Expression Of FSHR Research Articles

Mouse minipuberty coincides with gonocyte transformation into spermatogonial stem cells: a model for human minipuberty.

As the transient postnatal hormone surge in humans, known as 'minipuberty', occurs simultaneously with key steps in germ-cell development, we investigated whether similar changes occur in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis of neonatal mice at a time that would coincide with gonocyte transformation into spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). Serum and testes were collected from C57Bl/6 mice at embryonic Day 17 (E17), birth (postnatal Day 0; P0) and daily until P10. Serum FSH and testosterone levels in both serum and testes were analysed and gene expression of FSH receptor (Fshr), luteinising hormone receptor (Lhr), anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), membrane type 1 metalloprotease (Mt1-mmp), proto-oncogene C-kit and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (Plzf ) was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found a transient surge of serum and testicular testosterone levels between P1 and P3 and a gradual increase in FSH from P1 to P10. Testis Lhr expression remained low from P0 until P10 but Fshr expression peaked between P3 and P6 (P<0.01). The same was found for Oct-4 expression (a gonocyte marker), which surged between P3 and P6 (P<0.01). Mt1-mmp expression peaked at P3 (P<0.05). The expression pattern of both C-kit and Plzf (SSC markers) was similar with a steady increase from P1 to P10. These results show a transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis postnatally with increases in serum and testicular testosterone at P1-P3 and testicular Fshr (but not Lhr) at P3-P6. These changes coincide with increases in gene expression of Oct4, Mt1-mmp, Plzf and C-kit, reflecting gonocyte activation, migration and transformation into SSC. In conclusion, these findings suggest that 'minipuberty' does occur in mice and that gonocyte transformation may be driven by a transient FSH signalling pathway.

Lipopolysaccharide and heat stress impair the estradiol biosynthesis in granulosa cells via increase of HSP70 and inhibition of smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation

LPS and heat stress have been shown to exert various toxic effects in animals, as they induce estradiol biosynthesis dysfunction in granulosa cells (GCs) and result in low reproductive performance. However, there is limited information regarding their detailed mechanisms. In the present study, primary cultured porcine GCs were treated with LPS (1000ng/mL for 48h), or heat stress (41°C for 3h), in vitro, with or without the HSP70 inhibitor VER155008 (10μM), to investigate their potential mechanisms. To mimic the spike in HSP70 from LPS and heat stress, treatments with only the HSP70 activator STA-4783 (10μM for 3h or 48h) were also performed. We found that LPS and heat stress treatments could significantly reduce the expressions of FSHR and CYP19A1; associated with a reduction in estradiol concentrations; and increased in HSP70 expression both at mRNA and protein levels. While, VER155008 attenuation of LPS and heat stress induced HSP70 upregulation can restore the expressions of FSHR and CYP19A1. Furthermore, STA-4783 treatment alone can mimic the effects of LPS and heat stress treatments. Following immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis showed that Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation were also inhibited by LPS, heat stress and STA-4783 treatments. We also examined the interactions between HSP70 and Smad3 by yeast two-hybrid screening, the results revealed that HSP70 indirectly interacted with Smad3. Thus, our results suggested that LPS and heat stress could impair estradiol biosynthesis in GCs via increased HSP70 and indirect inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.

189 EFFECT OF THE OVARIAN STIMULATION OF ANESTROUS CATS WITH eCG ON MORPHOLOGICAL QUALITY AND GENE EXPRESSION PROFILE OF CUMULUS-OOCYTE COMPLEXES

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of eCG on morphological quality and gene expression profile of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) recovered from anestrous cats. For this purpose, 3 experimental groups were made. Group 1 consisted of 11 oestrous cats (oestrous); Group 2 had 13 anestrous cats (anestrous); and Group 3 was made up of 11 anestrous cats treated with a single subcutaneous dose of 200 IU of eCG. In oestrous and anestrous groups the ovaries were obtained directly by ovariohysterectomy, whereas in the eCG group this was achieved 4 days after the dose injection. In all groups, each cat corresponded to an individual biological replicate, whereby the COC recovered from each cat were classified and processed separately for the experiments of gene expression analysis and in vitro maturation (IVM). The COC were collected by slicing of the ovaries and classified morphologically as grade I (excellent), grade II (good), grade III (fair), and grade IV (poor) quality. For gene expression analysis, pools of 8 to 10 grade I and II immature COC were made, resulting in 7 pools for each group. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed for gonadotrophin receptor genes (FSHR and LHCGR), FSH-induced genes (EGFR, EGR1, ESR2, and PTGS2), and genes related to oocyte competence (GDF9, BMP15, and GATM). The gene SDHA was used as the internal control. The total remaining proportion of grade I and II COC were used for IVM, and maturation rate was measured by visualisation of the first polar body. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. No differences were found in the total number of COC (mean ± standard deviation) recovered per cat among the oestrous (56.8 ± 20.5), anestrous (80.2 ± 35.2), and eCG groups (96.5 ± 62.0; P &gt; 0.05). With respect to morphological quality of COC, the eCG group had a higher proportion of grade I COC (33.6 ± 11.0%) than the oestrous and anestrous groups (16.5 ± 8.7 and 8.9 ± 6.0%, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). However, the anestrous group had a higher proportion of grade II COC (26.8 ± 6.4%) than the eCG group (21.1 ± 6.6%; P &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, the eCG group had a lower proportion of grade III and IV COC (45.3 ± 12.8%) than the anestrous group (64.3 ± 9.1%; P &lt; 0.05), without differences from the oestrous group (57.1 ± 12.0%; P &gt; 0.05). Concerning to gene expression analysis, COC from the eCG group had a higher relative expression of FSHR, LHCGR, and EGFR than COC from the oestrous and anestrous group (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the COC from the eCG group had a higher relative expression of EGR1 than COC from the anestrous group and a higher expression of ESR2 than COC from the oestrous group (P &lt; 0.05). However, COC from the eCG group had a lower relative expression of GATM and PTGS2 than COC from the oestrous group and a lower expression of GDF9 and BMP15 than COC from the anestrous group (P &lt; 0.05). Although a higher number of oocytes with a first polar body could be seen in the eCG group after IVM, no significant differences in the maturation rate were found among the eCG (55.3 ± 13.2), oestrous (43.7 ± 11.1), and anestrous groups (47.9 ± 13.6; P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the treatment with eCG improved the morphological quality of COC recovered from anestrous cats, which agrees with an increased relative expression of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, EGR1, and ESR2 and might be related to an enhanced competence of COC.

Dual effect of insulin resistance and cadmium on human granulosa cells - In vitro study

Combined exposure of cadmium (Cd) and insulin resistance (IR) might be responsible for subfertility. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Cd in vitro in IR human granulosa cells. Isolated human granulosa cells from control and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) follicular fluid samples were confirmed for IR by decrease in protein expression of insulin receptor-β. Control and IR human granulosa cells were then incubated with or without 32μM Cd. The combined effect of IR with 32μM Cd in granulosa cells demonstrated significant decrease in expression of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, 17β-HSD, 3β-HSD, FSH-R and LH-R. Decrease was also observed in progesterone and estradiol concentrations as compared to control. Additionally, increase in protein expression of cleaved PARP-F2, active caspase-3 and a positive staining for Annexin V and PI indicated apoptosis as the mode of increased cell death ultimately leading to decreased steroidogenesis, as observed through the combined exposure. Taken together the results suggest decrease in steroidogenesis ultimately leading to abnormal development of the follicle thus compromising fertility at the level of preconception.

Hormonal and testicular changes in rats submitted to congenital hypothyroidism in early life

The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypothyroidism induced by MMI, during gestation (G) or gestation plus lactation (GL) on testis and its relation with leptin in rats. Six to eight pups were killed at 90 days of age. For statistical analysis One-way ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sìdak post hoc test was used. Hypothyroidism resulted in a significant reduction in LH, FSH and testosterone and an increase in leptin serum levels (p < 0.04). There was a significant decrease in StAR, AR, FSHR, LHR, pSTAT3 and SOCS3 (p < 0.04) protein expression and in the fertility parameters (p < 0.04). We can conclude that hypothyroidism is associated with reduction of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis leading to a low fertility potential in these animals. This outcome could be a consequence of low pituitary stimulus and testicular response and probably are not related with leptin hormone since its signaling pathway is down-regulated in the testis.

β-arrestins regulate gonadotropin receptor-mediated cell proliferation and apoptosis by controlling different FSHR or LHCGR intracellular signaling in the hGL5 cell line

Gonadotropin signaling classically involves proliferative, steroidogenic and apoptotic stimuli. In this study, we used the human granulosa cell line hGL5 to demonstrate how follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) differently control proliferative or apoptotic signals, revealing novel intrinsic properties of their receptors (FSHR, LHCGR). We found that, in this tumor-like cell line, the expression of endogenous FSHR and LHCGR is serum-dependent, but both receptors were unable to activate the canonical cAMP/PKA pathway upon gonadotropin stimulation, failing to produce cAMP, progesterone and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated apoptosis in vitro. Conversely, ligand treatment resulted in FSHR- and LHCGR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation due to receptor coupling to β-arrestins. The inactive cAMP/PKA pathway was unlocked by siRNA-mediated knock-down of β-arrestin 1 and 2, leading to progesterone synthesis and apoptosis. Surprisingly, FSH, but not LH treatment accelerated the cAMP/PKA-mediated apoptosis after β-arrestin silencing, an effect which could be reproduced by overexpressing the FSHR, but not the LHCGR. This work demonstrates that the expression of FSHR and LHCGR can be induced in hGL5 cells but that the FSHR-dependent cAMP/PKA pathway is constitutively silenced, possibly to protect cells from FSHR-cAMP-PKA-induced apoptosis. Also, we revealed previously unrecognized features intrinsic to the two structurally similar gonadotropin receptors, oppositely resulting in the regulation of life and death signals in vitro.

Abstract 4754: Overexpression of TSH and ERBB2 (HER2) receptors is associated with sharply decreased survival in high grade serous ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective. To test if hormone or growth factor receptor expression is associated with survival among patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS OvCa) we analyzed tumor mRNA expression microarray and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods. HGS OvCa patients were surgically staged prior to treatment with IP (n = 90) or IV-only (n = 398) chemotherapy. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression tested associations of expression of 9 hormone or growth factor receptors with progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Hazard ratios are hazard per each one standard deviation increase in gene expression. Expression was analyzed as a continuous variable by restricted mean survival analysis. Mean PFS or OS were compared between IP and IV groups by permutation testing stratified by expression. P-values were two-tailed. Results. Expression of ESR1, PGR, FSHR, LHCGR, MET, and EGFR were not associated with PFS or OS. TSHR expression was associated with decreased OS (HR 1.22 (1.06-1.41), p = 0.005) and PFS (HR 1.18 (1.05-1.33), p = 0.006) among IV-only treated patients. ERBB2 expression was associated with decreased OS (HR 1.48 (1.05-2.10), p = 0.027) among patients who received IP chemotherapy. Using multigene (ESR2, PGR, TSHR, and ERBB2) analysis, among the IP group, ERBB2 (HR 1.76 (1.11-2.79), p = 0.015) and ESR2 (HR 0.28 (0.08-0.93), p = 0.037) were associated with OS. Only TSHR expression was associated with decreased OS (HR 1.22 (1.06-1.41), p = 0.005) and decreased PFS (HR 1.18 (1.05-1.33), p = 0.007) on multigene analysis of IV-only treated patients. OS and PFS decreased steeply at high expression of TSHR and ERBB2. Among patients with upper 10th percentile TSHR expression, no significant difference in mean OS or PFS was observed between patients treated with IP versus IV-only chemotherapy. Patients with lower TSHR expression (&amp;lt; 90% percentile) experienced a mean 13.7-month increased OS and 16.4-month increased PFS associated with IP chemotherapy (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusions. Among HGS OvCa patients treated with IV-only chemotherapy, increased tumor TSHR expression was associated with decreased OS and PFS. High TSHR expression characterized patients who did not benefit from IP chemotherapy. Citation Format: Brandon-Luke L. Seagle, Monica Dandapani, Chen Hui Luo, Claire Hoppenot, Robert Samuelson, Kevin H. Eng, Kunle Odunsi, Shohreh Shahabi. Overexpression of TSH and ERBB2 (HER2) receptors is associated with sharply decreased survival in high grade serous ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4754.

Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during early ovarian development and under dense rearing condition

The objective of this study was to determine the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis of female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during early ovarian development and under high rearing density. Trouts were sampled from 240 (ovarian stage II) to 540 (ovarian stage IV) days following hatching (DFH) as control group (Ctrl, 4.6–31.1kg/m3) to determine HPG axis during early ovarian development. Trouts from the same batch of fertilized eggs were reared in two higher densities during 240–540 DFH as stocking density 1 and 2 (SD1, 6.6–40.6kg/m3; SD2, 8.6–49.3kg/m3) to elucidate effects of high density on reproductive parameters. Dopamine, E2 (estradiol), 17α,20β-P (17α,20β-dihydroxy4-pregnen-3-one) and P4 (progesterone) were evaluated by radioimmunoassay or ELISA. mRNA expression of hypothalamic gnrh-1, -2 (gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1, -2), pituitary gonadotropins (fsh/lh, follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone) and their cognate receptors (fshr/lhr) in ovaries were examined by qRT-PCR. Our findings demonstrated mRNA expression of hypothalamic sgnrh-1, pituitary fsh and ovarian fshr increased in early ovarian development (360 DFH). Serum 17α,20β-P and pituitary lh mRNA expression first increased when trouts were in ovarian stage III (420 DFH). Ovaries were at different stages when reared in different densities. Long-term high density treatment (over 31.7kg/m3) resulted in decreased hypothalamic sgnrh-1, pituitary fsh, ovarian fshr, serum E2, and increased hypothalamus gnrh-2 and serum dopamine during vitellogenin synthesis, suggesting HPG of rainbow trout might be retarded under dense rearing condition.

Oleic acid induces specific alterations in the morphology, gene expression and steroid hormone production of cultured bovine granulosa cells

After parturition, one of the major problems related to nutritional management that is faced by the majority of dairy cows is negative energy balance (NEB). During NEB, excessive lipid mobilization takes place and hence the levels of free fatty acids, among them oleic acid, increase in the blood, but also in the follicular fluid. This accumulation can be associated with serious metabolic and reproductive disorders. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of physiological concentrations of oleic acid on cell morphology, apoptosis, necrosis, proliferation and steroid production, and on the abundance of selected transcripts in cultured bovine granulosa cells. Increasing oleic acid concentrations induced intracellular lipid droplet accumulation, thus resulting in a foam cell-like morphology, but had no effects on apoptosis, necrosis or proliferation. Oleic acid also significantly reduced the transcript abundance of the gonadotropin hormone receptors, FSHR and LHCGR, steroidogenic genes STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1 and CYP19A1, the cell cycle regulator CCND2, but not of the proliferation marker PCNA. In addition, treatment increased the transcript levels of the fatty acid transporters CD36 and SLC27A1, and decreased the production of 17-beta-estradiol and progesterone. From these data it can be concluded that oleic acid specifically affects morphological and physiological features and gene expression levels thus altering the functionality of granulosa cells. Suggestively, these effects might be partly due to the reduced expression of FSHR and thus the reduced responsiveness to FSH stimulation.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration in follicular fluid and mRNA expression of AMH receptor type II and LH receptor in granulosa cells as predictive markers of good buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) donors

High individual variability in follicular recruitment and hence in the number of embryos produced is a major factor limiting the application of reproductive technologies in buffalo. Therefore, the identification of reliable markers to select embryo donors is critical to enroll buffaloes in embryo production programs. Better understanding of factors involved in follicular growth is also necessary to improve the response to superovulation in this species. The aim of this work was thus to determine the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration in follicular fluid (FF) recovered from different size follicles and evaluate the mRNA expression profiles of development-related (AMHR2, CYP19A1, FSHR, and LHR) and apoptosis-related genes (TP53INP1 and CASP3) in the corresponding granulosa cells (GCs) in buffalo. Another objective was to evaluate whether the AMH concentration in FF and gene expression of GCs is associated with the antral follicular count. Ovaries were collected at the slaughterhouse, and all follicles were counted and classified as small (3–5 mm), medium (5–8 mm), and large (>8 mm). Follicular fluid was recovered for AMH determination, and the mRNA expression of AMHR2, FSHR, LHR, CYP19A1, TP53INP1, and CASP3 was analyzed in GCs. The AMH concentration in FF decreased (P < 0.01) at increasing follicular diameter. The mRNA expression of AMHR2 and FSHR was higher (P < 0.05) in small follicles, whereas that of LHR and CYP19A1 was higher (P < 0.05) in large follicles. The intrafollicular AMH concentration was positively correlated with the antral follicular count (r = 0.31; P < 0.05). Interestingly, good donors (≥12 follicles) had a higher (P < 0.05) concentration of AMH and AMHR2 levels in small follicles and higher (P < 0.05) LHR levels in large follicles than bad donors (<12 follicles). These results suggest a potential use of AMH to select buffalo donors to enroll in embryo production programs, laying the basis for further investigations.

Overexpression of hyaluronan synthase 2 and gonadotropin receptors in cumulus cells of goats subjected to one-shot eCG/FSH hormonal treatment for ovarian stimulation

Hormonal ovarian stimulation may affect transcripts in somatic cells of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and affect the resulting oocyte quality. Here, in parallel with morphological classification and in vitro maturation (IVM) rate analysis, we investigated the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), gonadotropic receptors (FSHR and LHR) and connexin 43 (GJA1) in cumulus cells (CCs) from goat COCs after multi-dose FSH (MD) or one-shot FSH/eCG (OS) treatments, using bovine COCs as control groups. The MD treatment produced more large follicles, and the resulting COCs had a better morphology and IVM rate than were obtained with OS. The OS treatment produced COCs with increased HAS2, FSHR, LHR and GJA1 expression. This gene expression pattern was also observed in the CCs of COCs that showed poor morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the mRNA levels were more similar between groups after IVM; FSHR and LHR were the main genes that showed decreased expression. Some events that occurred in bovine CCs during IVM, such as cell expansion, increased HAS2 expression and decreased GJA1 expression, were less evident or did not occur in goat COCs. In conclusion, increasing HAS2, FSHR, LHR and GJA1 expression in goat COCs does not confer greater meiotic competence to oocytes. Instead, it may result from poor regulation of gene expression in CCs by lower quality oocytes. Finally, cumulus expansion, together with HAS2 upregulation and GJA1 downregulation, seems to be more important for bovine COCs than for goat COCs. Additional studies are needed to investigate the importance of other HAS isoforms and connexins in goat COCs.

Effect of maternal nutrition and days of gestation on pituitary gland and gonadal gene expression in cattle

This study investigated effects of maternal overnutrition on gonadal development and pituitary-gonadal gene expression in cattle fetuses at mid- and late-gestation. Twenty-seven multiparous dry cows were fed either high (ad libitum, H) or moderate (M) intake of the same diet. Twelve cows from H (n=6) and M (n=6) intake carrying females fetuses were euthanized at 199 and 268d of gestation (DG; n=3 for H or M on each DG). Fifteen cows from H (n=6) and M intake (n=9) carrying male fetuses were euthanized at 139, 199, and 241 DG (n=2 for H and n=3 for M on each DG). Fetal gonads and pituitary gland were sampled for gene expression and histological analyses. Sex-specific responses to maternal intake were observed. Primordial and total follicle numbers were lower in fetal ovaries from H than in M intake cows. These results were the reverse for preantral and antral follicles. Volumetric proportion and diameter of seminiferous cord were lower in fetal testis of H than M intake cows. The expression level of FSHB was greater in pituitary gland of the female fetus from H compared with M intake cows, irrespective of DG, whereas LHB gene expression did not differ. In males, FSHB and LHB gene expression levels were similar between maternal intake groups. Fetal ovarian expression of P450 aromatase, StAR, BMPR2, TGFBR1, GDF9, FSHR, Bax, and CASP3 genes were higher in H than in M intake cows, irrespective of DG. Fetal testicular expression of StAR, HSD17B3, IGF1, IGF2, and IGF1R genes was higher in M than in H intake cows. The differences in gene expression for steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and apoptosis may explain the distinct pattern of follicular growth between offspring of M and H intake cows. By contrast, the lower volumetric proportion, diameter, and length of seminiferous cord may relate to decreased gene expression in fetal testis from H intake cows. In conclusion, maternal H intake seems to affect fetal ovarian follicular growth and number of follicles, which may affect the size of ovarian reserve in their offspring. In male fetus, maternal H intake seems to disturb testicular development and may have implications on sperm production. The underlying mechanism of differential gene expression and the effect on offspring reproductive potential should be the focus of further research, especially considering larger sample size, reducing the chance for type I errors.

The Developmental Changes and Correlation of Adiponectin, Adiponectin Receptors and Hormones of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis in Growing Wannan Spotted Gilts

Adiponectin(Adp) is an adipocyte-derived hormone that plays an important role in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, and could preserve reproductive functions by stimulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activities at different levels. To investigate and verify the relationship between the Adp and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis) in Wannan spotted gilts, serum reproductive hormones, serum Adp and mRNA expression of Adp, AdpR1, AdpR2, GnRH, GnIH, GnRHR, LH, FSH, FSHR, and CYP19 in HPO axis of 1, 30, 45, 90, and 180-day-old Wannan spotted gilts were measured with ELISA and quantitative RTPCR using β-actin as an internal standard, respectively. The developmental pattern of serum FSH, and LH levels reaching the peak at 30d, followed by a significant decline on 45d. Serum Adp showed an opposite developmental pattern. The mRNA levels showed a similar relationship between serum hormones and Adp in Wannan spotted gilts. Thus we postulated that Adp may inhibit the secretion of some hormones in HPO axis through endocrine pathways and its action is mediated by AdpR during the prepubertal stages in Wannan spotted gilts.

250 ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOLLICULAR RESERVE, FOLLICULAR FUNCTION, AND FERTILITY IN THE MARE

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a granulosa-cell derived glycoprotein which plays an important regulatory role during folliculogenesis. Antral follicle count (AFC) and AMH have been used in several species to assess ovarian reserve, but relatively little is known about these parameters in mares. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) plasma AMH concentrations and AFC in mares of different ages, as well as their repeatability within and across oestrous cycles; (ii) the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations and AFC with regard to age and follicle size; and (iii) endocrine and molecular changes in growing and preovulatory follicles in relation to AFC and peripheral AMH concentrations. In Exp. 1, young (3–8 years), middle-aged (9–18 years), and old (&gt;18 years) mares were examined by transrectal ultrasonography over 2 to 3 oestrous cycles and changes in the number and size of all detectable antral follicles were recorded. Concentrations of AMH were determined by ELISA. In Exp. 2, molecular and endocrine differences in growing and dominant equine follicles were examined in relationship to variation in AFC, peripheral AMH concentrations and mare age. Follicular fluid oestradiol and AMH concentrations were determined by immunoassay, and expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR1, ESR2, FSHR, IGF1, INHA, INHBA, and CYP19A1 was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Antral follicle counts were significantly lower in old mares than in young and middle-aged mares, and AMH concentrations were significantly lower in old mares than in middle-aged mares. A positive relationship was detected between AFC and AMH, and this relationship varied by mare age with a strong correlation in older mares (ρ = 0.86; P &lt; 0.0001), a moderate correlation in middle-aged mares (ρ = 0.60; P = 0.01), and no correlation (ρ = 0.40, P &lt; 0.4) in young mares. Circulating AMH concentrations were significantly related to the number of antral follicles between 6 and 20 mm in diameter, and the repeatability of AFC and AMH concentrations was high within and between oestrous cycles. Within growing follicles, expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR2, and INHA in granulosa cells was significantly associated with AFC and plasma AMH concentrations, whereas expression of ESR1 and FSHR were significantly correlated with AMH concentrations alone. In follicular fluid, AMH concentrations declined and oestradiol concentrations increased in dominant compared to growing follicles. Our findings indicate that the relationship between AMH and AFC varies across age groups, and that variations in AFC and plasma AMH concentrations are associated with molecular differences in the equine follicle, which, in turn, may have an impact on follicular function. Funded by the Albert G. Clay Endowment at the University of Kentucky.

Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations.

The wide variation in circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations between mares is attributed to differences in antral follicle count (AFC) which may reflect follicular function. There are few data regarding variations in AFC and associated regulatory factors for AMH in the equine follicle during follicular development. To examine molecular and hormonal differences in the equine follicle in relation to variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations during follicular development and to identify genes co-expressed with AMH in the equine follicle. Observational study. Plasma AMH concentrations and AFC were determined in 30 cyclic mares. Granulosa cells, theca cells and follicular fluid were recovered from growing (n = 17) or dominant follicles (n = 13). The expression of several genes, known to be involved in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, was examined using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Intrafollicular oestradiol and AMH concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Within growing follicles, the expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR2 and INHA in granulosa cells was positively correlated with AFC and plasma AMH concentrations. In addition, the expression of ESR1 and FSHR was positively associated with plasma AMH concentrations. No significant associations were detected in dominant follicles. Furthermore, there was no association between AMH or oestradiol concentrations in follicular fluid and variations in AFC. Finally, the expression of AMH and genes co-expressed with AMH (AMHR2, ESR2 and FSHR) in granulosa cells as well as intrafollicular AMH concentrations decreased during follicular development while intrafollicular oestradiol concentrations increased and were inversely related to intrafollicular AMH concentrations. This study indicates that variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations are associated with molecular changes in the growing equine follicle.

Novel WT1 Missense Mutations in Han Chinese Women with Premature Ovarian Failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a heterogeneous disease. Though dozens of candidate genes have been identified for the genetic etiology of POF, it is largely unexplained in majority of patients. Recently, Wt1+/R394W mice was found to present POF-like phenotype, which indicates that WT1 might be a plausible candidate gene for non-syndromic POF. The coding region of WT1 gene was screened in 384 patients with POF and 6 novel variations were identified, including two missense mutations (p. Pro126Ser in exon1 and p. Arg370His in exon7) and four intronic variants (c.647-27C > T, c.647-13G > C, c.647-13G > A in intron1 and c.950 + 14T > C in intron 4). In vitro experiments showed that both mutant p. Pro126Ser and p. Arg370His repressed the expression of Amh and Cdh1, and induced the expression of Fshr and Cyp19 in mRNA level (P < 0.05). The expression changes of AMH, FSHR, CYP19 and CDH1 were confirmed by western blot. These genes (AMH, FSHR, CYP19 and CDH1) are required for granular cells (GCs) proliferation, differentiation and oocyte-GCs interaction. The novel mutant p. P126S and p. R370H in the WT1 gene potentially impaired GCs differentiation and oocyte-GCs interaction, which might result in loss of follicles prematurely. Therefore, WT1 is a plausible causal gene for POF.

Effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the expression of genes involved in European eel spermatogenesis

Positive effects of probiotics on fish reproduction have been reported in several species. In the present study, 40 male European eels were weekly treated with recombinant hCG for 9 weeks and with three different concentrations (103, 105, and 106 CFU/mL) of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501 (Sinbyotec, Italy). The probiotics were daily added to the water from the sixth week of the hCG treatment. Males from the treated and control groups were sacrificed after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of probiotic treatment (seventh–ninth weeks of hCG treatment); at this point, sperm and testis samples were also collected. Sperm volume was estimated, and motility was analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis software. Alternations in transcription of specific genes involved in reproductive process such as activin, androgen receptors α and β (arα and arβ), progesterone receptor 1 (pr1), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (bmp15), and FSH receptor (fshr) were analyzed in the testis. After 2 weeks of probiotic treatment, sperm production and sperm motility parameters (percentage of motile cells and percentage of straight-swimming spermatozoa) were increased in the European eel treated with 105 CFU/mL compared to controls or to the other probiotic doses. These changes were associated with increases in messenger RNA expression of activin, arα, arβ, pr1, and fshr. Conversely, after 3 weeks, activin and pr1 expression decreased. No significant changes were observed on bmp15 expression throughout the duration of the treatment with 105 CFU/mL dose. The lowest and highest probiotic dose (103 and 106 CFU/mL, respectively) inhibited the transcription of all genes along all the experiment, except for arα and arβ after 1 week of probiotic treatment when compared to controls. The changes observed by transcriptomic analysis and the sperm parameters suggest that a treatment with L rhamnosus at 105 CFU/mL for 2 weeks could improve spermatogenesis process in Anguilla anguilla.

Rapid changes in ovarian mRNA induced by brief photostimulation in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

This study sought to characterize the rapid intraovarian mRNA response of key folliculogenic factors that may contribute to the restoration of folliculogenesis during 2-10 days of photostimulation in Siberian hamsters. Adult hamsters were exposed to short photoperiod (8L:16D) for 14 weeks (SD). A subset were then transferred to long photoperiod (16L:8D) for 2 (PT day-2), 4 (PT day-4), or 10 days (PT day-10). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure intraovarian mRNA expression of: gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone β-subunit (FSHβ-subunit), luteinizing hormone β-subunit (LHβ-subunit), FSH and LH receptors, estrogen receptors α and β (Esr1 and Esr2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-α subunit, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Compared to SD, plasma FSH concentrations increased on PT day-4 and the number of antral follicles and corpora lutea increased on PT day-10. FSHR and inhibin-α mRNA expression also increased on PT day-4, whereas LHR and proliferation marker PCNA both increased on PT day-10 as compared to SD. Esr1 mRNA increased on PT day-2 and remained significantly increased as compared to SD, whereas Esr1 mRNA increased only on PT day-2, similar to FGF-2 and MMP-2 results. No differences were observed in mRNA expression in ovarian GnRH, FSHβ- and LHβ-subunits, AMH, and MMP-9 mRNA with 2-10 days of photostimulation. Rapid increases in intraovarian FSHR and inhibin-α mRNA and antral follicle/corpora lutea numbers suggest that the ovary is primed to react quickly to the FSH released in response to brief periods of photostimulation.

Effect of stallion age on the expression of LH and FSH receptors and aromatase P450 in equine male reproductive tissues.

The aim of the present study was to characterise receptors for LH and FSH (LHR and FSHR, respectively) and aromatase in epididymal and testicular tissue from stallions of different ages (prepubertal, young, mature and old). Gene and protein expression were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), immunohistochemistry and multiple immunofluorescence labelling. There were no differences in LHR mRNA expression in epididymal and testicular parenchyma in stallions of different age. In contrast, expression of FSHR and CYP19A1 in caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and in testicular parenchyma increased with age (P<0.001). Immunolabelling for LHR, FSHR and aromatase was influenced by puberty. In postpubertal stallions, positive staining for LHR and aromatase was detected in Leydig cells, whereas protein expression of FSHR was present in Sertoli cells and primary spermatocytes. In prepubertal colts, staining for LHR, FSHR and aromatase was detected in seminiferous tubules. In epididymal tissue, aromatase was present in the cauda epididymis only, regardless of age. In conclusion, the results highlight the significance of gonadotropin action and oestrogen production for the maturation of male reproductive tissue in the horse. The presence of FSHR in the seminiferous tubules suggests effects of FSH on spermatogenesis in this species. The importance of oestrogen production for maintenance of testicular function in stallions was confirmed.

Endothelial follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression in invasive breast cancer and vascular remodeling at tumor periphery.

BackgroundFollicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is expressed on the endothelial surface of blood vessels associated with solid tumor periphery, where angiogenesis is known to occur. The correlation between FSHR expression and formation of new peritumoral vessels has not been previously investigated.MethodsWe used immunohistochemical techniques involving specific antibodies to detect FSHR and the endothelial markers (CD34, VEGFR2, and D2-40) in tissue samples from 83 patients with lymph node-negative, invasive breast cancer representing four main clinical treatment groups: HR+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+ and triple-negative.ResultsThe FSHR+ vessels were exclusively located at breast cancer periphery, in a layer that extended 2 mm into and 5 mm outside of the tumor. The percentage of blood vessels expressing FSHR reached a maximum of 100% at the demarcation line between the tumor and the normal tissue. Common among FSHR+ vessels, regardless of breast cancer type, were the high densities of arterioles and venules (6.4 ± 1.4 and 13.9 ± 2.1 vessels/mm2, respectively). These values were 3-fold higher that those noticed for CD34+ arterioles and venules associated with normal breast tissue located at a distance greater than 10 mm outside the tumors. The average density of FSHR+ and CD34+ blood vessels as well as of D2-40+ lymphatic vessels did not differ significantly among breast cancer subgroups. FSHR+ vessels did not express VEGFR2. The endothelial FSHR expression correlated significantly with the peritumoral CD34+ vessels’ density (p < 0.001) and tumor size (p = 0.01).ConclusionEndothelial FSHR expression in breast cancer is associated with vascular remodeling at tumor periphery.