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Yoshida K, Line J, Griffith K, Wooldredge A, Cruz YP. Progesterone signaling during pregnancy in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica. Theriogenology 2019; 136:101-110. [PMID: 31254723 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate subtle pregnancy-associated changes in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica, an induced ovulator, we compared pregnant with non-pregnant and pseudopregnant animals with regard to serum P4 levels and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Using video-verified, time-mated lab opossums as sources of biological material, we compared ovaries, uteri and sera obtained on odd-numbered days of the 14.5-day pregnancy in this animal. Females that mated successfully but did not produce embryos were classified as pseudopregnant. P4 levels differed significantly between pregnant (N = 21) and either non-pregnant (N = 3) or pseudopregnant (N = 3) opossums, but not between the non-pregnant and pseudopregnant groups. A significant decline in serum P4 occurred between pregnancy days 3 and 5, coinciding with an elevated probability of pregnancy failure between days 5 and 9. PR was detected in the nuclei of uterine-gland epithelial cells on pregnancy days 5 and 7 as well as variably in the corpora lutea (CL) of animals on pregnancy days 3-11. PR expression in the CL suggests that P4 may be autostimulatory in lab opossums and that certain levels of this steroid are required during normal pregnancy. The significant day-3 drop in P4 may explain why pregnancy failure in this polyovular metatherian is likeliest to occur between days 5 and 9, an interval during which the extended period of blastocyst morphogenesis and expansion occurs. Taken together, these results suggest that P4 may have unrecognized signaling roles not only in pregnancy but perhaps embryonic development as well in the lab opossum.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - J Line
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - K Griffith
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - A Wooldredge
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - Y P Cruz
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA.
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Wang Y, Wang Z, Yu W, Sheng X, Zhang H, Han Y, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and cytochrome P450 aromatase in the uteri of the wild Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Eur J Histochem 2018; 62:2889. [PMID: 29569876 PMCID: PMC5820527 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The reproductive tissues including the uterus undergo dramatic changes in seasonal breeders from the breeding to non-breeding seasons. Classically, sex steroid hormones play important roles in the uterine morphology and functions. To clarify the relationship between sex steroid hormones and seasonal changes in the uterine morphology and functions, the wild Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) were used as seasonal breeder model. And the immunolocalizations and expression levels of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) were investigated in the uteri of the wild Daurian ground squirrels in the breeding (April) and the non-breeding (June) seasons via immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR. Histologically, the uterine weight, the thickness of endometrium and the glandular density were significantly higher in the uteri of the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. In both seasons, the immunostaining of AR was only presented in stromal cells of the uteri; the positive staining of ERα and ERβ were localized in stromal cells and glandular cells; P450arom was merely immunolocalized in glandular cells. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ERα, ERβ and P450arom were higher in the uteri of the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season; conversely, the expressions of AR were higher in the uteri of the non-breeding season comparing with those of the breeding season in both protein and mRNA levels. The AR: ER ratio in the uteri of the non-breeding season exceeded the AR: ER ratio in the uteri of the breeding season in the wild Daurian ground squirrels. These results suggested that seasonal changes in the expression levels of AR, ERs and P450arom might be correlated with the uterine morphology and histology changes, and estrogen may play an important autocrine/paracrine role in regulating the uterine functions of the wild Daurian ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Beijing Forestry University, College of Biological Science and Technology.
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Laird MK, McShea H, Murphy CR, McAllan BM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Thompson MB. Non‐invasive placentation in the marsupials
Macropus eugenii
(Macropodidae) and
Trichosurus vulpecula
(Phalangeridae) involves redistribution of uterine Desmoglein‐2. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:72-82. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Hanon McShea
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusetts
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Schumacher A, Dauven D, Zenclussen AC. Progesterone-driven local regulatory T cell induction does not prevent fetal loss in the CBA/J×DBA/2J abortion-prone model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [PMID: 28224721 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Best known for its endocrine and immunologic properties, progesterone (P4) is a pivotal player for pregnancy success. However, the immunologic actions underlying P4 protection are not completely understood. Here, we investigated whether P4 application in a murine abortion-prone combination regulates regulatory T cells (Treg) and dendritic cells (DCs) and thereby affects pregnancy outcome. METHOD OF STUDY Progesterone or vehicle was applied to DBA/2J-mated CBA/J abortion-prone animals in early pregnancy. On gestation day 10, peripheral and local DC and Treg numbers were analyzed and pregnancy outcome was determined. RESULTS Progesterone application provoked a significant increase in the uterine Treg pool but did not alter the abortion rate. Moreover, no significant changes could be observed in peripheral Treg levels and DC numbers after P4 application. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that P4-induced local Treg elevation is not sufficient to overcome fetal rejection in this specific model of disturbed fetal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Dauven
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Laird MK, Dargan JR, Paterson L, Murphy CR, McAllan BM, Shaw G, Renfree MB, Thompson MB. Uterine molecular changes for non‐invasive embryonic attachment in the marsupials
Macropus eugenii
(Macropodidae) and
Trichosurus vulpecula
(Phalangeridae). Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1076-1085. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Laird
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jessica R. Dargan
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lillian Paterson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bronwyn M. McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch InstituteUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geoff Shaw
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Laird MK, McShea H, McAllan BM, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Uterine remodelling during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula; Phalangeridae). J Anat 2017; 231:84-94. [PMID: 28397980 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of a placenta is critical for successful mammalian pregnancy and requires remodelling of the uterine epithelium. In eutherian mammals, remodelling involves specific morphological changes that often correlate with the mode of embryonic attachment. Given the differences between marsupial and eutherian placentae, formation of a marsupial placenta may involve patterns of uterine remodelling that are different from those in eutherians. Here we present a detailed morphological study of the uterus of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula; Phalangeridae) throughout pregnancy, using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, to identify whether uterine changes in marsupials correlate with mode of embryonic attachment as they do in eutherian mammals. The uterine remodelling of T. vulpecula is similar to that of eutherian mammals with the same mode of embryonic attachment (non-invasive, epitheliochorial placentation). The morphological similarities include development of large apical projections, and a decrease in the diffusion distance for haemotrophes around the period of embryonic attachment. Importantly, remodelling of the uterus in T. vulpecula during pregnancy differs from that of a marsupial species with non-invasive attachment (Macropus eugenii; Macropodidae) but is similar to that of a marsupial with invasive attachment (Monodelphis domestica; Didelphidae). We conclude that modes of embryonic attachment may not be typified by a particular suite of uterine changes in marsupials, as is the case for eutherian mammals, and that uterine remodelling may instead reflect phylogenetic relationships between marsupial lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K Laird
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanon McShea
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Alsop TA, McLeod BJ, Butt AG. Variations in epithelial Na(+) transport and epithelial sodium channel localisation in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, during the oestrous cycle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 28:328-36. [PMID: 25056576 DOI: 10.1071/rd13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The fluid in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, is copious at ovulation when it may be involved in sperm transport or maturation, but is rapidly reabsorbed following ovulation. We have used the Ussing short-circuit current (Isc) technique and measurements of transcript and protein expression of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) to determine if variations in electrogenic Na(+) transport are associated with this fluid absorption. Spontaneous Isc (<20µAcm(-2) during anoestrus, 60-80µAcm(-2) in cycling animals) was inhibited by serosal ouabain. Mucosal amiloride (10µmolL(-1)), an inhibitor of ENaC, had little effect on follicular Isc but reduced luteal Isc by ~35%. This amiloride-sensitive Isc was dependent on mucosal Na(+) and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)-amiloride (0.95μmolL(-1)) was consistent with ENaC-mediated Na(+) absorption. Results from polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) indicate that αENaC mRNA is expressed in anoestrous, follicular and luteal phases. However, in follicular animals αENaC immunoreactivity in epithelial cells was distributed throughout the cytoplasm, whereas immunoreactivity was restricted to the apical pole of cells from luteal animals. These data suggest that increased Na(+) absorption contributes to fluid absorption during the luteal phase and is regulated by insertion of ENaC into the apical membrane of cul-de-sac epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-A Alsop
- Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - B J McLeod
- AgResearch Invermay, Private Bag 50034 Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - A G Butt
- Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Kin K, Maziarz J, Wagner GP. Immunohistological Study of the Endometrial Stromal Fibroblasts in the Opossum, Monodelphis domestica: Evidence for Homology with Eutherian Stromal Fibroblasts1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:111. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Crawford JL, McLeod BJ, Eckery DC. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and manipulations of the oestrous cycle in the brushtail possum. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 170:424-48. [PMID: 21074534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The main purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on what is known about the regulatory mechanisms of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in the brushtail possum, and to report on the outcomes of attempts made to manipulate by hormonal means, these processes in the possum. Over the last 15 years, several unique features of possum reproductive physiology have been discovered. These include an extended follicular phase despite elevated concentrations of FSH during the luteal phase, and early expression of LH receptors on granulosa cells of small antral follicles, suggesting a different mechanism for the selection of a dominant follicle. The use of routine synchronisation protocols that are effective in eutherians has failed to be effective in possums, and so the ability to reliably synchronise oestrus in this species remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet L Crawford
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
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10
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Bradshaw FJ, Bradshaw D. Progesterone and reproduction in marsupials: a review. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 170:18-40. [PMID: 20688062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) profiles throughout pregnancy and the oestrous cycle are reviewed in a wide range of marsupial species, representing 12 Families, and focus on the corpus luteum (CL) and its functioning, compared with its eutherian counterpart. Physiologically, P4 subtends the same fundamental processes supporting gestation in marsupials as it does in eutherian mammals, from its role in stimulating the secretory endometrium, effecting nutritional transfer across the placenta and establishing lactogenesis. Before the formation of the CL, however, secretion of P4 is widespread throughout many Families and the dual roles of P4 in the induction of sexual behaviour and ovulation are exposed. In Dasyuridae, raised levels of P4 are linked with the induction of sexual receptivity and are also present around the time of mating in Burramyidae, Petauridae and Tarsipedidae, but their function is unknown. Only in Didelphidae has research established that the pheromonally-induced levels of pro-oestrous P4 trigger ovulation. This is principally the role of oestradiol in the eutherian and may be an important difference between the marsupial and the eutherian. The deposition of the shell coat around the early marsupial embryo is also a function of P4, but perhaps the most striking difference is seen in the time taken to form the CL. This is not always immediate and the maximum secretion of P4 from the granulosa cells may not occur until some 2 weeks after ovulation. The slower development of the CL in some species is linked with delays in the development of the embryo during its unattached phase and results in relatively long gestation periods. A common feature of these, in monovular species, is a short pulse of P4 from the newly-luteinised CL, which is all that is needed for the subsequent development of the embryo to term. Maternal recognition of pregnancy occurs soon after the formation of the blastocyst, with embryo-induced changes in ovarian production of P4 and the uterine endometrium. The embryo, similar to the eutherian, determines the length of the gestation period and initiates its own birth, but in direct contrast, the embryo of some marsupial species shortens the life-span of the CL. The evidence points to a different strategy; one of a reduction, rather than an expansion of the potential ovarian and placental support available during pregnancy. The marsupial mode of reproduction, where all species produce highly altricial young, receiving complex and extensive maternal care, has facilitated the adaptive radiation of this group and avoided the need for precociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J Bradshaw
- School of Animal Biology M092, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Menkhorst E, Selwood L, Cui S. Uterine expression of cp4
gene homolog in the Stripe-faced Dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura
: Relationship with conceptus development and progesterone profile. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:863-72. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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