Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 (BMP-15) and Growth Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF-9) in ovarian polyovular follicles and follicular cysts in pigs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine relationships in the intrafollicular concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9, occurring between uniovular and polyovular follicles and follicular ovarian cysts in gilt ovaries. In order to determine the concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9, ELISA method was applied using the species-specific kits. The lowest concentration of BMP-15 was observed in the uniovular follicles, while the highest concentration was found in the ovarian cysts. The differences in the concentrations of BMP15 between the uniovular and polyovular follicles and the follicular ovarian cysts were statistically significant (p<0,01). Moreover, statistically significant differences in the concentration of BMP-15 were found between the ovulatory polyovular follicles and large uniovular and polyovular follicles (p<0,05). In the GDF-9 concentration, statistical differences (p<0,01) were found between the uniovular follicles, polyovular follicles and ovarian cysts. However, the differences observed between the ovulatory uniovular and polyovular follicles and the large uniovular and polyovular follicles appeared to be statistically unimportant. The demonstrated presence of BMP-15 and GDF-9 in the uniovular and polyovular follicles may suggest that these factors take part in the course of folliculogenesis in pigs. Moreover, substantially higher concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9 in the ovarian cysts may also indicate their participation in the formation of pathological ovarian structures.