Angiogenesis in Developing Follicle and Corpus Luteum

Angiogenesis is a process of vascular growth that is mainly limited to the reproductive system in healthy adult animals. The development of new blood vessels in the ovary is essential to guarantee the necessary supply of nutrients and hormones to promote follicular growth and corpus luteum formation. In developing follicles, the pre-existing endothelial cells that form the vascular network in the theca layer markedly develop in response to the stimulus of several growth factors, mainly produced by granulosa cells, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The angiogenic factors also promote vessel permeability, thus favouring the antrum formation and the events inducing follicle rupture. After ovulation, newly formed blood vessels cross the basement membrane between theca and granulosa layers and continue a rapid growth to sustain corpus luteum development and function. The length of luteal vascular growth varies in cycling and pregnant animals and among species; both angiogenesis and subsequent angioregression are finely regulated by systemic and local factors. The control of angiogenic development in the ovary could be a useful tool to improve animal reproductive performances.     

Angiogenesis and Vascular Regression in the Corpus Luteum Periodicum

Introduction and Aim: The corpus luteum is one of the most intensely vascularized tissues. Luteal angiogenesis is strictly controlled and blood vessels regress completely within a short period of time. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular dynamics in relation to cellular and molecular mechanisms of luteal angiogenesis and anti‐angiogenesis. Material and Methods: Endothelial cells of blood vessels in paraffin sections of bovine corpora lutea from different stages were examined by labelling with the lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin I. Angiogenesis was studied by morphometry of the capillaries, and immunolocalization of the angiogenic factor VEGF and VEGF‐receptor 2. Presence of apoptotic luteal and endothelial cells was investigated using the TUNEL test and transmission electron microscopy. Results: During development of the corpus luteum (day 3–8 of the oestrous cycle) a dense capillary network (8–12% area ratio) is established and maintained until day 17. Early regression (day 18–24) is characterized by a remarkable decrease of capillaries (1% area ratio). In the regressing corpus luteum the number of apoptotic luteal cells is closely correlated (r = 0.9) to the number of apoptotic endothelial cells. VEGF is immunolocalized in luteal cells (day 3–17), smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of arterioles of the regressing corpus luteum. During late luteal regression, a moderate increase of capillaries (2.5% area ratio) is obvious. Conclusions: The dynamic changes of the capillarity during development and regression of the cyclic corpus luteum correlate with VEGF and VEGF‐R2 activities. In contrary to expectations the late stage of luteal regression is accompanied by angiogenesis. One reason for this phenomenon may be an increase in metabolic activity resulting in re‐organization of blood vessels already regressed.     

Leukotrienes are Auto‐/Paracrine Factors in the Bovine Corpus Luteum: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to determine leukotrienes (LTs) functions in the bovine corpus luteum (BCL) during the oestrous cycle. In steroidogenic CL cells we examined the effect of luteotropic [LH, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)] and luteolytic (PGF_2α, cytokines) factors on: the levels of LTB₄ and C₄, the expression of 5‐lipoxygenase (LO), LT receptors type I (LTR‐I) and LTR‐II, and the effects of LTB₄ and C₄ stimulations on the levels of progesterone (P4), PGE₂, F_2α and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. Both luteolytic and luteotropic factors stimulated 5‐LO expression on days 2–4 and 17–19 of the cycle. Leukotriene receptors type I expression increased after PGE₂ and tumour necrosis factor α with interferon γ (TNF/IFN) stimulation on days 2–4 of the cycle. Leukotriene receptor type II expression increased after PGE_2α and TNF/IFN stimulation on days 2–4 and 17–19 of the cycle, and LTR‐II expression on days 8–10 of the cycle was unchanged after cell stimulation with any factor. Leukotriene B₄ level increased after BSC incubation with luteotropic factors during all examined days of the cycle and after cytokine stimulation at early‐ and mid‐luteal stages, whereas luteolytic factors stimulated LTC₄ secretion over the entire cycle. Leukotriene B₄ stimulated P4 secretion at the mid‐luteal stage and stimulated NO secretion during all examined phases. Leukotriene B₄ stimulated PGE₂ secretion at the early‐ and mid‐luteal stage. Leukotriene C₄ inhibited P4 secretion at the mid‐ and regressing‐luteal stage, stimulated NO (entire cycle) and PGF_2α at mid‐ and regressing‐luteal phases. Leukotrienes modulate steroidogenic cells functions, depending on the stage of the cycle. Leukotriene B₄ plays a luteotropic role stimulating P4 and PGE₂ secretions; LTC₄ stimulates the secretion of luteolytic factors and enhances the luteolytic cascade within BCL.     

Expression of Lymphangiogenic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Family Members in Bovine Corpus Luteum

The aim of this study was to evaluate mRNA expression, protein concentration and localization of the assumedly important lymphangiogenic factors VEGFC and VEGFD and the receptor FLT4 in bovine corpora lutea (CL) during different physiological stages. In experiment 1, CL were collected in a slaughterhouse and stages (days 1–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–12, 13–16, >18) of oestrous cycle and month <3, 3–5, 6–7 and >8 of pregnancy. In experiment 2, prostaglandin F2α (PGF)‐induced luteolysis was performed in 30 cows, which were injected with PGF analogue on day 8–12 (mid‐luteal phase), and CL were collected before and 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 h after PGF injection. The mRNA expression was characterized by RT‐qPCR. All three factors were clearly expressed and showed significant changes during different groups and periods examined in both experiments. Protein concentrations of VEGFD and FLT4 measured by ELISA were not detectable in early cyclic CL but increased to higher plateau levels during pregnancy. After PGF‐induced luteolysis FLT4 protein showed an increase within 2–24 h after the injection. FLT4 localization by immunohistochemistry in the cytoplasm of luteal cells was relatively weak in early CL. It increased in late CL and especially in CL during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a positive FLT4 staining in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of lymphatic endothelial cells in peripheral tissue was observed. In conclusion, our results lead to the assumption that lymphangiogenic factors are produced and regulated in CL and may be involved in mechanisms regulating CL function, especially during pregnancy.     

The Rabbit Subventricular Zone (SVZ): An Ultrastructural and Immunocytochemical Study

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Mucometra with Persistent Corpus Luteum in Goats

Ovaries of two goats with persistent corpus luteum were studied by histochemical methods. Lutein cells showed moderate alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity associated with strong delta 5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and succinic tetrazolium reductase activity. The results are interpreted as an indication that the corpus luteum was functioning.     

牛卵巢黄体状况与腔前卵泡采集数量的关系

根据牛离体卵巢黄体的不同状况，将31枚卵巢分为5种类型，并采用机构方法分离腔前卵泡，观察不同黄体状况卵巢与腔前卵泡采集数量的关系，结果表明，火山口型，圆锥型和蘑菇型3种大黄体的卵巢腔前卵泡采集量多，扁平片状和表面无黄体型卵巢腔前卵泡采集量较少，具有黄体状况的卵巢初级卵泡（Pm)采集数量多于无黄体类型卵巢，原始卵泡（Pf) 以3种黄体较大的卵巢采集数量最多，次级卵泡（Sc)则以黄体为火山口型卵巢为最多，说明卵巢黄体状况不同，其腔前卵泡采集数量有所不同。     

Induction of the Expressions of Antioxidant Enzymes by Luteinizing Hormone in the Bovine Corpus Luteum

Luteoprotective mechanisms of luteinizing hormone (LH) involved in the maintenance of bovine corpus luteum (CL) function have not been completely clarified. Since antioxidant enzymes are well documented as antiapoptotic factors in the CL of many mammals, we hypothesized that the luteoprotective action of LH is mediated by stimulating the local production and action of antioxidant enzymes. To test the above hypothesis, in the present study, we examined the mechanisms involved in the luteoprotective actions of LH. Cultured bovine luteal cells obtained from the CL at the mid-luteal stage (days 8–12 of the estrous cycle) were treated with LH (10 ng/ml), onapristone (OP; a specific progesterone receptor antagonist, 100 μM) and diethyldithiocarbamate [DETC; an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase (SOD), 100 μM] for 24 h. LH in combination with or without OP significantly increased the mRNA and protein expressions of manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) and catalase (CATA) and SOD activity. While LH alone significantly increased the mRNA and protein expressions of SOD containing copper and zinc (Cu,Zn-SOD), OP in combination with or without LH significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Cu,Zn-SOD. In addition, Cu,Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD and CATA mRNA expressions were higher at the mid luteal phase than the other luteal phases. LH in combination with DETC significantly decreased LH-increased cell viability. The overall results suggest that LH increases cell viability by LH-increased antioxidant enzymes, resulting in maintenance of CL function during the luteal phase in cattle.     

Angiogenesis in The Ovary – The Most Important Regulatory Event for Follicle and Corpus Luteum Development and Function in Cow – An Overview

In the ovary, the development of new capillaries from pre‐existing ones (angiogenesis) is a complex event regulated by numerous local factors. The dominant regulators of angiogenesis in ovarian follicles and corpora lutea are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF), angiopoietin (ANPT) and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) family members. Antral follicles in our study were classified according to the oestradiol‐17‐beta (E2) content in follicular fluid (FF) and were divided into five classes (E2 < 0.5, 0.5–5, 5–20, 20–180 and >180 ng/ml FF). The corresponding sizes of follicles were 5–7, 8–10, 10–13, 12–14 and >14 mm, respectively. Follicle tissue was separated in theca interna (TI) and granulosa cells (GC). The corpora lutea (CL) in our study were assigned to the following stages: days 1–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–12 13–16 and >18 of the oestrous cycle and months 1–2, 3–4, 6–7 and >8 of pregnancy. The dominant regulators were measured at mRNA and protein expression levels; mRNA was quantified by RT‐qPCR, hormone concentrations by RIA or EIA and their localization by immunohistochemistry. The highest expression for VEGF‐A, FGF‐2, IGF‐1 and IGF‐2, ANPT‐2/ANPT‐1 and HIF‐1‐alpha was found during final follicle maturation and in CL during the early luteal phase (days 1–4) followed by a lower plateau afterwards. The results suggest the importance of these factors for angiogenesis and maintenance of capillary structures for final follicle maturation, CL development and function.     

Identification of the Corpus Luteum in Early Pregnancy in the Mare Using Ultrasound

Two hundred mares of mixed breeding were examined with ultrasound for ovulation and at Days 13 to 16 for pregnancy. At this stage the visible presence of one or more corpora lutea (CL) were noted and tested for correlation with the side of ovulation. In 195 cases (94.6%) of 206 pregnancies a CL was seen ipsilateral to the side of ovulation. Cases where the CL was contralateral (3) or not seen (9) are discussed.

While no longer palpatable in late diestrus, the CL can be imaged using ultrasonography.1 In view of the continuing debate on the value of progesterone supplementation to prevent early embryonic failure, information on ovarian dynamics in early pregnancy would be beneficial. This case report demonstrates the usefulness of ultrasonography in determining the viability of the CL in early pregnancy.     

Morphological Study of Bovine Pregnant Corpus luteum Cells

The bovine pregnant corpus luteum was examined morphologically, to clarify the appearance and properties of the intramitochondrial bodies (IMB) in mitochondria of the large luteum cell (LLC). The incidence and diameter of the IMB (200–900 nm) showed a tendency to increase with the advance of pregnancy. Histochemically, the IMB reacted positively with protein, and immunohistochemically, they reacted IMB with 11 α-hydroxyprogesterone-1-11 succinyl-bovine serum albumin (P-BSA). The IMB seemed to combine with protein, and these granules did not undergo exocytosis. The cytoplasm of LLC contained another type of small electron-dense granules that were 150–200 nm in diameter, had an orifice for secretion, and reacted with relaxin. Small luteum cells (SLC) revealed crystalline-like inclusions. It is suggested that these inclusion cells participate in the synthesis of steroids.     

不同等级黄体与水牛胚胎移植受胎率关系的研究

[目的]为了解胚胎移植过程中不同等级黄体与水牛胚胎移植受胎率之间的关系,为提高水牛受胎率提供依据.[方法]在水牛胚胎移植过程中,利用B超对受体卵巢进行扫描,确定黄体的有无并根据黄体大小对其分级.黄体直径在1.5 cm以上的定为A级,直径在0.8～1.5 cm之间的定为B级,直径在0.8 cm以下的定为C级.测定受体移植...     

哺乳动物发情周期黄体的组织学研究进展

黄体是排卵后形成的暂时性的内分泌组织 ,在一个较短的存在期限中经历了一系列的结构变化和分泌阶段 ,对于哺乳动物维持正常的生殖功能具有重要作用。人们对黄体细胞的来源、组成、形态及大小持有不同的观点。近年来 ,人们就黄体细胞的功能和退化、溶解进行了较为深入的研究 ,发现不同动物黄体细胞的功能各有不同 ,黄体退化、溶解与细胞凋亡有密切关系。了解哺乳动物发情周期黄体的组织结构对于控制动物的繁殖具有重要意义。文章对哺乳动物发情周期黄体中不同类型黄体细胞的来源、组成、形态、功能及退化、溶解 ,黄体细胞的分泌方式和超声波在黄体研究中的运用作了概述     

Regulation of Corpus Luteum Function in Cattle – an Overview

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient reproductive gland that produces progesterone (P), required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Although the regulation of bovine luteal function has been studied for several decades, many of the regulatory mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We are far from understanding how these complex mechanisms function in unison. The purpose of this overview is to stress important steps of regulation during the lifetime of CL. In the first part, the importance and regulation of angiogenesis and blood flow during CL formation is described. The results underline the importance of growth factors especially of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) for development and completion of a dense network of capillaries. In the second part, the regulation of function by endocrine/paracrine- and autocrine-acting regulators is discussed. There is now more evidence that besides the main endocrine hormones LH and GH local regulators as growth factors, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins are important modulators of luteal function. During early CL development until mid-luteal stage oxytocin, prostaglandins and P itself stimulate luteal cell proliferation and function supported by the luteotropic action of a number of growth factors. The still high mRNA expression, protein concentration and localization of growth factors [VEGF, FGF-1, FGF-2, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)] in the cytoplasm of luteal cells during mid-luteal stage suggest maintenance (survival) functions for growth factors. In the absence of pregnancy regression (luteolysis) of CL occurs. Progesterone itself regulates the length of the oestrous cycle by influencing the timing of the luteolytic signal prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) from the endometrium. The cascade of mediators afterwards is very complex and still not well-elucidated. Evidence is given for participation of blood flow, inflammatory cytokines, vasoactive peptides (angiotensin II and endothelin-1), reactive oxygen species, angiogenic growth factors (VEGFs, FGFs, IGFs) and decrease of the classical luteotropic components as LH-R, GH-R, P450(scc) and 3beta-HSD. Despite of differences in methodology and interpretations, progress has been made and will continue to be made.     

奶牛黄体发育状况与受胎率的关系

在奶牛繁殖育种工作中，最重要的是提高受胎率。影响受胎率的因素很多。如饲养管理不当，营养不均衡等。但最终起主导作用的还是卵巢中黄体发育的好坏。通过试验初步证明。人工授精后第5天黄体直径达到0.5cm以上者才能有好的受胎率。     

黄体机能与生长因子关系的研究进展

论述了黄体的形成和机能 ,同时介绍了EGF、TGF、IGF和VEGF等生长因子对黄体的调控作用     

奶山羊妊娠黄体中催产素免疫反应细胞的分布

运用免疫组化ABC法妊娠26～120d的奶山羊黄体中催产素免疫反应细胞的分布进行了观察。结果表明，奶山羊妊娠黄体中存在催产素(Oxytocin,OT）免疫反应阳性细胞。阳性细胞在形态上以卵圆形、圆形、棱形为主，还有一些具有明显的突起。根据阳性细胞胞质内反应颗粒着色的深浅，可把OT阳性细胞分为强阳性、中等阳性和弱阳性3种。在妊娠26～30d，阳性细胞数量最多，强阳性细胞主要分布于黄体的周边，中等阳性及弱阳性细胞则均匀分布于整个黄体组织中，妊娠31～60d，阳性细胞数量明显下降，弥散于整个黄体组织中；妊娠61～120d，阳性细胞的数量及逐渐增多，以中等阳性和弱阳性细胞为主，而强阳性细胞数量较少。连续切片HE染色的对照观察显示妊娠黄体中大、小黄体细胞均可出现OT免疫阳性反应。