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Expression and localization of gap junctional connexins 26 and 43 in bovine periovulatory follicles and in corpus luteum during different functional stages of oestrous cycle and pregnancy.
- Source :
-
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene [Reprod Domest Anim] 2009 Apr; Vol. 44 (2), pp. 295-302. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Nov 13. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- The aim of this study was to characterize the regulation of connexins (Cx26 and Cx43) in the bovine ovary (experiment 1-3). Experiment 1: ovaries containing preovulatory follicles or corpora lutea (CL) were collected at 0, 4, 10, 20, 25 (follicles) and 60 h (CL) relative to injection of GnRH. Experiment 2: CL were assigned to the following stages: days 1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-12, 13-16, >18 (after regression) of oestrous cycle and of early and late pregnancy (<4 and >4 months). Experiment 3: induced luteolysis, cows on days 8-12 were injected with PGF2alpha analogue (Cloprostenol), and CL were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy before and 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 h after PGF2alpha injection. Real-time RT-PCR was applied to investigate mRNA expression and immunofluorescence was utilized for protein localization. Cx26 mRNA increased rapidly 4 h after GnRH injection (during LH surge) and decreased afterwards during the whole experimental period. Cx43 mRNA expression decreased continuously after GnRH application. Cx26 mRNA in CL increased significantly in the second part of oestrous cycle and after regression. In contrast, the highest mRNA expression for Cx43 in CL was detected during the early luteal phase. After induced luteolysis the mRNA expression of Cx26 increased significantly at 24 h. As shown by immunofluorescence, Cx26 was predominantly localized in the connective tissue and blood vessels of bovine CL, whereas Cx43 was present in the luteal cells and blood vessels. This resulted in a strong increase of Cx26 expression during the late luteal phase and after luteal regression. Subsequently, Cx43 expression was distinctly decreased after luteal regression. These data suggest that Cx26 and Cx43 are involved in the local cellular mechanisms participating in tissue remodelling during the critical time around periovulation as well as during CL formation (angiogenesis), function and regression in the bovine ovary.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Cloprostenol pharmacology
Connexin 26
Connexin 43 analysis
Connexins analysis
Corpus Luteum physiology
Dinoprost administration & dosage
Female
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Gene Expression
Gestational Age
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone administration & dosage
Luteolysis drug effects
Luteolysis physiology
Ovarian Follicle physiology
Ovulation physiology
Pregnancy
RNA, Messenger analysis
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
Cattle physiology
Connexin 43 genetics
Connexins genetics
Corpus Luteum chemistry
Estrous Cycle physiology
Ovarian Follicle chemistry
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1439-0531
- Volume :
- 44
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19032438
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01068.x