Effect of mating on mRNA and protein expression of beta nerve growth factor and its receptor, TrKA, in the oviduct of llama (Lama glama)

Copulation produces different stimuli in the female reproductive tract in camelids, which lead to ovulation. Expression of β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) and its specific receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrKA), was studied comparing the oviductal microenvironment of mated and nonmated llamas. β-NGF and TrKA were expressed in the llama ampulla, isthmus, and utero-tubal-junction (UTJ), and they were mainly colocalized in the apical region of the oviductal mucosa. A TrKA immunosignal was also found in muscle cells and blood vessels, with the highest mark in UTJ muscle cells of copulated females. Both β-NGF and TrKA transcripts were expressed in the three oviductal segments. Relative TrKA abundance did not differ between mated and nonmated females, but relative β-NGF abundance was higher in the UTJ of copulated females (p < .05). β-NGF might not be secreted into the oviductal fluid (OF) since the protein was not found in the OF of mated or nonmated females. Therefore, it can be concluded that the llama oviduct expresses the β-NGF/TrKA system and that an increase in β-NGF gene expression in the UTJ 24 h after copulation along with an increase in TrKA protein expression may indicate an important role in the gamete transport and fertilization process in llamas.

Role of nerve growth factor in the reproductive physiology of female rabbits: A review

Rabbit does are reflex ovulators such that coitus is needed to release GnRH and elicit the LH surge that triggers the ovulation of mature oocytes. However, the mechanisms eliciting ovulation in this species remain unclear. One of the most promising recently discovered candidates with a role in female reproductive physiology is nerve growth factor beta (β-NGF). This neurotrophin and its high-affinity receptor TrkA and low affinity receptor p75, is present in all compartments of the ovary, oviduct and uterus suggesting a physiologic role in ovarian folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, ovulation, luteogenesis and embryo development. Besides, evidence exists that β-NGF found in seminal plasma could exert a modulatory role in the female hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis contributing to the adrenergic and cholinergic neuronal stimulus of GnRH neurons in an endocrine manner during natural mating. Probably, the paracrine and local roles of the neurotrophin in steroidogenesis and ovulation reinforce the neuroendocrine pathway that leads to ovulation. This review updates knowledge of the role of β-NGF in rabbit reproduction, including its possible contribution to the mechanisms of action that induce ovulation, and discusses perspectives for the future applications of this neurotrophin on rabbit farms.

Nerve growth factor-β effects on post-thaw bull semen quality: Effects of nerve growth factor-β added to extenders for cryopreservation of electro-ejaculated and epididymal bull semen

Nerve growth factor-β (NGF) is a seminal plasma protein associated with improved sperm membrane integrity and motility in mammalian species. The objective of this study was to compare post-thaw semen quality from both ejaculated and pididymal-collected bull sperm incubated with purified NGF prior to cryopreservation. Semen was obtained from Angus × Simmental crossbred bulls (n = 10) collected by electroejaculation, followed by castration and epididymal sperm collections 3 days later. Semen samples were incubated with extender having 0 ng/mL (CONT), 0.5 ng/mL (LOW), 5 ng/mL (MED), or 50 ng/mL (HIGH) of purified NGF prior to cryopreservation. Sperm motility was assessed in each sample prior to treatment and cryopreservation and at post-thaw. Flow cytometry was used for post-thaw assessment of sperm viability (SYBR-14/PI), acrosome integrity (FITC-PNA/PI), and chromatin stability (acridine orange). Values for post-thaw sperm motility and velocity variables were decreased, while linearity was increased in samples of the HIGH compared with CONT group (P < 0.01), but there were no differences in epididymal samples (P> 0.05). Samples from the HIGH group also had a lesser amplitude of lateral head displacement at 2.5 and 3 h post-thaw (P < 0.01). Post-thaw sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and DNA fragmentation index were not affected by NGF treatment in either ejaculated or epididymal sperm (P> 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of freezing extender with NGF had minimal effects on post-thaw sperm quality in bulls. Results indicate NGF may have a function in preventing premature sperm hyperactivation in ejaculated, but not epididymal-collected spermatozoa. Fertility studies, both in vitro and in vivo, are warranted to ascertain the relevancy of these findings.

Neurotrophins and Trk receptors in the developing and adult ovary of Coturnix coturnix japonica

NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and their specific receptors TrkA, TrkB and TrkC are known to be involved in the development and maintenance of vertebrates' nervous system. However, these molecules play a role also in non-neuronal tissue, such as in the reproductive system. In this study we investigated the presence and localization of neurotrophins and Trk receptors to unravel their potential role in the developing and adult ovary of Japanese quail, a model species well suited for reproduction studies. Western blotting analysis on ovaries of three month old quails in the period of egg laying showed the presence of pro and mature forms of neurotrophins and splice variants of Trk receptors. Immunohistochemical investigation reported that in embryonic ovaries from the 9th day of incubation to the hatching NGF and NT-3 were observed in the cortical and medullar areas respectively, whereas Trk receptors were observed in both areas. In adult ovary, all NTs were detected in glandular stromal cells, NGF and NT-3 also in the nervous component. Regarding follicle components, NGF and BDNF were observed in oocytes and follicular cells. All TrK receptors were present in nervous components and only TrkA in glandular stromal cells. In follicles, TrkA was present in oocyte cytoplasm and TrkB in theca cells. The results suggest an involvement of the neurotrophin system in the quail ovary physiology, promoting the oocyte development and follicular organization in the embryo, as well as oocyte and follicular maturation in adults.

WITHDRAWN: Neurotrophins and specific receptors in the oviduct tracts of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published in Ann. Anat., 210 (2017) 112 – 120>, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2016.04.034. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

Immunoreactivities of IL-1β and IL-1R in oviduct of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) during pre-hibernation and the breeding period

The Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) has one special physiological phenomenon, which is that its oviduct goes through expansion prior to hibernation instead of during the breeding period. In this study, we investigated the localization and expression level of interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and its functional membrane receptor type I (IL1R1) proteins in the oviduct of R. dybowskii during pre-hibernation and the breeding period. There were significant differences in both oviductal weight and pipe diameter, with values markedly higher in pre-hibernation than in the breeding period. Histologically, epithelium cells, glandular cells and tubule lumen were identified in the oviduct during pre-hibernation and the breeding period, while sizes of both cell types are larger in the pre-hibernation than those of the breeding period. IL-1β was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of epithelial and glandular cells in both periods, whereas IL-1R1 was observed in the membrane of epithelial and glandular cells in the breeding period, whereas only in epithelial cells during pre-hibernation. Consistently, the protein levels of IL-1β and IL-1R1 were higher in pre-hibernation as compared to the breeding period. These results suggested that IL-1β may play an important autocrine or paracrine role in oviductal cell proliferation and differentiation of R. dybowskii.

Expression of P450arom and Estrogen Receptor Alpha in the Oviduct of Chinese Brown Frog (Rana dybowskii) during Prehibernation

One specific physiological phenomenon of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) is that its oviduct expands prior to hibernation instead of expanding during the breeding period. In this study, we investigated the expression of P450arom and estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) in the oviduct of Rana dybowskii during the breeding period and prehibernation. The results of the present study showed that there were significant differences in both oviductal weight and size with values markedly higher in prehibernation than in the breeding period. P450arom was observed in stromal tissue in both the breeding period and prehibernation. ERα was expressed in stromal tissue and epithelial cells in both periods, whereas ERβ could not be detected. The mean protein and mRNA levels of P450arom and ERα were significantly higher in prehibernation as compared to the breeding period. Besides, oviductal content of 17β-estradiol was also higher in prehibernation than in the breeding period. These results suggested that estrogen may play autocrine/paracrine roles mediated by ERα in regulating the oviductal hypertrophy during prehibernation.

Oviductal secretion and gamete interaction

Experimental evidence from the last 30 years supports the fact that the oviduct is involved in the modulation of the reproductive process in eutherian mammals. Oviductal secretion contains molecules that contribute to regulation of gamete function, gamete interaction, and the early stages of embryo development. The oviductal environment would act as a sperm reservoir, maintaining sperm viability, and modulating the subpopulation of spermatozoa that initiates the capacitation process. It could also contribute to prevent the premature acrosome reaction and to reduce polyspermy. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of the oviductal environment on fertilization and on the first stages of embryo development. Some oviductal factors have been identified in different mammalian species. The effects of oviductal secretion on the reproductive process could be thought to result from the dynamic combined action (inhibitory or stimulatory) of multiple factors present in the oviductal lumen at different stages of the ovulatory cycle and in the presence of gametes or embryos. It could be hypothesized that the absence of a given molecule would not affect fertility as its action could be compensated by another factor with similar functions. However, any alteration in this balance could affect certain events of the reproductive process and could perhaps impair fertility. Thus, the complexity of the reproductive process warrants a continuous research effort to unveil the mechanisms and factors behind its regulation in the oviductal microenvironment.

Nerve growth factor promotes human sperm motility in vitro by increasing the movement distance and the number of A grade spermatozoa

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was first found in the central nervous system and is now well known for its multiple pivotal roles in the nervous system and immune system. However, more and more evidences showed that NGF and its receptors TrkA and p75 were also found in the head and tail of spermatozoa, which indicate the possible effect of NGF on the sperm motility. Nevertheless, the exact role of NGF in the human sperm motility remains unclear until now. In this study, we investigated the effect of NGF on human sperm motility, and the results showed that NGF could promote human sperm motility in vitro by increasing the movement distance and the number of A grade spermatozoa. Further analysis demonstrated that NGF promoted the sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. These results may facilitate the further studies on human fertility and assisted reproduction techniques.

Immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors in ovarian surface epithelium of the wild ground squirrel during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons

The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) plays an important role in normal ovarian physiology. During each reproductive cycle, the OSE takes part in the cyclical ovulatory ruptures and repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75, in the OSE cells of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. There were marked variations in ovarian weight and size between the breeding and the nonbreeding seasons. Histologically, cuboidal cells and squamous cells were identified in the OSE of both seasons. Yet, stronger immunostaining of NGF, TrkA and p75 were observed in cuboidal cells and squamous cells in the breeding season as compared to the nonbreeding season. In addition, plasma gonadotropin concentrations were higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season, suggesting that the expression patterns of NGF, TrkA and p75 in the OSE were correlated with changes in plasma gonadotropins. These findings suggested that NGF and its receptor TrkA and p75 may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the OSE of wild ground squirrel.

Seasonal changes in expression of nerve growth factor and its receptors TrkA and p75 in the ovary of wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75 in the ovaries of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. In the breeding period, NGF, TrkA and p75 were immunolocalized in granulosa cells, thecal cells, interstitial cells and luteal cells whereas in the nonbreeding period, both of them were detected only in granulosa cells, thecal cells and interstitial cells. Stronger immunostaining of NGF, TrkA and p75 were observed in granulosa cells, thecal cells and interstitial cells in the breeding season compared to the nonbreeding season. Corresponding for the immunohistochemical results, immunoreactivities of NGF and its two receptors were greater in the ovaries of the breeding season then decreased to a relatively low level in the nonbreeding season. The mean mRNA levels of NGF, TrkA and p75 were significantly higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season. In addition, plasma gonadotropins, estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the breeding season than in the nonbreeding season, suggesting that the expression patterns of NGF, and TrkA and p75 were correlated with changes in plasma gonadotropins, estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations. These results indicated that NGF and its receptors, TrkA and p75 may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the ovarian functions of the wild ground squirrel.

Expression of nerve growth factor and its receptors TrkA and p75 in the uterus of wild female ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

In this study, we investigated the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75 in the uterus of the wild ground squirrels during the estrous period, early pregnancy and non-breeding period. In the estrous period and early pregnancy, NGF and TrkA were immunolocalized in stromal cells, luminal epithelial cells, glandular cells and smooth muscle cells whereas in the non-breeding period, both of them were detected only in luminal epithelial cells and glandular cells, but not in stromal cells or smooth muscle cells. Stronger immunostaining of NGF and TrkA was observed in luminal epithelial cells and glandular cells in the estrous period and early pregnancy as compared to the non-breeding period. p75 was immunolocalized only in luminal epithelial and glandular cells during the estrous period, early pregnancy and non-breeding period. The intensity of the immunohistochemical signals for p75 did not vary significantly in the estrous period, early pregnancy and non-breeding period. The mean mRNA levels of NGF and TrkA and p75 were significantly higher in the estrous period and early pregnancy as compared to the non-breeding period. Besides, plasma estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations were higher in the estrous period and early pregnancy than in the non-breeding period, suggesting that the expression patterns of NGF and TrkA are correlated with changes in plasma estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations. These results indicate that NGF and its receptor TrkA may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the uterine functions of wild female ground squirrels.