Degeneration Of Corpus Luteum Research Articles

Roles of Nitric Oxide in the Regulation of Reproduction: A Review.

Nitric oxide (NO) has attracted significant attention as a stellar molecule. Presently, the study of NO has penetrated every field of life science, and NO is widely distributed in various tissues and organs. This review demonstrates the importance of NO in both male and female reproductive processes in numerous ways, such as in neuromodulation, follicular and oocyte maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum degeneration, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, labor and menstrual cycle regulation, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and reproduction. However, the mechanism of action of some NO is still unknown, and understanding its mechanism may contribute to the clinical treatment of some reproductive diseases.

Effects of Croton menyharthii and Uvariodendron kirkii extracts on ovarian corpora lutea and reproductive hormones.

Uvariodendron kirkii and Croton menyharthii are traditionally used as fertility regulators in Kenya. The rapidly increasing population has put a strain on the limited resources and poses serious challenge to national planning. The aim of the study was to validate the traditional claims by investigating the effect of root bark extract of both plants on reproductive hormones and ovarian structures. Twenty five mature normocyclic female winstar rats were used. Group 1 consisted of 5 animals that acted as control. Group 2 and 3 with 5 animals each; received 500 and 800mg/Kg Croton menyharthii respectively on alternative days for 28 days through intra- abdominal gavage. Group 4 and 5 were treated in a similar manner but received Uvariodendron kirkii aqueous extract. Serum was harvested from all animals on 28th day and hormone levels determined. Left ovaries were harvested and processed for histomorphology. Both Croton menyharthii and Uvariodendron kirkii caused a significant increase of progesterone in a dose dependent manner. Croton menyharthii extracts caused a degeneration of corpora lutea. At 800mg/kg Croton menyharthii caused a significant increase in corpora lutea numbers but a decline in size. Uvariodendron kirkii caused hypertrophy and a significant increase in corpora lutea numbers. Enhanced/ hypertrophied corpora lutea possibly led to high levels of progesterone seen, interfered with the implantation window due to disrupted hormonal milieu thereby leading to compromised fertility and implantation index. The study validates the traditional use of the plant in fertility regulation. We suggest further investigation on these potential plants to address the call for novel contraceptive drugs.

Effect of ethanolic seed extract of Caesalpinia bonducella on female reproductive system of albino rat: a focus on antifertility efficacy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of oral administration of the ethanolic seed extract of Caesalpinia bonducella on the reproductive system in Wistar female albino rat. MethodsThe study was divided into four groups. The group I received distilled water and served as vehicle treated control. Groups II, III and IV were orally administered 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight dose of seed extract respectively, for 10 consecutive days and subsequently euthanized twenty four hours after the last dose. ResultsThe treatment prolonged the length of estrous cycle with significant increase in the duration of diestrus stage. The analysis of the principal hormones viz. LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone showed significantly decreased levels in dose-dependant manner. Ovarian and uterine weight was significantly reduced as compared to that of the control group. Histoarchitectural observations revealed follicular atresia and degeneration of corpora lutea in ovary. Oviduct showed degeneration of mucosal folds and epithelium cells. Uterus showed evidence of degeneration of endometrial epithelium and endometrial glands. Lamina propria and muscularis layer of vagina were found slightly disorganized. ConclusionsIt can be concluded that significant decrease in the hormone levels, reproductive organs weight and alterations in histoarchitecture of reproductive organs might be due to antiestrogenic nature of seed extract.

104 ESTROUS CYCLE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN THE BOVINE ENDOMETRIUM PROTEOME

Among the reproductive tissues, the endometrium plays a central role in the context of embryo-maternal communication and pregnancy recognition. During the estrous cycle, characteristic morphological and functional changes occur in the bovine endometrium, being crucial for uterine receptivity. These changes are mainly regulated by the hormones progesterone, estradiol, and oxytocin. The bovine estrous cycle, with a length of 21 days, can be divided into 4 stages: i) estrus (considered as Day 0, low progesterone level and time of ovulation); ii) metestrus (Days 1 to 5, corpus luteum formation, rising progesterone level); iii) diestrus (Days 6 to 17, high progesterone); and iv) proestrus (Days 18 to 20, corpus luteum degeneration; declining progesterone). The principles of hormonal regulation during the estrous cycle are well understood; however, in-depth knowledge of the detailed molecular mechanisms is still incomplete. To elucidate the underlying biochemical processes, the proteomes of bovine endometrial samples of all 4 stages (cycle Day 0, Day 3.5, Day 12, and Day 18) were compared in a quantitative manner. To maximize the accuracy of protein quantification, sophisticated 2-dimensional (2D) fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) experiments were performed, using internal pooled standards for inter-gel normalization. To enhance the resolution of 2D-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation, the proteins were analyzed by 2 overlapping pH gradients. In total, 28 individual DIGE experiments (14 2D gels × 2 pH gradients) were performed, corresponding to 84 gel images. With a refined statistical analysis of spot intensities, we were able to identify a total of 91 spots altered by at least a factor of ±2 (P < 0.05) in intensity between at least 2 of the 4 stages. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/MS) identification of these spots showed that they originated from 66 different proteins. Moreover, for 14 of these proteins, several polymorphic variants could be identified. Gene ontology analysis of the protein IDs revealed a broad diversity of biological and biochemical functions as well as cellular localizations of these proteins. Several proteins detected (e.g. FK506 and 20 alpha-HSD) are crucial components for uterine receptivity and represent interesting targets for further functional studies. This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (FOR 478).