Treatment with the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 during the first two hours of in vitro maturation improves bovine oocyte developmental competence

This study examined the effects of treatment with U0126, which inhibits MAPK by inhibiting MAPK kinase, during the first 2 hr of in vitro maturation on bovine developmental competence and on gap junction (GAPJ) communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells. The percentage of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage in the group treated with 5 μM U0126 (28%) was significantly higher than that in controls (15%, p < .05), while that in the group treated with 10 μM U0126 (18%) was not. Breakdown of the GAPJs was delayed in the group treated with 5 μM U0126 when compared to controls, as estimated by immunohistochemical examination of connexin 43, which is a primary constituent of the GAPJs. These results indicate that treatment with 5 μM U0126 during in vitro maturation delays GAPJ breakdown and improves bovine oocyte developmental competence.     

PI3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in cumulus cells mediate EGF-induced meiotic resumption of porcine oocyte

Previous studies have shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) has the ability to promote in vitro cultured porcine oocyte maturation. However, little is known about the detailed downstream events in EGF-induced meiotic resumption. We designed this study to determine the relationship of EGF, EGFR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), MAPK, and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) during oocyte maturation. Our results showed that GVBD in cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEOs) but not in denuded oocytes (DOs) was induced by EGF in a dose-dependent manner, which indicated that cumulus cells but not oocyte itself were the main target for EGF-induced meiotic resumption. Furthermore, we found that MAPK in cumulus cells rather than in oocyte was activated immediately after EGF administration. To explore whether EGF exerts its functions through MAPK pathway, the activities of EGF receptor (EGFR) and MAPK were inhibited by employing AG1478 and U0126, respectively. Inhibition of MAPK blocked EGF-induced GVBD, whereas inhibition of EGFR prevented MAPK activation. Both AG1478 and U0126 could lead to the failure of EGF-induced GVBD singly. Notably, we found that LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3-kinase, effectively inhibited EGF-induced MAPK activation as well as subsequent oocyte meiotic resumption and this inhibition could not be reversed by adding additional EGF. Thus, PI3-kinase-induced MAPK activation in cumulus cells mediated EGF-induced meiotic resumption in porcine CEOs. Together, this study provides evidences demonstrating a linear relationship of EGF/EGFR, PI3-kinase, MAPK and GVBD and presents a relatively definitive mechanism of EGF-induced meiotic resumption of porcine oocyte.     

甘氨酸对猪卵母细胞体外成熟质量及卵丘细胞的影响

本实验旨在研究甘氨酸对卵丘细胞及卵母细胞体外成熟质量的影响,优化猪卵母细胞体外成熟(IVM)培养体系。在猪卵母细胞体外成熟培养液中添加6 mmol/L甘氨酸,体外培养至44 h后,通过倒置显微镜测量卵丘细胞扩散直径,结合流式细胞术与qPCR检测卵丘细胞凋亡情况;进一步检测成熟卵母细胞中谷胱甘肽(GSH)、细胞成熟促进因子(MPF)和丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)水平及细胞成熟相关基因表达。结果表明:甘氨酸能显著提高卵丘细胞扩散直径,减少卵丘细胞的总凋亡率,并能显著提高卵丘细胞中Bcl-2的mRNA表达;甘氨酸能显著增加成熟卵母细胞中的GSH、MPF和MAPK水平以及成熟相关基因BMP15、GDF9、CyclinB1、CDK1、C-MOS的mRNA表达。综上可知,甘氨酸可提高猪卵母细胞体外成熟质量,降低卵丘细胞凋亡率。     

Adiponectin enhances in vitro development of swine embryos

Recent studies have shown that factors from adipose tissue influence and regulate the reproductive system. Hormones such as leptin and resistin are now known to regulate several reproductive processes. Adiponectin is the most abundant protein secreted by adipose tissue, and its circulating concentration is inversely related to adiposity and body mass index. Little is known about the involvement of adiponectin in reproduction. In the present study, the effect of recombinant adiponectin on the meiotic maturation and early embryo development in vitro was investigated, using porcine oocytes. Adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, were found to be expressed in porcine oocytes and cumulus cells of both small and large follicles. Both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were immunolocalized to cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), oocytes, and early developing embryos. When included in oocyte maturation medium for 46 h, adiponectin significantly decreased the frequency of meiotic immature oocytes derived from large follicles (3-6 mm) but not from small follicles (<3mm). From studies of oocytes matured in the presence of adiponectin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors MEK1 (PD98059), MEK1/2 (U0126), and p38MAPK (SB203580) it was concluded that adiponectin enhances oocyte maturation thought the p38MAPK pathway. Finally, a superior rate of embryo development to the blastocyst stage was achieved by embryos cultured in the presence of adiponectin. These results indicate that adiponectin has a positive effect on the meiotic maturation and in vitro embryo development of porcine oocytes and suggests a physiological role for this adipokine in early development in mammals.     

瘦素和FSH对绵羊卵泡颗粒细胞孕激素分泌的影响

试验旨在探明瘦素和卵泡刺激素(FSH)对绵羊卵泡颗粒细胞孕激素分泌的影响并建立瘦素和FSH之间的相互作用.从屠宰场收集健康母羊的卵巢,机械分离卵泡,收集卵泡颗粒细胞.在细胞培养液中加入不同浓度的FSH(0 U/mL,2.5 U/mL,5 U/mL,7.5 U/mL,10 U/mL)培养24 h和48 h,通过MTT检测...     

IGF-1 receptor signaling pathways and effects of AMPK activation on IGF-1-induced progesterone secretion in hen granulosa cells

IGF-1 plays a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells. However, the molecular mechanism of IGF-1 action in avian granulosa cells during follicle maturation is unclear. Here, we first studied IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression, IGF-1-induced progesterone production and some IGF-1R signaling pathways in granulosa cells from different follicles. IGF-1R (mRNA and protein) was higher in fresh or cultured granulosa cells from the largest follicles (F1 or F2) than in those from smaller follicles (F3 or F4). In vitro, IGF-1 treatment (10(-8)M, 36h) increased progesterone secretion by four-fold in mixed F3 and F4 (F3/4) granulosa cells and by 1.5-fold in F1 granulosa cells. IGF-1 (10(-8)M, 30min)-induced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-1R beta subunit and phosphorylation of ERK were higher in F1 than in F3/4 granulosa cells. Interestingly, IGF-1 stimulation (10(-8)M, 10min) decreased the level of AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation in F1 and F3/4 granulosa cells. We have recently showed that AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a protein kinase involved in the steroidogenesis in chicken granulosa cells. We then studied the effects of AMPK activation by AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside), an activator of AMPK, on IGF-1-induced progesterone secretion by F3/4 and F1 granulosa cells. AICAR treatment (1mM, 36h) increased IGF-1-induced progesterone secretion, StAR protein levels and decreased ERK phosphorylation in F1 granulosa cells. Opposite data were observed in F3/4 granulosa cells. Adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant negative AMPK totally reversed the effects of AICAR on IGF-1-induced progesterone secretion, StAR protein production and ERK phosphorylation in both F3/4 and F1 granulosa cells. Thus, a variation of energy metabolism through AMPK activation could modulate differently IGF-1-induced progesterone production in F1 and F3/4 granulosa cells.     

Cyclic changes of steroid production activity in the ovary and estradiol levels in the blood plasma of the mudfish,Labeo capensis

The annual reproductive cycle of female Labeo capensis was investigated using histochemical and endocrinological parameters. It was found that steroid production occurred in three localities in the ovary, namely, special theca cells, granulosa cells and interstitial cells. The 3β-HSD activity (steroid activity) in the granulosa cells and estradiol-17β concentration in the plasma reached a peak during exogenous vitellogenesis. During the oocyte maturation phase the 3β-HSD activity in the special theca cells and the GSI reached a maximum. Possible functions of steroids secreted by special theca cells and granulosa cells are discussed.     

卵丘细胞在卵母细胞体外成熟培养过程中的作用

介绍了卵丘细胞在卵母细胞体外成熟培养过程中的作用,主要从卵丘细胞与卵母细胞的结构与功能联系,卵丘扩展对卵母细胞体外成熟的影响及卵丘细胞层数对卵母细胞体外成熟的影响三个方面加以阐述。     

Role of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 during porcine oocyte maturation

Previous our studies have shown that CD44, the principal receptor for hyaluronan, is present on cumulus cells during oocyte maturation. Although hyaluronan-CD44 interaction has been implicated in cumulus expansion and/or oocyte maturation, the full significance of CD44 remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to further investigate the role of CD44 in cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in pigs. We demonstrate here in that CD44 has a key role in oocyte maturation but not in cumulus expansion. Previous studies have reported the physiological significance of cumulus expansion in oocyte maturation. However, our results suggest that cumulus expansion is a necessary condition for oocyte maturation, but that it is not sufficient on its own. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that the CD44 of the in vitro-matured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) had a larger molecular weight and more terminal sialic acid, which has been proven to inhibit the hyaluronan-binding ability of the receptor, than the CD44 of the in vivo-matured COCs, indicating that the hyaluronan-CD44 interactions during in vitro maturation might be insufficient compared with those in vivo. The insufficient interactions of hyaluronan-CD44 during in vitro maturation may cause the inferior capacity of fertilization and development of oocytes matured in vitro.     

17β-雌二醇对仔猪支持细胞周期的影响

为了研究17β-雌二醇对仔猪睾丸支持细胞周期的影响,实验采用流式细胞术测定了细胞周期中DNA含量,分析了细胞周期细胞增殖指数(PI)和S期细胞指数(SPF)的变化。结果表明:低浓度的17β-雌二醇(10-10～10-7mol/L)能够促进支持细胞周期的转化,其中17β-雌二醇浓度为10-9mol/L时的作用最强;而高浓度的17β-雌二醇(10-6mol/L)则抑制支持细胞周期的转化。17β-雌二醇(10-9mol/L)能以时间依赖性促进支持细胞周期转化,其中24h的作用最明显。ERK1/2抑制剂U0126能减少17β-雌二醇诱导的细胞周期的转化。cAMP的激动剂8-Br-cAMP促进了细胞周期的转化,而抑制剂Rp-cAMP阻止了17β-雌二醇诱导的细胞周期的转化。表明17β-雌二醇对细胞周期的调节呈现一定的时间-剂量依赖性,cAMP和ERK1/2级联参与了这一过程。     

Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 activity during meiosis resumption in mammals

In vivo, resumption of oocyte meiosis occurs in large ovarian follicles after the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH surge leads to the activation of a broad signaling network in mural granulosa cells equipped with LH receptors. The signals generated in the mural granulosa cells are further augmented by locally produced peptides or steroids and transferred to the cumulus cell compartment and the oocyte itself. Over the last decade, essential progress has been made in the identification of molecular events associated with the final maturation and ovulation of mammalian oocytes. All new evidence argues for a multiple roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1) in the gonadotropin-induced ovulation processes. However, the knowledge of gonadotropin-induced signaling pathways leading to MAPK3/1 activation in follicular cells seems limited. To date, only the LH-induced transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor/MAPK3/1 pathway has been described in granulosa/cumulus cells even though other mechanisms of MAPK3/1 activation have been detected in other types of cells. In this review, we aimed to summarize recent advances in the elucidation of gonadotropin-induced mechanisms leading to the activation of MAPK3/1 in preovulatory follicles and cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes and to point out a specific role of this kinase in the processes accompanying final maturation of the mammalian oocyte.     

Maternal Liver Damage Delays Meiotic Resumption in Bovine Oocytes through Impairment of Signalling Cascades Originated from Low p38MAPK Activity in Cumulus Cells

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the delay in progression of nuclear maturation in oocytes derived from cows with damaged livers (DL cows), which was previously reported. In present study, delayed progression of nuclear maturation of oocytes derived from DL cows relative to oocytes derived from cows with healthy livers (HL cows) was accompanied by low maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity (0.43 fold, p < 0.05). When cumulus cells were removed from cumulus‐oocyte complexes and the denuded oocytes were cultured, there was no difference in the progression of nuclear maturation between the two liver conditions. In addition, gap junctional communication (GJC) between the oocyte and cumulus cells was higher in DL cows than in HL cows at 3 and 7 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) (p < 0.05). Supplementation of IVM medium with epidermal growth factor (EGF) increased the ratio of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) of oocytes derived from DL cows to the level seen in oocytes derived from HL cows. Additionally, the level of p38MAPK phosphorylation at 0 h of IVM was significantly lower in cumulus cells derived from DL cows than in cumulus cells derived from HL cows (HL cows, 53.5%; DL cows, 28.9%; p < 0.05). Thus, a low level of p38MAPK phosphorylation in cumulus cells induced slow GJC closure between oocyte and cumulus cells, which resulted in slow meiotic maturation of oocytes derived from DL cows.     

Effects of unsaturated fatty acids on progesterone secretion and selected protein kinases in goat granulosa cells

Previous studies in cattle have shown influences of dietary unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) supplementation on ovarian function. However, it is unclear whether these UFA exert direct or indirect effects on ovarian steroid production or their mechanisms of action. We have recently shown that 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates progesterone secretion through mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (MAPK ERK1/2) in rodent granulosa cells. Here, we investigated the effects of 3 UFAs, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) on progesterone secretion in goat granulosa cells. Finally, we examined the effects of UFAs on MAPK ERK1/2 and AMPK phosphorylation in these granulosa cells. Oleic acid and LA (10 μM each), but not ALA (100 μM), increased progesterone secretion (P < 0.05) in the presence or absence of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (10^-8 M) or FSH (5 × 10⁻⁸ M). The different AMPK subunits, except for γ3, are present in the goat ovary. Treatment with metformin (10 mM), an activator of AMPK, increased AMPK phosphorylation (P < 0.05) and reduced progesterone secretion by 50% (P < 0.05) in the basal state and in response to IGF-1 or FSH in goat granulosa cells. Oleic acid and LA had no effect on AMPK phosphorylation, whereas they rapidly increased MAPK ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Finally, U0126, a MAPK ERK1/2 inhibitor, decreased OA- and LA-induced progesterone secretion (P < 0.05), suggesting that these UFAs could stimulate progesterone secretion partly through MAPK ERK1/2 in the absence of IGF-1 and FSH in goat granulosa cells. The involvement of AMPK in this process remains to be demonstrated. Taken together, some fatty acids could improve ovarian steroidogenesis through the MAPK ERK1/2 signaling pathway and, consequently, have beneficial effects on goat fertility.     

促卵泡素对体外培养牛卵泡类固醇合成相关基因表达的影响

本研究旨在探究促卵泡素（follicle stimulating hormone,FSH）处理对体外培养的牛有腔卵泡颗粒细胞和膜细胞类固醇激素合成相关基因表达的影响。采集牛卵巢表面直径9~11 mm的有腔卵泡,用含不同浓度FSH的DMEM/F12体外培养牛有腔卵泡24 h。提取卵泡颗粒细胞、膜细胞RNA并反转录成cDNA,利用实时荧光定量PCR检测卵泡颗粒细胞、膜细胞中类固醇激素合成酶基因（CYP11A1、3β-HSD、CYP17A1、CYP19A1、17β-HSD）和促性腺激素受体基因（FSHR、LHR）的表达水平。结果显示,FSH处理上调了颗粒细胞中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP19A1基因表达,其中,25 ng/mL FSH处理极显著上调了CYP11A1基因表达（P<0.01）,10 ng/mL FSH处理显著上调了3β-HSD基因表达（P<0.05）,50 ng/mL FSH处理显著上调了CYP19A1基因表达（P<0.05）;50 ng/mL FSH处理显著或极显著上调了膜细胞中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP17A1基因表达（P<0.05;P<0.01）,但在10和25 ng/mL FSH处理组中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP17A1基因表达显著或极显著下调（P<0.05;P<0.01）。对FSHR、LHR基因研究结果显示,不同浓度FSH处理对颗粒细胞中FSHR、LHR基因的表达均无显著影响（P>0.05）,只有25和50 ng/mL FSH处理显著或极显著上调了膜细胞中LHR基因表达水平（P<0.05;P<0.01）,且不同处理组之间膜细胞中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP17A1基因的表达变化与LHR基因表达变化趋势较一致。结果表明,FSH处理可提高牛有腔卵泡颗粒细胞中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP17A1基因的表达,膜细胞中CYP11A1、3β-HSD和CYP17A1基因对LH的刺激更敏感,FSH可能通过影响LHR基因的表达来调节膜细胞中类固醇合成酶基因的表达。     

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 supplementation enhances cumulus expansion,nuclear maturation and progesterone production of in vitro-matured bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes

In vitro embryo production (IVP) efficiency is reduced when compared to in vivo. The basic knowledge of bovine in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) mechanisms provides support to improve in vitro embryo production yields. The present study assessed the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), fibroblast growth factor 16 (FGF16) and their combined action on cumulus cells (CC) expansion, oocyte and CC DNA fragmentation, oocyte nuclear maturation, energetic metabolism and progesterone production in bovine IVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were matured in control or supplemented media containing BMP15 (100 ng/ml), FGF16 (10 ng/ml) or BMP15 combined with FGF16; and assessed at 0 and 22 hr of IVM. BMP15 alone or its association with FGF16 enhanced cumulus expansion. BMP15 decreased DNA fragmentation in both CC and oocytes, and improved oocyte nuclear maturation rate. In addition, BMP15 increased CC progesterone production, an effect not previously reported. The present study reinforces previous data pointing to a beneficial influence of BMP15 during IVM, while providing novel evidence that the underlying mechanisms involve increased progesterone production.     

不同光照周期对鸡睾酮合成的影响

为研究不同光照周期对公鸡睾酮合成的影响,试验选择120只20周龄体重相近的AA(爱拔益加)公鸡,随机分配到3个不同光照处理组,SD、CTR、LD组分别采用8L:16D、12.5L:11.5D、16L:8D光照周期,4周后采集血清和睾丸;用ELISA技术检测睾酮含量,用实时荧光定量PCR和Westernblot技术检测睾酮合成的3个关键酶(StAR、Cyp11a1、3β-HSD)表达量,HE染色观察睾丸中曲细精管横截面积。结果表明:睾酮含量随光照周期延长极显著增加(P<0.01),并伴随睾酮分泌关键酶StAR、Cyp11a1、和3β-HSD表达量极显著升高(P<0.01),曲细精管横截面积极显著增大(P<0.01)。综上,不同光照周期可通过影响睾酮合成3个关键酶表达而影响睾酮合成,随着光照时间延长,睾酮合成增加,睾丸生精功能增强。     

A new three-dimensional glass scaffold increases the in vitro maturation efficiency of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocyte via remodelling the extracellular matrix and cell connection of cumulus cells

At present, many three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been reported, improving the oocyte quality of in vitro maturation (IVM), yet the mechanism still needs to be further explored. Here we examined the effects of a new self-made 3D glass scaffold on buffalo oocyte maturation; meanwhile, the underlying mechanism on buffalo oocyte maturation was also detected. Compared to the two-dimensional (2D) glass dish culture, results revealed that the 3D culture can improve the first polar body rate of oocytes, subsequent cleavage and blastocysts rate of parthenogenetic activation embryos (p < .05). The extracellular matrix-related proteins COL1A1, COL2A1, COL3A1, FN and cell connection-related proteins N-cadherin, E-cadherin, GJA1 were found higher in cumulus cells of 3D culture. Moreover, in cumulus cells, proteins of the PI3K/AKT pathway reported being regulated by FN and E-cadherin including PI3K P85 and p-AKT were also higher in 3D culture. Furthermore, proapoptosis proteins P53, BAX, caspase-3 were lower in both cumulus cells and oocytes in 3D culture, while proteins PCNA and BCL2 showed the opposite result. Results also showed that the apoptosis was inhibited, and the proliferation was enhanced in cumulus cells of 3D culture. Finally, the cumulus expansion-related genes HAS2, CD44, HMMR, PTX3, PTGS2 were found higher in cumulus cells of 3D culture. Taken together, the 3D culture could promote oocyte maturation by regulating proteins correlated with the ECM, cell connection and PI3K/AKT pathway, inhibiting the apoptosis of cumulus cells and oocytes, enhancing the proliferation of cumulus cells and the cumulus expansion.     

CYP19A1调控内源性雌激素合成促进牦牛COCs细胞自噬和早期发育能力

旨在探索牦牛卵母细胞成熟过程中细胞色素P450芳香化酶(cytochrome P450arom, CYP19A1)对内源性雌激素(17β-estradiol, E₂)分泌、卵母细胞自噬和后续胚胎发育能力的影响。本研究在牦牛卵丘卵母细胞复合体(cumulus-oocyte complexes, COCs)体外成熟过程中,分别用等体积生理盐水、最佳浓度E₂(10^-7 mol·L^-1)、CYP19A1诱导剂黄曲霉毒素B1(aflatoxin B1, AFB1)、CYP19A1抑制剂双酚A(bisphenol A, BPA)处理,实时荧光定量PCR(real-time quantitative PCR, qRT-PCR)、Western blot和免疫荧光技术检测各组成熟COCs中CYP19A1表达水平,酶联免疫吸附方法(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA)检测诱导和抑制CYP19A1处理组牦牛成熟COCs培养液中E₂水平;分析不同处理组C...     

Theca cell-conditioned medium added to in vitro maturation enhances embryo developmental competence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes after parthenogenic activation

Theca cells (TCs) play a key role in follicular growth and atresia. TCs synthesize androgens that act as substrate for granulosa cells (GCs) aromatization to estrogens needed for oocyte maturation. However, the effects of TCs in the form of conditioned medium on in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of buffalo oocytes remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the impacts of TC-conditioned medium (TCCM) on maturation efficiency and embryo development of buffalo oocytes after parthenogenic activation (PA). Our results showed that TCCM that was collected on day 2 and added to IVM medium at a 20% proportional level (2 days & 20%) exerted no significant effect on IVM rate (43.06% vs. 44.71%), but significantly (p  < .05) enhanced embryo development (oocyte cleavage, 80.93% vs. 69.66%; blastocyst formation, 39.85% vs. 32.84%) of buffalo oocytes after PA compared with the control group. However, monolayer TC significantly (p < .05) promoted both maturation efficiency (48.84% vs. 44.53%) and embryo development (oocyte cleavage, 80.39% vs. 69.32%; blastocyst formation, 35.38% vs. 29.25%) of buffalo oocytes after PA compared to that in the control group. Furthermore, TCs secreted some testosterone into the conditioned medium, which significantly (p < .05) promoted the expression levels of oestrogen synthesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and 17β-HSD) in buffalo cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Our study indicated that TCCM (2 days & 20%) did not significantly affect IVM efficiency, but enhanced embryo developmental competence of oocytes after PA principally by stimulating the secretion of testosterone and facilitating estradiol synthesis of buffalo COCs.