Transforming growth factor-beta family members are regulated during induced luteolysis in cattle

Cristina Sangoi Haas,Kalyne Bertolin,Juliana Germano Ferst,Monique Tomazele Rovani,Gustavo Freitas Ilha,Alessandra Bridi,Paulo Bayard Dias Gonçalves,Raj Duggavathi,Bernardo Garziera Gasperin,Alfredo Quites Antoniazzi,Vilceu Bordignon

doi:10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0146

Abstract

The transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are local factors produced by ovarian cells which, after binding to their receptors, regulate follicular deviation and ovulation. However, their regulation and function during corpus luteum (CL) regression has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the mRNA regulation of some TGFβ family ligands and their receptors in the bovine CL during induced luteolysis in vivo. On day 10 of the estrous cycle, cows received an injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) and luteal samples were obtained from separate groups of cows (n= 4-5 cows per time-point) at 0, 2, 12, 24 or 48 h after treatment. Since TGF beta family comprises more than 30 ligands, we focused in some candidates genes such as activin receptors (ACVR-1A, -1B, -2A, -2B) AMH, AMHR2, BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -6 and -7), BMP receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2), inhibin subunits (INH-A, -BA, -BB) and betaglycan (TGFBR3). The mRNA levels of BMP4, BMP6 and INHBA were higher at 2 h after PGF administration (P<0.05) in comparison to 0 h. The relative mRNA abundance of BMP1, BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, BMP6, ACVR1B, INHBA and INHBB was upregulated up to 12 h post PGF (P<0.05). On the other hand, TGFBR3 mRNA that codes for a reservoir of ligands that bind to TGF-beta receptors, was lower at 48 h. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrated that genes encoding several TGFβ family members are expressed in a time-specific manner after PGF administration.

Highlights

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine gland resulting from the dynamic remodeling of the follicular structure after ovulation
BMP2 mRNA levels increased at 12 h (Figure 2B; P
BMP4 mRNA was upregulated from 2 to 48 h (Figure 2D; P

Summary

Introduction

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine gland resulting from the dynamic remodeling of the follicular structure after ovulation. Its main function is to produce and secrete progesterone (P4), which is ceased in the absence of the maternal recognition of pregnancy. In this case, luteolysis initiates, resulting in the functional and structural regression of the CL (Skarzynski and Okuda, 2010). PGF is responsible for mediating luteolysis by triggering a complex process of vascular regression, Previous studies in different species have shown that both ligands and receptors of the superfamily of transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are produced by follicular cells and are important for follicular development, cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and ovulation (Knight and Glister, 2006). Upregulation of TGFβ1 reduces P4 secretion and antagonizes the actions of cell survival factors, thereby increasing the susceptibility of bovine luteal cells to apoptotic stimuli (Hou et al, 2008)

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