Characterization of polypeptides synthesized and secreted by oviductal epithelial cell explants obtained from young, fertile and aged, subfertile mares.

This research explores the differences in proteins synthesized and secreted by oviduct epithelial cells in young fertile horses (mares) compared to older, less fertile ones. The variations found may contribute to differences observed in embryo development between the two groups, which could account for the inability of older mares to maintain pregnancy.

Research Methodology

• Epithelial cells were extracted from the oviduct of both young, fertile mares (2-7 years old) and older, less fertile mares (17-24 years old).
• The proteins produced and released by these epithelial cells were then analyzed through 2-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a technique used to separate proteins based on their size and charge.
• Computerized densitometry was employed to measure the intensity or amount of radiolabeled proteins in the samples.

Research Findings

• Through the comparison of the electrophoretic protein patterns, differences were observed in the proteins being synthesized and secreted by the young and aged mare cells.
• Specifically, nine acidic proteins with low to medium molecular mass displayed more synthesized and secreted in younger mare cells, as shown by the greater fluorographic intensity.
• Conversely, seven proteins indicated greater intensity in the cells of the older, less fertile mares.

Implications and Conclusions

• The variations in protein synthesis and secretion between the cells from young fertile and aged less fertile mares might contribute to the disparities in embryo development seen between the two groups.
• The inconsistent oviductal environment, reflected by the different protein profiles in the older mares, might be causing their inability to maintain a pregnancy.
• These findings could suggest that age-induced alterations in the protein synthesis and secretion of the oviduct epithelial cells could have real impacts on fertility in mares.