Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases and LH receptors in mare follicular development.
Abstract: The period from the emergence of a dominant follicle until its formation requires tissue remodeling. Enzymes promoting collagen lysis, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are fundamental for the process of extracellular matrix remodeling, which allows changes in ovarian tissue architecture during follicular growth. It has been suggested that the production of these enzymes may be affected by the rise in circulating concentrations of LH, which acts on the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The aim of this study was to determine the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and LH receptor (LHR) in the ovulation fossa and in the central portion of the equine ovary during follicular deviation and dominance. Ovaries of 12 cyclic mares were selected and subsequently divided into two groups: development (DEV) group and dominant (DOM) group. The DEV group consisted of ovaries from six animals whose follicles were less than 28 mm in diameter (follicular deviation), and the DOM group consisted of ovaries from six animals whose follicles measured 28 mm or more in diameter (dominant follicles). The latter group was divided into two subgroups: the group of ovaries with a dominant follicle (DOM-D) and the group of contralateral ovaries (DOM-C). Our results showed that mRNA for MMP-1, MMP-2, and LHR was present in the equine ovary during follicle development, in the ovulation fossa, and in the central portion of the ovary. MMP-1 and LHR gene expression was greater (P < 0.05) for the DOM-D group compared with the DOM-C group. In the DOM-D group, MMP-1, MMP-2, and LHR gene expression was greater (P < 0.05) in the ovarian stroma compared with the ovulation fossa. Using immunohistochemistry, OSE from the DOM group showed increased expression compared with the DEV group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrated that MMP-1 and MMP-2 might be fundamental for events related to tissue remodeling, which occurs during follicular development until the formation of the dominant follicle. We also demonstrated the relationship between the gene expression of MMPs and the gene and protein expression of LHR, suggesting that LHR in the OSE might be an important factor to initiate the signaling cascade that culminates with the production of MMPs.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2014-08-01 PubMed ID: 25172128DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.033Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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In this study, researchers investigate the expression of certain enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-2) and LH receptors during the follicular development process in mares. The results suggest that these elements play a critical role in tissue remodeling associated with the development and dominance of the follicle.
Understanding the Objective
This research sought to explore:
- The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2) and luteinizing hormone receptors (LHR) in the mare’s ovary during follicular growth.
- The changes in the expression of these elements at different stages of follicular development – deviation and dominance.
- The possible influence of increasing levels of LH concentration on the production of the enzymes.
Study Design and Methods
The study design involved:
- Analysing ovaries from 12 cyclic mares that were categorized into two groups based on the diameter of their follicles. Development (DEV) group follicles were less than 28mm while dominant (DOM) group follicles measured 28mm or larger. The DOM group was further split into two subgroups- DOM-D (dominant follicle) and DOM-C (contralateral ovaries).
- Evaluating gene expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and LHR through mRNA analysis in the ovary, ovulation fossa, and the central part of the ovary.
- Comparing gene expression in DOM-D and DOM-C, and in ovarian stroma versus the ovulation fossa within the DOM-D.
- Investigating differences in protein expression between the DEV and DOM groups using immunohistochemistry.
Key Findings
The notable findings from this research were:
- MMP-1, MMP-2, and LHR genes were present in the equine ovary during follicular development, indicating a possible role in the tissue remodelling process.
- Dominant follicle ovaries (DOM-D) exhibited greater gene expression for MMP-1 and LHR compared to contralateral ovaries (DOM-C).
- Gene expression for MMP-1, MMP-2, and LHR significantly increased in the ovarian stroma of the DOM-D as compared to the ovulation fossa.
- Certain protein levels were revealed to be higher in the dominant group (DOM) compared to the development group (DEV) when viewed through the lens of immunohistochemistry.
Conclusion
The research concluded that:
- MMP-1, MMP-2 might be fundamental in tissue remodeling events during follicular development and dominance in mares.
- The expression levels of these enzymes and LHR might be a critical determining factor in the initiation of the signaling cascade leading to MMP production.
- Greater gene expression in the ovarian stroma, compared to the ovulation fossa, suggests that this area might be more involved in the follicular development process.
- The higher protein expression detected in the DOM group hints at their potential role in follicle maturation.
Cite This Article
APA
Bastos HB, Kretzmann NA, Santos GO, Esmeraldino AT, Rechsteiner SF, Mattos RC, Neves AP.
(2014).
Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases and LH receptors in mare follicular development.
Theriogenology, 82(8), 1131-1136.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.033 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- REPROLAB-Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. Electronic address: henriquebastosvet@gmail.com.
- Centro de Terapia Gênica-Centro de Pesquisas do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil.
- REPROLAB-Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil.
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, ULBRA, Canoas-RS, Brazil.
- REPROLAB-Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil; HISTOREP-Universidade Federal de Pelotas, UFPEL, Pelotas-RS, Brazil.
- REPROLAB-Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil.
- REPROLAB-Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Zootecnia, UNIPAMPA, Dom Pedrito-RS, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Immunohistochemistry / veterinary
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / analysis
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / analysis
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
- Ovarian Follicle / growth & development
- Ovary / chemistry
- RNA, Messenger / analysis
- Receptors, LH / analysis
- Receptors, LH / genetics
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Bueno VC, Bastos HBA, Centeno LA, Kretzmann NA, Mattos RC, Rechsteiner SF. PLCζ, WBP2NL and TNF-α expression in spermatozoa is associated with stallion fertility and seminal quality?. Anim Reprod 2024;21(1):e20230088.
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