Microvascularization and Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Their Receptors in the Mare Oviduct.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research paper explores the distribution of blood vessels, as well as the genetic and protein expression of certain growth factors, in different sections of the mare oviduct throughout the estrous cycle. These growth factors stimulate blood vessel formation, a process important for fertilization and embryo development.
Research Methodology
The team focused its research on cyclic mares’ oviducts. The researchers utilized techniques like vascular injection-corrosion to visualize the layout and distribution of blood vessels, especially the oviductal artery, arterioles, and their branches, in different parts of the oviduct such as the infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus. They used immunostaining with CD31 to quantify the vascular area and the number of vascular structures present in these sections.
- RNA transcripts (qPCR) and relative protein abundance (Western blot) of angiogenic factors and their receptors were also measured in these regions.
- The specific factors studied were fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), along with their respective receptors FGFR1, KDR, and FGFR2.
Research Findings
The findings of the study showed distinct differences in microvascular density among the three sections of the oviduct. It was revealed that the isthmus presented the largest vascular area and the highest number of vascular structures in the follicular phase, which is part of the estrous cycle.
- The angiogenic factors and their receptors were found to be present in all parts of the oviduct, throughout the estrous cycle, which ties in with the observed microvascular patterns.
- Increases in the transcription of certain angiogenic receptors, such as FGFR1 and KDR, were noted in the ampulla and isthmus sections, and of FGFR2 and KDR in the isthmus area.
- In terms of protein abundance, FGFR1 and KDR were notably high in the isthmus section.
Conclusion
The research concludes that there are differences in microvascular density across the three portions of the equine oviduct, and that angiogenic factors VEGF, FGF1, FGF2 and their receptors FGFR1, KDR, and FGFR2 are expressed throughout the mare oviduct in agreement with these microvascular patterns. These findings suggest that these factors might play a significant role in horse reproduction, particularly during fertilisation and early embryonic development.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- CERNAS (Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Coimbra College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Coimbra College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Hospitals of the University of Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
- CERNAS (Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Coimbra College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
Grant Funding
- PTDC/CVT-REP/4202/2014 / Fundau00e7u00e3o para a Ciu00eancia e a Tecnologia
- UIDB/00276/2020 / Fundau00e7u00e3o para a Ciu00eancia e a Tecnologia
- No. PPN/BIL/2018/1/00250/U/0001 / Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
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