Caspase-mediated apoptosis in chicken postovulatory follicle regression

Chicken postovulatory follicle (POF) regression occurs via the process of apoptosis. However, the signals and initiator pathways responsible for regression of the POF are unknown. In the current study, we examined gene expression patterns of various caspases (caspase-1, -2 and -3) involved in apoptosis by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The percentage of apoptotic cells during POF regression was also quantified by flow cytometry. Expression of caspase-3 mRNA was noted in the largest preovulatory follicle (F1). However, the initiator caspases (caspase-1 and -2) were not expressed in F1. During the regression of the POF, caspase-3 was activated during initial stages, whereas the initiator caspases were upregulated at the later stages (POF4 and POF5).The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher during the regression of the POF. It might be possible that levels of caspase-3 mRNA do not necessarily reflect the cell’s potential for facilitating apoptosis, as activation of the caspase-3 by initiator caspases is required for its function. We presume that both caspase-1 and caspase-2 were key initiators in the regression of chicken POF and that the apoptosis-mediated regression of POFs might be similar to mammalian corpus luteum involution.     

Heat stress decreased hair follicle population in rex rabbits

The aim of this study was conducted to investigate the effect of heat stress on the hair follicle population and related signalling pathways in rex rabbits. Forty‐eight rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: one group in a high ambient environment (32 ± 2°C, heat stress) and the other group with normal temperature (20 ± 2°C, control). The results show that heat stress decreased the body weight gain and feed conversion rate, rabbit hair length and hair follicle density (p < 0.05). Besides, heat stress suppressed the gene expression of noggin, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and IGF‐1 receptor and protein expression of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in rabbit skin (p < 0.05), while stimulated significantly the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and BMP4 (p < 0.05). Heat exposure did not alter significantly the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase, versican and hepatocyte growth factor compared with the control (p > 0.05). In conclusion, noggin‐BMP, IGF‐1 and mTOR signalling pathways may be associated with the process of heat stress‐repressing hair follicle development.     

牛腔前卵泡体外培养前后质量评定

采用台盼蓝染色、相差显微镜观察以及透射电镜方法对体外培养前后牛腔前卵泡活力进行评定。结果表明,台盼蓝染色和相差显微镜观察检测卵泡活力有一定的误检率,超微结构检测能够客观、真实地反映腔前卵泡健康状况,可作为评定腔前卵泡培养系统优劣的一个可靠手段。在实际应用中,相差显微镜观察与超微结构评定相结合可发挥良好作用。     

Melatonin supplement induced the hair follicle development in offspring rex rabbits

Previous studies have shown that the administration of melatonin (MT) to early post-natal fur-bearing animals increases the numbers of hair follicles (HFs). In this study, the effect of maternal MT supplementation on the HF development in offspring was investigated. To explore the potential underlying mechanisms, the expression of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene was determined in the offspring. The Rex rabbit was the animal model, and 79 same-day-pregnancy females were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 39) or MT treatment (n = 40) group, and 10 mg MT microcapsules was implanted at the base of the neck of rabbits in the treatment group. Skin, lung, liver, muscle, kidney, heart and duodenum samples were collected from the newborn rabbits. The results showed that MT improved fur quality in the offspring rabbits by reducing the diameter of primary and secondary HFs, and increasing the HF population. MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits, and it did affect the blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin and MT. In the offspring rabbits, MT significantly stimulated MTNR1A gene expression in the skin and heart (p < .01), whereas MTNR1A gene expression was significantly suppressed in the liver and kidney (p < .05). These results revealed that maternal MT supplementation increased HF density, reduced hairiness and improved the fur quality in Rex rabbit offspring. Maternal MT supply may modulate the responses of HFs in the offspring by upregulating the expression of MTNR1A in the skin. In this study, implantation of low-dose MT did not affect the reproductive performance of female rabbits or on the growth of their offspring.     

Expression of aquaporin 4 in the chicken ovary in relation to follicle development

In the mammalian ovary, aquaporins (AQPs) are thought to be involved in the regulation of fluid transport within the follicular wall and antrum formation. Data concerning the AQPs in the avian ovary is very limited. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine whether the AQP4 is present in the chicken ovary, and if so, what is its distribution in the ovarian compartment of the laying hen. Localization of AQP4 in the ovarian follicles at different stage of development was also investigated. After decapitation of hens the stroma with primordial follicles and white (1–4 mm), yellowish (4–8 mm), small yellow and the three largest yellow pre‐ovulatory follicles F3‐F1 (F3 < F2 < F1; 20–36 mm) were isolated from the ovary. The granulosa and theca layers were separated from the pre‐ovulatory follicles. The AQP4 mRNA and protein were detected in all examined ovarian compartments by the real‐time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. The relative expression of AQP4 was depended on follicular size and the layer of follicular wall. It was the lowest in the granulosa layer of pre‐ovulatory follicles and the highest in the ovarian stroma as well as white and yellowish follicles. Along with approaching of the largest follicle to ovulation the gradual decrease in AQP4 protein level in the granulosa layer was observed. Immunoreactivity for AQP4 was present in the granulosa and theca cells (theca interna ≥ theca externa > granulosa). The obtained results suggest that AQP4 may take part in the regulation of water transport required for follicle development in the chicken ovary.     

Regulation of primordial follicle formation,dormancy, and activation in mice

In female reproduction, the oocyte number is limited after birth. To achieve a continuous ovulatory cycle, oocytes are stored in primordial follicles. Therefore, the regulation of primordial follicle dormancy and activation is important for reproductive sustainability, and its collapse leads to premature ovarian insufficiency. In this review, we summarize primordial follicle development and the molecular mechanisms underlying primordial follicle maintenance and activation in mice. We also overview the mechanisms discovered through in vitro culture of functional oocytes, including the establishment of primordial follicle induction by environmental factors, which revealed the importance of hypoxia and compression by the extra cellular matrix (ECM) for primordial follicle maintenance in vivo.     

Histologic features of hair follicle neoplasms and cysts in dogs and cats: a diagnostic guide

Hair follicle neoplasms occur in many different species, including humans. In domestic animals, they are most common in dogs. Most hair follicle tumors are benign, but malignant neoplasms can also occur. To diagnose hair follicle neoplasms, a thorough knowledge of follicular anatomy is important, given that follicular tumors are classified according to the differentiation pattern seen in the corresponding part of the normal hair follicle. This review focuses on the key diagnostic features of hair follicle tumors and follicular cysts in dogs and cats.     

Factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical environment

Follicle development and timing of ovulation are indicators of the reproductive performance of sows. The present study aimed to determine factors influencing pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and weaning-to-ovulation interval (WOI) in spontaneously ovulating sows in tropical climates with special emphasis on breed, parity and backfat thickness at weaning. In total, 80 sows were included in the study. Follicle development was determined by using transrectal real-time B-mode ultrasonography every 6 hr after standing oestrus. Weaning-to-oestrous interval (WEI), oestrous-to-ovulation interval (EOI), WOI and the diameter of graafian follicles were investigated in relation to breed, parity number (1, 2–3 and 4–7) and backfat thickness (low, moderate and high) of sows. Overall, WEI, EOI, WOI and the pre-ovulatory follicle diameter were 92.5 ± 21.6 hr, 64.3 ± 19.3 hr, 156.3 ± 29.1 hr and 10.3 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. Pre-ovulatory follicle size was smaller in primiparous sows compared with sows of greater parity, 4–7 (9.7 ± 0.51 and 11.7 ± 0.52 mm, respectively, p < .05). Weaning-to-ovulation interval was positively correlated with WEI (r = 0.75, p < .001) and EOI (r = 0.66, p < .001), but negatively correlated with size of the graafian follicle (r = –0.34, p < .01). Sows with a shorter WEI had a larger pre-ovulatory follicle diameter (at 64 hr after oestrus) (r = –0.37, p < .01). Sows with low backfat thickness had a WOI 23.4 hr longer than those with moderate backfat thickness (p < .05) and 17.6 hr longer than sows with a high backfat thickness (p = .140). The follicle diameter in primiparous sows with high backfat thickness (11.7 ± 1.1 mm) was higher than in those with low (8.9 ± 0.7 mm, p < .05) or moderate (8.6 ± 0.8, p < .05) backfat thickness. In conclusion, factors influencing follicle diameter and WOI in sows included parity number and backfat thickness at weaning. The impact of backfat thickness on follicle diameter, WEI and WOI was most pronounced in primiparous sows.     

辽宁绒山羊2品系皮肤毛囊周期性变化的比较研究

皮肤切片采用HE染色方法,对辽宁绒山羊常年长绒型品系和季节长绒型品系皮肤表皮厚、真皮厚、次级毛囊和初级毛囊深度、密度,次级毛囊和初级毛囊毛球宽度,S／P值等作了详细统计观察,从形态学方面研究了辽宁绒山羊皮肤毛囊在1年内的变化规律。结果表明：两品系辽宁绒山羊毛囊的兴盛期为4～10月,退行期为11～12月,休止期为1～3月,持续时间分别为7、2、3个月。兴盛期经历时间最长,退行期最短。但在毛囊的退行期,因为大多数毛囊的活性还很高,因此在退行期绒毛仍在生长,特别是在退行前期（10、11月份）还是绒毛的快速生长期。     

优势卵泡与促卵泡素对牛活体采卵效果的影响

将8头荷期坦供体奶牛随机分为4组,每组2头,分别按优势卵泡+注射促卵泡素(FSH)、优势卵泡+不注射FSH、去优势卵泡+注射FSH、去优势卵泡+不注射FSH处理供体牛,处理后第4天应用B型超声波导引活体采卵,试验重复10次。结果显示:注射FSH前去优势卵泡对其可采卵泡数、回收卵母细胞数和可用卵母细胞数均有显著提高(P0.05),但不注射FSH时去优势卵泡对提高采卵效率无显著效果;活体采卵对供体牛卵巢虽造成一定损伤,但停止采卵2~3个月后均能恢复正常发情、配种后能正常妊娠,对供体牛繁殖性能无显著影响。     

A gene co‐expression network analysis of the candidate genes and molecular pathways associated with feather follicle traits of chicken skin

Back and thigh skin of chickens showed significant differences in the thickness and the feather follicle density and size, which are important traits for slaughtered chickens' appearance. In the present study, global gene expression profiling was conducted in the back and thigh skin of chickens using Microarray technology. The results showed that 676 genes were differentially expressed between back and thigh skin. The expression of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including PPP1R3C, IGF1, PTCHD1, HOXB6, FGF9, CAMK4, SHH, BMP8B, FOXN1 and PTGER2, was validated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and the results were consistent with microarray results. Functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, adhesion and transport process, and the pathways were significantly mapped into the ECM‐receptor interaction, peroxisome, focal adhesion, Hedgehog and PPAR signalling pathways. Protein–protein interaction network analysis suggested that signalling pathways related to feathers morphogenesis and development, such as Wnt, FGF, MAPK, SHH and BMP signalling pathways, occupied important positions in the network. Genes involved in these signalling pathways and adhesion molecules might play a vital role in skin and feather follicle development. Further single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association analysis of Wnt3A showed that the AC genotype of SNP g.255361 C>A significantly increased the feather follicle density of thigh skin. Our findings may provide new insights on candidate genes and pathways related to skin and feather follicle formation of chickens.     

毛囊发育与周期性生长的调控信号通路研究进展

毛囊是皮肤的重要附属结构,也是控制哺乳动物被毛生长的重要器官。哺乳动物出生后,毛囊具有终生呈周期性生长的特性,毛囊干细胞、毛乳头细胞、毛母质细胞及脂肪细胞等参与了毛囊周期性生长,Wnt、BMP、Notch等信号通路与毛囊生长发育密切相关。本文从哺乳动物毛囊的结构、周期性生长特征以及参与毛囊周期性生长调控的相关信号通路等进行了详细阐述,为深入了解哺乳动物毛囊的周期性生长调控机制,以及为今后指导绒山羊、绵羊、长毛兔等毛用动物和獭兔、水貂、狐狸、貉等皮用动物选育和提高生产性能提供理论参考。     

Natriuretic peptide system regulation in granulosa cells during follicle deviation and ovulation in cattle

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are known to regulate reproductive events in polyovulatory species, but their function and regulation in monovulatory species remain to be fully characterized. Using a well‐established in vivo model, we found that bovine granulosa cells from follicles near the deviation stage express mRNA for the three NP receptors (NPR1, NPR2 and NPR3), but not for NP precursors (NPPA, NPPB and NPPC). The abundance of NPR3 mRNA was higher in dominant compared to subordinate follicles at the expected time of follicular deviation. After deviation, mRNA for all NP receptors was significantly more abundant in the dominant follicle. Intrafollicular inhibition of oestrogen receptors downregulated NPR1 mRNA in dominant follicles. In granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles, NPPC mRNA increased at 3 and 6 h after systemic GnRH treatment, but decreased at 12 and 24 h to similar levels observed in samples collected at 0 h. After GnRH treatment, NPR1 mRNA was upregulated at 24 h, NPR3 mRNA gradually decreased after 3 h, while NPR2 mRNA was not regulated. The mRNA expression of the enzyme FURIN increased at 24 h after GnRH treatment. These findings revealed that the expression of mRNA encoding important components of the NP system is regulated in bovine granulosa cells during follicular deviation and in response to GnRH treatment, which suggests a role of NP system in the modulation of these processes in monovulatory species.     

羊驼毛囊干细胞分离、培养与鉴定

采用0．2％中性蛋白酶Ⅱ和0．25％胰酶：0．02％EDTA（1：1）“两步酶”消化法从羊驼背部皮肤分离得到羊驼毛囊干细胞。用无血清角质细胞培养基（K-SFM）培养进行形态学观察、细胞生长曲线克隆形成率及免疫组化染色检测。结果显示，细胞生长曲线表明，不同代次毛囊干细胞接种前3d生长缓慢，4～6d进入倍增期，有无限增殖的趋势，所分离的羊驼毛囊干细胞具备毛囊干细胞特征（体积小、立体感强），呈现未分化特征；CK19、CK15、81-integrin和CD34免疫组化染色阳性；第3、5、7、9代克隆形成率分别为（32．7±2．27）％、（47．0±3．46）％、（46．3±3．18）％和（43．3±3．76）％。结果表明，用“两步酶”消化法成功分离获得羊驼毛囊干细胞，无血清角质细胞培养基（K—SFM）可使羊驼毛囊干细胞体外维持未分化状态并传代至12代。     

水牛卵泡GCs体外培养发生凋亡的生物学特征

为了解水牛卵巢卵泡中颗粒细胞（GCs）和卵母细胞在体外培养过程中发生凋亡的变化特征,通过体外培养、血清撤除法诱导水牛卵泡GCs凋亡,并应用苏木精伊红（HE）染色和DNA原位末端标记的TUNEL方法观察其病理特征;通过水牛腔前卵泡体外培养、诱导或等待其中的卵母细胞及卵泡细胞发生凋亡,然后应用透射电镜技术检查其超微结构改变。结果显示：凋亡卵泡GCs的HE染色特征包括细胞体积缩小,染色较深呈紫黑色,且多成簇分布。DNA原位末端标记检查的特征是DNA发生降解,其降解碎片呈TUNEL阳性。原始卵泡体外培养中调亡卵母细胞的超微结构表现为胞核碎裂成电子密度高的大碎片,或出现形态奇特的凋亡小体;初级卵泡中的调亡GCs,细胞内外均出现凋亡小体,细胞内还见有典型的螺层状内质网结构,其中包涵部分核质。     

绒山羊毛囊发育规律及毛囊发育调控因子的研究进展

针对绒山羊毛囊发育规律及调控毛囊发育相关因子的研究进展进行了介绍.     

Inhibition of prolactin promotes secondary skin follicle activation in cashmere goats

The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of prolactin (PRL) on development of secondary skin follicles in cashmere goats. Goats were randomly assigned to either a bromocriptine treatment or control group. Samples of cashmere fiber, blood, and skin were collected from all goats after 1 mo. The results indicated that the length, growth rate, and diameter of fibers were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the inhibition of PRL resulting from the treatment with bromocriptine. There was a tendency for increases in total follicle number, primary and secondary follicle numbers, and in the ratio of secondary to primary follicles following treatment with bromocriptine, but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The percentage of active secondary follicles in anagen was increased (P < 0.05) in the bromocriptine-treated goats, but there was no effect of treatment on the percentage of active primary follicles. Bromocriptine decreased (P < 0.05) circulating concentrations of PRL and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and increased (P < 0.05) those of melatonin (MT), but there was no effect of this treatment on the serum concentrations of cortisol, growth hormone, tetraiodothyronine, and triiodothyronine. In bromocriptine-treated goats, mRNA expressions of PRL and MT membrane receptor 1a (MTNR1a) were decreased (P < 0.05) and mRNA expression of MT nuclear receptor (RORα) was increased (P < 0.05), but there was no effect of the treatment on expression of long PRL receptor, short PRL receptor, MT membrane receptor 1b and IGF1. It is concluded that inhibition of PRL promotes secondary hair follicle development in the anagen phase, possibly by downregulating MTNR1a and up-regulating RORα gene expression in the skin.     

Regulation of secondary follicle growth by theca cells and insulin-like growth factor 1

Ovaries contain follicles at various stages of development, including primordial, primary, secondary, antral and Graafian follicles. Although the growth of these follicles is controlled to maintain regular ovulation, the mechanism through which this occurs remains unclear. In our study, we found that the growth rate of cultured secondary follicles separated from mice ovaries differed between follicles. After 4 days of culture, the size of some secondary follicles was markedly increased, while that of others had either slightly increased, remained unchanged or shrunk. We compared the expression levels of growth factors between these secondary follicles and found that the growth rate of cultured secondary follicles correlated with the expression level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1) mRNA. Igf1 mRNA expression level in secondary follicles containing theca cells was higher than that in secondary follicles without theca cells, and the granulosa cell proliferation around follicles containing theca cells was increased. Furthermore, an IGF1 inhibitor also inhibited the granulosa cell proliferation, and administration of IGF1 to secondary follicles without growth promoted granulosa cell proliferation. These results indicated that the theca cells of secondary follicles induced the expression of IGF1 and promoted the follicle growth.