Altered expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in bovine cystic ovarian disease.

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main causes of infertility in dairy cattle. It has been shown that intra-ovarian factors may contribute to follicular persistence. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) isoforms are important paracrine and autocrine signalling molecules that regulate ovarian follicle growth and physiology. Considering the importance of these factors in the ovarian physiology, in this study, we examined the expression of TGFB isoforms (TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3) in the ovary of healthy cows and animals with spontaneous and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-induced COD. In the oestrous-synchronized control group, the expression of TGFB1 in granulosa and theca cells was higher in spontaneous cysts than in atretic or tertiary follicles. When we compared TGFB2 expression in granulosa cells from atretic or tertiary follicles from the oestrous-synchronized control group with that in ACTH-induced or spontaneous follicular cysts, we found a higher expression in the latter. The expression of the TGFB isoforms studied was also altered during folliculogenesis in both the spontaneous and ACTH-induced COD groups. As it has been previously shown that TGFB influences steroidogenesis, ovarian follicular proliferation and apoptosis, an alteration in its expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Ovarian localization of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11ßHSD): effects of ACTH stimulation and its relationship with bovine cystic ovarian disease.

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in cattle, and ACTH has been involved in regulatory mechanisms related to ovarian function associated with ovulation, steroidogenesis, and luteal function. Here, we examined the localization of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ßHSD1) and 11ßHSD2 proteins in the ovary of healthy cows and animals with spontaneous and ACTH-induced COD and the in vitro response of the follicular wall exposed to ACTH. After stimulation by ACTH, we documented changes in 11ßHSD expression and cortisol secretion by the follicular wall of large antral and follicular cysts. Follicular cysts showed a higher constitutive expression of both enzymes, whereas ACTH induced an increase in 11ßHSD1 in tertiary follicles and follicular cysts and a decrease in 11ßHSD2 in follicular cysts. Moderate expression of 11ßHSD1 was observed by immunohistochemistry in granulosa of control animals, with an increase (P < 0.05) from primary to secondary, tertiary, and atretic follicles. The level of immunostaining in theca interna was lower than that in granulosa. The expression of 11ßHSD2 was lower in the granulosa of primary follicles than in that of secondary, tertiary, and atretic follicles and was lower in the theca interna than in the granulosa. In ACTH-induced and spontaneously occurring follicular cysts, differences from controls were observed only in the expression of 11ßHSD1 in the granulosa, being higher (P < 0.05) than in tertiary follicles. These findings indicate that follicular cysts may be exposed to high local concentrations of active glucocorticoids and indicate a local role for cortisol in COD pathogenesis and in regulatory mechanisms of ovarian function.

Interaction between IGF1 and IGFBPs in bovine cystic ovarian disease.

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main factors responsible for reproductive disorders in cattle. Although the pathogenesis and mechanism of cyst formation are not fully understood, it has been proposed that the IGF system could play an essential role, as it is a key intraovarian regulator. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the altered levels in IGF1 detected in bovines with COD are associated with changes at mRNA level or with differential modulation by IGFBPs. The mRNA levels of the IGF components studied were analyzed by real time PCR and in situ hybridization, and IGFBP expression and activity were assayed by immunohistochemistry and ligand blot, respectively. Results showed a decreased IGF1 mRNA level due to a lower granulosa cell gene expression in cystic follicles (P<0.05). Results also showed variations in IGFBP expression in the intraovarian cellular compartment and concentration in follicular fluid, and suggest that IGFBP3 is a key regulator of intrafollicular IGF1 in animals with COD.