appropriate levels throughout gestation. The formation, maintenance, regression, and steroidogenesis of the CL are among the most significant and closely regulated events in mammalian reproduction. During pregnancy, the fate of the CL depends on the interplay of ovarian, pituitary, and placental regulators. At the end of its life span, the CL undergoes a process of regression leading to its disappearance from the ovary and allowing the initiation of a new cycle. The generation of transgenic, knockout and knockin mice and the development of innovative technologies have revealed a novel role of several molecules in the reprogramming of granulosa cells into luteal cells and in the hormonal and molecular control of the function and demise of the CL. The current review highlights our knowledge on these key molecular events in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Stocco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Kurusu S, Sakaguchi S, Kawaminami M. Regulation of luteal prostaglandin F(2 alpha) production and its relevance to cell death: an in vitro study using rat dispersed luteal cells. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2006; 83:250-6. [PMID: 17499744 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2006.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Revised: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the mechanism by which rat luteal cells produce prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) and its relevance to cell death in vitro. Treatment with progesterone (P4) of dispersed luteal cells prepared from rats on day 9 of pseudopregnancy caused dose-dependent inhibition of PGF(2 alpha) secretion. Cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) or interferon gamma (IFN gamma) alone had no or modest regulatory effects. Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3)), a specific group IVA phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, depressed both basal and cytokine-regulated PGF(2 alpha) production. A combination of TNFalpha and IFN gamma stimulated PGF(2 alpha) synthesis and cytotoxicity (both, P<0.05). Agonistic anti-Fas antibody challenge caused a significant cytotoxic effect but without affecting PGF(2 alpha) production. The present data suggest that P4 inhibits and TNFalpha and IFN gamma cooperatively stimulate PGF(2 alpha) release by rat luteal cells. They also suggest that luteal cell death induced by TNFalpha/IFN gamma and Fas stimulation seems to occur via distinct signaling pathways involving PGF(2 alpha) production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Kurusu
- Laboratory of Physiology, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
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Abstract
The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland whose limited lifespan is hormonally programmed. This debate article summarizes findings of our research group that challenge the principle that the end of function of the corpus luteum or luteal regression, once triggered, cannot be reversed. Overturning luteal regression by pharmacological manipulations may be of critical significance in designing strategies to improve fertility efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Telleria
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA.
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Goyeneche AA, Harmon JM, Telleria CM. Cell death induced by serum deprivation in luteal cells involves the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Reproduction 2006; 131:103-11. [PMID: 16388014 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland specializing in the production of progesterone. The regression of the corpus luteum involves an abrupt decline in its capacity for producing progesterone followed by its structural involution, which is associated with apoptosis of the luteal cells. An in vitro experimental approach is needed to study the molecular mechanisms underlying hormonal regulation of luteal cell death under defined experimental conditions. In this study, we investigated simian virus-40-transformed luteal cells to determine whether they can be driven to apoptosis and, if so, to define the intracellular pathway involved. Luteal cells were cultured in the presence or absence of fetal bovine serum for 24 or 48 h. Under serum starvation conditions, the luteal cells underwent growth arrest accompanied by cell death as evaluated by dye exclusion, and confirmed by two-color fluorescence cell viability/cytotoxicity assay. We next studied whether serum starvation-induced death of luteal cells occurred by apoptosis. Morphologic features of apoptosis were observed in cells stained with hematoxylin after being subjected to serum starvation for 48 h. The apoptotic nature was further confirmed by in situ 3'-end labeling and fragmentation of genomic DNA. Apoptosis of serum-deprived luteal cells was dependent upon caspase activation. Serum starvation induced cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that caspase-3 had been activated under the stress of withdrawal of growth factors. This was confirmed by cleavage of full-length procaspase-3. Finally, the fact that serum starvation promoted the cleavage of full-length procaspase-9 and the decrease in the expression of endogenous Bid, a BH-3-only proapoptotic protein of the Bcl-2 family, indicates that the intrinsic (i.e., mitochondrial) pathway of apoptosis was activated. In summary, we have characterized an in vitro experimental model of luteal cell death that can be utilized to evaluate the role of hormones in apoptosis of luteal cells under defined culture conditions, and to study the mechanism of luteal regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Goyeneche
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, 57069, USA
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Abstract
This minireview summarizes the role that progesterone (P4) plays in regulating granulosa and luteal cell function. These actions include the stimulation of P4 synthesis and the inhibition of estrogen synthesis, mitosis, and apoptosis. P4 also plays a key role in the ovulatory process. Although P4's actions are well documented, the mechanism or mechanisms that mediate all of these actions have not been defined. In addition to P4-induced gene transcription that is mediated by the nuclear P4 receptors (PGR-A and PGR-B), three other receptor/signal transduction pathways could account for P4's intraovarian actions. These pathways could be mediated by 1) the PGR localizing at or near the plasma membrane and activating SRC family kinases, 2) a membrane progestin receptor that responds to P4 by lowering intracellular cAMP and increasing MAPK 3/1 activity, and 3) a membrane receptor complex composed of serpine 1 mRNA binding protein (also known as PAIRBP1 or RDA288) and progesterone receptor membrane component 1. Ligand activation of this complex likely leads to an increase in protein kinase G activity, the maintenance of low basal intracellular free calcium, and the inhibition of granulosa and luteal cell mitosis and apoptosis. Given the complexity of P4's actions within the ovary, it is likely that all of these receptor/signal transduction pathways influence some aspect of ovarian function with the specific P4 response dependent on 1) the expression pattern of these putative P4 receptors, 2) the P4 binding affinity of each receptor system, and 3) the amount of available P4.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Peluso
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA.
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Abstract
Despite evidence strongly supporting progesterone's autocrine actions in the rat corpus luteum (CL), classical progesterone receptors (PR) have not been detected in this gland. Alternatively, in several other systems, progestins have been reported to activate nongenomic pathways via putative progestin membrane receptors (PMRs). The aim of this investigation was to determine whether rat CL membranes bind progestins and contain PMR homologs and whether these proteins are expressed during CL development in a manner that parallels luteal function. We found that luteal cell membranes specifically bind progesterone. Low levels of progesterone and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone decreased binding of [(3)H]progesterone, whereas androstenedione, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and pregnenolone were less potent. Other steroids, including corticosterone, mifepristone, and estradiol, were ineffective. We found that the rat CL expresses five genes previously postulated to encode for putative PMRs: PMRalpha, PMRbeta, PMRgamma, PR membrane component 1 (PRMC1), and Rda288. Pmralpha, Pmrgamma, and Prmc1 transcripts rose steadily during pregnancy whereas Pmrbeta and Rda288 remained constant. Just before parturition, concomitant with falling progesterone levels, Pmralpha, Pmrbeta, and Prmc1 decreased. Luteal PMRalpha and PRMC1 protein levels were lower in samples taken at the end of pregnancy compared with midpregnancy samples. Ergocriptine, which inhibits the secretion of prolactin, the primary luteotrophic hormone in the rat CL, reduced Pmralpha, Pmrbeta, and Prmc1 expression significantly. Ergocriptine effects were prevented by coadministration of prolactin. These findings provide evidence for the expression and regulation of putative membrane-bound progestin-binding proteins in the rat CL, a tissue that does not express detectable levels of nuclear progesterone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zailong Cai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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Al-Gubory KH, Ceballos-Picot I, Nicole A, Bolifraud P, Germain G, Michaud M, Mayeur C, Blachier F. Changes in activities of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase, glutathione-dependent enzymes and the incidence of apoptosis in sheep corpus luteum during the estrous cycle. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2005; 1725:348-57. [PMID: 16055271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2005.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2005] [Revised: 06/21/2005] [Accepted: 06/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anti-oxidative enzymes play a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether the anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant enzymatic capacities of the sheep corpus luteum (CL) are correlated with steroidogenic and structural status of the gland during the estrous cycle. Steroidogenic activity, apoptosis and superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in the CL at specific developmental stages of the luteal phase. The intensity of apoptotic DNA fragmentation, characteristic of physiological cell death, was much greater in CL at late luteal phase than at early and mid-luteal phase, concomitantly with the diminution in the plasma progesterone concentrations from mid-to late luteal phase. SOD1 and GPX activities increased from early to mid-luteal phase, and increased further at late luteal phase. SOD2 and GST activities were not different between early and mid-luteal phase, but increased at late luteal phase. GSR activity was not different between any luteal phase examined. NOS activity decreased from early to mid- and late luteal phase. These results show that the activities of SOD1, SOD2, NOS, GPX, GSR and GST in the sheep CL are subject to major changes during the estrous cycle, and that the anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant enzymatic capacities of luteal cells are not correlated with cell steroidogenic status and integrity during the late luteal phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaïs H Al-Gubory
- Unité Biologie du Développement et de la Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas cedex, France.
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Goyeneche AA, Telleria CM. Exogenous estradiol enhances apoptosis in regressing post-partum rat corpora lutea possibly mediated by prolactin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2005; 3:40. [PMID: 16131396 PMCID: PMC1236958 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 08/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pregnant rats, structural luteal regression takes place after parturition and is associated with cell death by apoptosis. We have recently shown that the hormonal environment is responsible for the fate of the corpora lutea (CL). Changing the levels of circulating hormones in post-partum rats, either by injecting androgen, progesterone, or by allowing dams to suckle, was coupled with a delay in the onset of apoptosis in the CL. The objectives of the present investigation were: i) to examine the effect of exogenous estradiol on apoptosis of the rat CL during post-partum luteal regression; and ii) to evaluate the post-partum luteal expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) genes. METHODS In a first experiment, rats after parturition were separated from their pups and injected daily with vehicle or estradiol benzoate for 4 days. On day 4 post-partum, animals were sacrificed, blood samples were taken to determine serum concentrations of hormones, and the ovaries were isolated to study apoptosis in situ. In a second experiment, non-lactating rats after parturition received vehicle, estradiol benzoate or estradiol benzoate plus bromoergocryptine for 4 days, and their CL were isolated and used to study apoptosis ex vivo. In a third experiment, we obtained CL from rats on day 15 of pregnancy and from non-lactating rats on day 4 post-partum, and studied the expression of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding the ERalpha and ERbeta genes. RESULTS Exogenous administration of estradiol benzoate induced an increase in the number of apoptotic cells within the CL on day 4 post-partum when compared with animals receiving vehicle alone. Animals treated with the estrogen had higher serum prolactin and progesterone concentrations, with no changes in serum androstenedione. Administration of bromoergocryptine blocked the increase in serum prolactin and progesterone concentrations, and DNA fragmentation induced by the estrogen treatment. ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs were expressed in CL of day 4 post-partum animals at levels similar to those found in CL of day 15 pregnant animals. CONCLUSION We have established that estradiol accelerates apoptosis in the CL during post-partum luteal regression through a mechanism that possibly involves the secretion of pituitary prolactin. We have also shown that the post-partum rat CL express ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs suggesting that they can be targeted by estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Goyeneche
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069, USA
| | - Carlos M Telleria
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069, USA
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Peluso JJ, Pappalardo A, Losel R, Wehling M. Expression and Function of PAIRBP1 Within Gonadotropin-Primed Immature Rat Ovaries: PAIRBP1 Regulation of Granulosa and Luteal Cell Viability1. Biol Reprod 2005; 73:261-70. [PMID: 15814896 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.041061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein PAIRBP1, which was initially referred to as RDA288, is involved in mediating the antiapoptotic action of progesterone (P4) in spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCs). The present studies were designed to assess the expression and function of PAIRBP1 in the different cell types within the immature rat ovary. Western blot analysis detected PAIRBP1 within whole-cell lysates of immature rat ovaries. Equine gonadotropin (eCG) induced a 3-fold increase in ovarian levels of PAIRBP1. Moreover, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), given 48 h after eCG, maintained these elevated levels for up to 4 days. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed this and further demonstrated that interstitial, thecal, and surface epithelial cells also expressed PAIRBP1. The level of PAIRBP1 in these cells was not influenced by gonadotropin treatment. In contrast, eCG stimulated an increase in PAIRBP1 within the granulosa cells of the developing follicles. Treatment with hCG induced ovulation and ultimately the formation of corpora lutea (CL). High levels of PAIRBP1 expression were also observed within the luteal cells. Immunocytochemical studies on living, nonpermeabilized granulosa and luteal cells revealed that some PAIRBP1 localized to the extracellular surface of these cells. The presence of PAIRBP1 on the extracellular surface was consistent with the observation that an antibody to PAIRBP1 attenuated P4's antiapoptotic action in both granulosa and luteal cells. Although the PAIRBP1 antibody attenuated P4's action, it did not reduce the capacity of cells to specifically bind (3)H-P4. Immunoprecipitation with the PAIRBP1 antibody pulled down the membrane P4 binding protein known as progesterone receptor membrane complex-1 (PGRMC1; rat homolog accession number AJ005837). Taken together, these findings suggest that gonadotropins regulate the expression of PAIRBP1 in granulosa and luteal cells and that PAIRBP1 plays an important role in mediating P4's antiapoptotic action in these ovarian cell types. The exact mechanism of PAIRBP1's action remains to be elucidated, but it may involve an interaction with PGRMC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Peluso
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Conneticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA.
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Candolfi M, Jaita G, Zaldivar V, Zárate S, Ferrari L, Pisera D, Castro MG, Seilicovich A. Progesterone antagonizes the permissive action of estradiol on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells. Endocrinology 2005; 146:736-43. [PMID: 15528300 PMCID: PMC1242177 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of lactotropes is estrogen dependent and predominant at proestrus. Here we observed that TNF-alpha (50 ng/ml) failed to induce apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells from ovariectomized rats cultured in the presence of progesterone (10(-6) m). However, progesterone blocked the apoptotic effect of TNF-alpha in anterior pituitary cells and lactotropes cultured with 17beta-estradiol (10(-9) m). In addition, 17beta-estradiol induced apoptosis of somatotropes and triggered the proapoptotic action of TNF-alpha in these cells, effects completely blocked by ICI 182 780 (10(-6) m), an estrogen receptor antagonist. Progesterone reverted the permissive effect of 17beta-estradiol on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of somatotropes. TNF-alpha induced apoptosis of somatotropes from rats killed at proestrus but not at diestrus. The antiprogestine ZK 98,299 (10(-6) m) completely inhibited the protective action of progesterone on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells, lactotropes, and somatotropes. Although progesterone can interact with glucocorticoid receptors, dexamethasone (10(-6) m) had no effect on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells, lactotropes, and somatotropes. Our results show that progesterone, by interacting with progesterone receptors, antagonizes the permissive action of estrogens on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of lactotropes and somatotropes. These observations suggest that the steroid milieu may modulate the apoptotic response of anterior pituitary cells during the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - A. Seilicovich
- Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Adriana Seilicovich, Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 10, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina. E-mail:
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Parborell F, Irusta G, Vitale A, Gonzalez O, Pecci A, Tesone M. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist antide inhibits apoptosis of preovulatory follicle cells in rat ovary. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:659-66. [PMID: 15564600 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.034454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Analogs of GnRH, including agonists (GnRH-a) and antagonists (GnRH-ant), have been widely used to inhibit gonadotropin pituitary release. Aside from the effect of GnRH analogs on the pituitary-gonadal axis, studies have shown that GnRH has extrapituitary effects, particularly on rat and human ovaries. In the present study, we evaluated the direct in vivo effects of the GnRH-a, leuprolide acetate (LA), or the GnRH-ant, Antide (Ant), either singly or together, on ovarian follicular development in prepubertal eCG-treated rats. LA significantly decreased ovarian weight, whereas Ant increased ovarian weight compared with controls; however, coinjection of both compounds had no effect. In addition, LA increased the number of preantral follicles (PFs) and atretic follicles, and decreased the number of early antral follicles (EAFs) and preovulatory follicles (POFs). Coinjection of Ant interfered with this LA effect. Ant alone increased the number of POFs compared with that of controls. Analysis of apoptosis has shown that LA increases the percentage of apoptotic cells in PFs, EAFs, and POFs; however, Ant prevented this effect. In addition, Ant alone decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells in EAFs and POFs. Data have shown that Ant per se inhibited BAX translocation from cytosol to mitochondria and retained cytochrome C in the mitochondria, whereas LA induced cytochrome C release. We conclude that Ant inhibits apoptosis in preovulatory follicles through a decrease of BAX translocation to mitochondria, suggesting that GnRH may act as a physiological intraovarian modulator factor that is able to interfere with follicular development through an increase in apoptotic events mediated by an imbalance among the BCL-2 family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Parborell
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gava N, Clarke CL, Byth K, Arnett-Mansfield RL, deFazio A. Expression of progesterone receptors A and B in the mouse ovary during the estrous cycle. Endocrinology 2004; 145:3487-94. [PMID: 15044369 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone plays a central role in the regulation of ovarian function. The progesterone receptor (PR) has been shown to be essential for ovulation because mice lacking PR fail to ovulate and are infertile. PR is expressed as two isoforms, PRA and PRB, which have been shown to have different functional activities. In this study, we investigated the cellular distribution of PRA and PRB in the ovaries and oviducts of cycling mice using immunohistochemistry with isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies. In the ovary, on the evening of proestrus before ovulation, both the granulosa and theca cells of the preovulatory follicles expressed both PR isoforms. PRA and PRB staining was also observed in the theca cells of preantral and antral follicles, whereas only PRB was observed in the granulosa cells of primary, preantral, and antral follicles and in the corpus luteum. In the oviduct, PRA was the predominant isoform observed, expressed in both the epithelial and stromal cells, whereas PRB was only detected in the epithelial cells. The differences in PRA and PRB localization in the ovary and oviduct may reflect diverse functions for PRA and PRB in reproductive tissues and may have important implications in understanding the mechanisms of progesterone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gava
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
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Peluso JJ, Pappalardo A, Fernandez G, Wu CA. Involvement of an unnamed protein, RDA288, in the mechanism through which progesterone mediates its antiapoptotic action in spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells. Endocrinology 2004; 145:3014-22. [PMID: 14988380 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) inhibits apoptosis of rat granulosa cells and spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCs), which were derived from rat granulosa cells. Defining the mechanism through which P4 mediates its action has been difficult because these cells do not express the classic nuclear P4 receptor. Previous studies have shown that a P4 receptor antibody, C-262, detects a 60-kDa protein that is involved in regulating P4's antiapoptotic action. Using a C-262 affinity column, this 60-kDa protein was isolated and sequenced by mass spectrometry. This analysis revealed that the C-262-detectable protein is an unnamed protein referred to as RDA288. This protein has several putative hyaluronic acid binding sites. Further hyaluronic acid antagonizes (3)H-P4 binding to SIGCs and mimics P4's action, whereas exogenous hyaluronic acid binding protein attenuates P4's actions. RT-PCR demonstrated that RDA288 mRNA was present in SIGCs, immature rat ovary, lung, and skeletal muscle but was not present in several other organs. Forced expression of RDA288 increased the capacity of SIGCs to bind and respond to P4. An antibody was also developed against RDA288. Using this antibody in a Western blot protocol, RDA288 expression was confirmed in both SIGCs and granulosa cells. An immunohistochemical study detected RDA288 in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane components of granulosa cells of antral follicles. Immunocytochemical studies on living nonpermeabilized SIGCs revealed that RDA288 was present on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane. Finally, pretreatment with the RDA288 antibody blocked P4's antiapoptotic actions. Taken together, these data suggest that RDA288 plays a significant role in mediating P4's antiapoptotic action in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Peluso
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA.
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Takiguchi S, Sugino N, Esato K, Karube-Harada A, Sakata A, Nakamura Y, Ishikawa H, Kato H. Differential Regulation of Apoptosis in the Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy and Newly Formed Corpus Luteum after Parturition in Rats1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:313-8. [PMID: 14522835 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.018853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis contributes to luteal regression in many species. In the postpartum rat, there are two different types of corpora lutea (CL) in the ovary: CL of pregnancy (CLP) and newly formed CL (NCL). To investigate the regulation of apoptosis in the two different types of CL during luteal regression, apoptosis and caspase-3 activity were examined in the CL obtained on Days 7, 15, and 21 of pregnancy and Days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 postpartum. Furthermore, the effect of lactation on apoptosis in the CL was examined in two groups of postpartum rats: lactating rats that nurse more than 10 pups, and nonlactating rats that nurse no pups. Apoptotic cells were detected after Day 21 of pregnancy. In the CLP, remarkable increases in the number of apoptotic cells on Days 5 and 9 postpartum were observed in nonlactating rats (P < 0.01), but not in lactating rats. Changes in caspase-3 activity in the CLP were not consistent with those in number of apoptotic cells. In the NCL, an increase in apoptosis was found only on Day 5 postpartum in nonlactating rats (P < 0.01), but not in lactating rats. Changes in caspase-3 activity in the NCL were consistent with those in number of apoptotic cells. In conclusion, apoptosis is, at least in part, involved in luteal regression after parturition, and lactation appears to inhibit apoptosis. This study also suggests the presence of a caspase-3-independent mechanism for apoptosis in CLP regression in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Reproductive, Pediatric, and Infectious Science, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
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Boiti C, Guelfi G, Zerani M, Zampini D, Brecchia G, Gobbetti A. Expression patterns of cytokines, p53 and nitric oxide synthase isoenzymes in corpora lutea of pseudopregnant rabbits during spontaneous luteolysis. Reproduction 2004; 127:229-38. [PMID: 15056789 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The gene expressions for macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2 and p53 were examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in corpora lutea (CL) of rabbits during spontaneous luteolysis at days 13, 15, 18 and 22 of pseudopregnancy. In the same luteal tissue, total activity of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) and genes for both endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) isoforms were also analysed. From day 13 to 15, MCP-1 and IL-1βmRNA levels rose (P≤ 0.01) almost 2-fold, and the transcript for p53 almost 8-fold, but then all dropped (P≤ 0.05) from day 18 onward. IL-2 mRNA abundance was higher (P≤ 0.01) on day 13 and then gradually declined. During luteolysis, eNOS mRNA decreased 40% (P≤ 0.05) by day 15, but thereafter remained unchanged, while iNOS mRNA was barely detectable and did not show any clear age-related pattern throughout the late luteal stages. Total NOS activity progressively increased (P≤ 0.01) from day 13 to 18 of pseudopregnancy and then dropped to the lowest (P≤ 0.01) levels on day 22. Luteal progesterone content also declined during CL regression from 411 to 17 pg/mg found on days 13 and 22 respectively, in parallel with the decrease in blood progesterone concentrations. These data further support a physiological role of NO as modulator of luteal demise in rabbits. Locally, luteal cytokines may be involved in the up-regulation of NOS activity, while downstream NO may inhibit steroroidogenesis and induce expression of p53 gene after removal of the protective action of progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Boiti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biopatologiche Veterinarie, Università di Perugia, S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Diaz FJ, Wiltbank MC. Acquisition of luteolytic capacity: changes in prostaglandin F2alpha regulation of steroid hormone receptors and estradiol biosynthesis in pig corpora lutea. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1333-9. [PMID: 14724131 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The pig corpora lutea (CL) acquires luteolytic capacity at about Day 13 of the estrous cycle, after which luteolysis occurs in response to prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) treatment. We postulated that differences in transcription factors such as the steroid hormone receptors may be responsible for the differences in PGF2alpha-induced gene expression after acquisition of luteolytic capacity. In these studies, we evaluated the effect of PGF2alpha on luteal expression of receptors for progesterone (nuclear and membrane progesterone receptor [PR]), estradiol (ERalpha and ERbeta), glucocorticoid, androgens, and two enzymes in estradiol synthesis (P450-17alpha and aromatase). Two experiments were conducted to examine the early (0.5 h, experiment I) and late (10 h, experiment II) effects of PGF(2alpha) on the expression of these receptors in CL with (Day 17) or without (Day 9) luteolytic capacity. PGF2alpha decreased ERalpha mRNA (35%) and increased ERbeta mRNA (558%) and protein (376%) only in Day 17 CL and not Day 9. The estradiol biosynthetic pathway was upregulated by PGF2alpha in Day 17 CL but not Day 9 CL, with a dramatic increase in aromatase mRNA and luteal estradiol content. Nuclear PR was not affected by PGF2alpha, but was greater (176%) in Day 9 CL, while a putative membrane PR was greater (156%) in Day 17 than Day 9 CL. There were no detectable changes in glucocorticoid or androgen receptor mRNA. Thus, luteolytic capacity is associated with upregulation of estradiol biosynthesis, which in conjunction with increased ERbeta expression and altered PR expression may promote luteolysis in the pig CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Diaz
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program and Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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50
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Christenson LK, Devoto L. Cholesterol transport and steroidogenesis by the corpus luteum. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:90. [PMID: 14613534 PMCID: PMC280730 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2003] [Accepted: 11/10/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of progesterone by the corpus luteum is essential for the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. Regulation of luteal steroidogenesis can be broken down into three major events; luteinization (i.e., conversion of an ovulatory follicle), luteal regression, and pregnancy induced luteal maintenance/rescue. While the factors that control these events and dictate the final steroid end products are widely varied among different species, the composition of the corpus luteum (luteinized thecal and granulosa cells) and the enzymes and proteins involved in the steroidogenic pathway are relatively similar among all species. The key factors involved in luteal steroidogenesis and several new exciting observations regarding regulation of luteal steroidogenic function are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane K Christenson
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Luigi Devoto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil (IDIMI) y Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Hospital Clinico San Borja-Arriaran CP6519100, Santiago, Chile
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