Improvement of 2D-PAGE resolution of human, porcine and canine follicular fluid: comparison of two immunodepletion columns

Follicular fluid provides the microenvironment within which somatic cells proliferate and differentiate, and the oocyte matures. It contains a number of soluble factors implicated in various stages of follicular development, most of them being functionally unknown. The presence of several high‐abundance proteins, mainly originating from the blood circulation, is a major challenge of follicular fluid proteomic analysis, as these proteins can mask or decrease the visualization of follicle‐specific proteins. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of two immunodepletion columns (ProteomeLab™ IgY‐HSA and MARS‐6) on follicular fluids of human, porcine and canine prior to 2D‐PAGE. Our results showed that both columns were suitable to remove some of the high‐abundance proteins present in human and canine follicular fluid. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the immunodepletion strategy enables the detection of new protein spots, increases resolution and highly improves the intensity of low‐abundance proteins by 2D‐PAGE.     

Lysophosphatidic acid expression in theca cells depends on the type of bovine ovarian follicle

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exerts various actions on the mammalian reproductive system. In cows, LPA stimulates the synthesis and secretion of luteotropic factors in the ovary, which affects the growth and development of ovarian follicles. The role of LPA in granulosa cells, oocyte and oocyte‐cumulus complex (COC) has previously been investigated; but its role in the theca layer, which is an important structural and functional component of the ovarian follicle, is still unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of LPA in theca cells originating from different bovine ovarian follicle types. Theca cells were separated from healthy, transitional and atretic ovarian follicles, based on intrafollicular estradiol: progesterone ratios. LPA concentration in the follicular fluid (FF) in different follicle types was measured, and expression of the enzymes responsible for LPA synthesis (autotaxin [AX], phospholipase A2 [PLA2]) and receptors for LPA (LPAR1‐4) were determined. The obtained results confirmed the follicle‐type dependent presence of LPA in the FF of the bovine ovarian follicles. The highest concentration of LPA was detected in follicles classified as healthy and dominant. LPAR1‐4, PLA2 and AX expression in theca cells in all of the types of follicles examined were detected at mRNA and protein level. These results suggest that theca cells can be a source of LPA synthesis other than granulosa cells and COCs, as well as the target for its action in the bovine ovarian follicle, with PLA2 and LPAR4 playing major roles in LPA synthesis and action.     

Expression of Mitochondria‐Associated Genes (PPARGC1A,NRF‐1, BCL‐2 and BAX) in Follicular Development and Atresia of Goat Ovaries

Most follicles undergo atresia during the developmental process. Follicular atresia is predominantly regulated by apoptosis of granulosa cells, but the mechanism underlying apoptosis via the mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathway is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the mitochondria‐associated genes peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma, coactivator1‐alpha (PPARGC1A), nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF‐1), B‐cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) and BCL2‐associated X protein (BAX) played a role in follicular atresia through this pathway. The four mitochondria‐associated proteins (PGC‐1α, which are encoded by the PPARGC1A gene, NRF‐1, BCL‐2 and BAX) mainly expressed in granulosa cells. The mRNA and protein levels of PPARGC1A/PGC‐1α and NRF‐1 in granulosa cells increased with the follicular development. These results showed that these genes may play a role in the regulation of the follicular development. In addition, compared with healthy follicles, the granulosa cell in atretic follicles had a reduced expression of NRF‐1, increased BAX expression and increased ratio of BAX to BCL‐2 expression. These results suggested that changes of the mitochondria‐associated gene expression patterns in granulosa cells may lead to follicular atresia during goat follicle development.     

Proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins during preovulatory follicular development in cattle

The present study was conducted to evaluate changes in follicular fluid (FF) insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) proteolytic activity and levels of steroids and IGFBP during follicular development in cattle. Estrous cycles of cows were synchronized with two injections of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) 11 d apart and follicular growth monitored via daily rectal ultrasonography in order to identify the dominant follicle. All cows were ovariectomized 48 hr after the second injection of PGF. Follicular fluid was collected individually for all follicles > 5 mm and pooled for small (1 to 5 mm) follicles. Follicular fluid estradiol and androstenedione levels were greater (P < 0.05) and progesterone and IGFBP-3 levels not different (P > 0.10) in large dominant than in small (1 to 5 mm) or large (>5 mm) subordinate follicles, whereas IGFBP-2, -4 and -5 levels were less (P < 0.05) in large dominant than in small or large subordinate follicles. To evaluate proteolysis of IGFBPs, FF was incubated with recombinant human (125) I-labeled IGFBP-2, -3, -4, and -5 and proteins separated by 12% SDS-PAGE. Follicular fluid caused little or no proteolysis of (125)I-lableled IGFBP-2 or -3. However, cleavage of (125)I-labeled IGFBP-4 and -5 by FF from large dominant follicles was greater (P < 0.05) than by FF from small or large subordinate follicles indicating that a protease to IGFBP-4 and -5 exists in estrogen dominant follicles. We conclude that lower levels of IGFBP-2 in estrogen dominant follicles of cattle are not due to increased proteolysis, whereas decreases in IGFBP-4 and -5 levels are likely due, in part, to increased protease activity. Changes in IGFBP may alter levels of bioavailable IGFs that stimulate steroidogenesis and mitogenesis in developing bovine follicles.     

scRNA-seq of ovarian follicle granulosa cells from different fertility goats reveals distinct expression patterns

The new technology of high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (10 × scRNA-seq) was developed recently with many advantages. However, it was not commonly used in farm animal research. There are few reports for the gene expression of goat ovarian follicle granulosa cells (GCs) during different developmental stages. In the current investigation, the gene expression of follicle GCs at different stages from two populations of Ji'ning grey goats: high litter size (HL; ≥3/L; 2 L) and low litter size (LL; ≤2 /L; 2 L) were analysed by scRNA-seq. Many GC marker genes were identified, and the pseudo-time showed that GCs developed during the time course which reflected the follicular development and differentiation trajectory. Moreover, the gene expression difference between the two populations HL versus LL was very clear at different developmental stages. Many marker genes differentially expressed at different developmental stages. ASIP and ASPN were found to be highly expressed in the early stage of GCs, INHA, INHBA, MFGE8 and HSD17B1 were identified to be highly expressed in the growing stage of GCs, while IGFBP2, IGFBP5 and CYP11A1 were found to be highly expressed in late stage. These marker genes could be used as reference genes of goat follicle GC development. This investigation for the first time discovered the gene expression patterns in goat follicle GCs in high- or low-fertility populations (based on litter size) by scRNA-seq which may be useful for uncovering the oocyte development potential.     

Vascularity and expression of angiogenic factors in bovine dominant follicles of the first follicular wave

To determine the relationships among vascularity, expression of angiogenic factors, and selected intrafollicular factors in dominant and nondominant follicles of the first follicular wave, ovaries were obtained on d 3 of the estrous cycle from mature cross-bred beef heifers (n = 8) after a synchronized estrus. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected from all follicles > or = 3 mm for determination of estradiol-17beta (E), progesterone (P4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and IGFBP concentrations. The ovaries were then perfusion-fixed and used for histochemical detection of lectin BS-1 (a marker of endothelial cells and thus vascularization) binding, and immunolocalization of VEGF, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, followed by image analysis of selected follicles. Follicles were classified, based on E and P4 concentrations in FF, as dominant, estrogen-active (EA; E:P4 > or = 1) or nondominant, estrogen-inactive (EI; E:P4 <1). Concentrations of E and VEGF in FF, the area of positive staining for lectin BS-1, VEGF, and eNOS, and the labeling index (an index of the percentage of cells proliferating) in granulosa and theca layers were greater (P < 0.05) in the EA than in the EI follicles, but concentrations of P4 and IGFBP in FF were less (P < 0.05) in EA than in EI follicles. In addition, vascularity was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with VEGF and eNOS protein expression, and tended (P < 0.1) to be positively correlated with the E:P4 ratio in FF but tended (P < 0.1) to be negatively correlated with IGFBP and P4 concentrations in FF. These data highlight the importance of vascularity, angiogenic factors, and IGFBP in the health of the dominant follicle in heifers, and indicate that the FF concentrations of E, VEGF, IGFBP, and P4, and the E:P4 ratio can be used as markers of dominant follicles.     

Preovulatory serum estradiol concentration is positively associated with oocyte ATP and follicular fluid metabolite abundance in lactating beef cattle

Cattle induced to ovulate a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle had reduced oocyte developmental competence that resulted in decreased embryo cleavage and day 7 embryo quality compared with animals induced to ovulate a more advanced follicle. RNA-sequencing was performed on oocytes and their corresponding cumulus cells approximately 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the preovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation in the cumulus cells and oocytes from follicles ≤11.7 mm, respectively. We hypothesized that induced ovulation of a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle results in a suboptimal follicular microenvironment and reduced oocyte metabolic capacity. We performed a study with the objective to determine the impact of preovulatory follicle diameter and serum estradiol concentration at GnRH administration on oocyte metabolic competence and follicular fluid metabolome profiles. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle and collected the follicle contents via transvaginal aspiration approximately 19 h after GnRH administration in lactating beef cows (n = 319). We determined ATP levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in 110 oocytes and performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic studies on 45 follicular fluid samples. Intraoocyte ATP and the amount of ATP produced per mtDNA copy number were associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and time from GnRH administration to follicle aspiration (P < 0.05). mtDNA copy number was not related to follicle diameter at GnRH, serum estradiol concentration at GnRH, or any potential covariates (P > 0.10). We detected 90 metabolites in the aspirated follicular fluid. We identified 22 metabolites associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and 63 metabolites associated with follicular fluid progesterone concentration at the time of follicle aspiration (FDR < 0.10). Pathway enrichment analysis of significant metabolites suggested altered proteinogenesis, citric acid cycle, and pyrimidine metabolism in follicles of reduced estrogenic capacity pre-gonadotropin surge or reduced progesterone production by the time of follicle aspiration.     

川中黑山羊和雷州山羊大小卵泡转录组学分析

试验旨在通过比较两个品种山羊大小卵泡的mRNA表达图谱来挖掘影响山羊卵泡发育的基因,为进一步阐述山羊卵泡发育机制提供数据基础。使用氯前列醇钠对川中黑山羊和雷州山羊进行同期发情处理,屠宰后采集卵巢并在体视显微镜下分离单个卵泡（大卵泡>6 mm;小卵泡<3 mm）,提取卵泡组织总RNA进行RNA-seq,利用生物信息学方法检测mRNA表达谱,筛选差异基因,并对其进行GO功能、KEGG通路富集分析。结果显示,川中黑山羊大小卵泡差异基因共4 451个,雷州山羊2 355个,二者共有差异基因1 771个。分析筛选出两个品种共有（INHBA、INHA、CYP19A1、KITLG、LHCGR和STAR）及各自特有（IGFBP6、BMP6和BMPR2）的已报道与卵泡发育相关的基因,此外还筛选出可能与这两种山羊繁殖性能相关的基因（GADD45B、TC2N和MSMO1）。GO功能分析显示,两个品种共有差异基因主要与各种物质的跨膜转运活性有关;KEGG通路分析显示,类固醇生成、细胞因子受体相互作用和cAMP信号通路在两个品种中均存在显著变化。类固醇生成过程中细胞色素P450代谢差异可能是川中黑山羊高产仔数的一个潜在因素。本研究结果为进一步探究山羊卵泡发育的基因功能及不同山羊品种繁殖性能差异提供参考。     

细胞自噬对动物卵泡发育调控的研究进展

卵泡是雌性哺乳动物发挥其繁殖能力的基础,其发育是一个动态的过程,主要涉及原始卵泡的形成、卵泡的募集、优势卵泡的选择、成熟卵泡的排卵以及排卵后卵泡的黄体化。卵泡发育的整个过程受内分泌系统、细胞自噬、细胞凋亡等的调控。自噬是一种进化上保守的应激反应过程,通过将细胞内物质包裹形成自噬体并传递到溶酶体中进行降解,以帮助细胞维持胞内物质代谢平衡,其在卵泡发育的过程中发挥着重要作用,一方面它能够通过降解或回收受损的蛋白质或有害代谢产物缓解应激造成的卵泡损伤,另一方面它又通过产生大量自噬体导致细胞器过度降解而引起卵泡闭锁。自噬对卵泡发育的调控需要PI3K-Akt-mTOR、MAPK-ULK1、ERK1/2、Sirt1-FOXO1-Atg7等多种经典信号通路的参与,这些信号通路在激素、氧化应激、细胞饥饿等的刺激下,通过独立作用或相互作用促进或抑制自噬调控卵泡细胞的生理活动。目前已知不同的自噬水平对卵泡细胞的存活具有不同作用,但关于决定细胞能否存活的自噬水平的研究还比较少。此外,自噬对卵泡发育调控的研究主要集中在颗粒细胞中,而对卵母细胞的成熟和卵泡膜细胞的作用的报道较少。文章简述了自噬在卵巢储备的形成、...     

Characteristics of Ovarian Follicle Development in Domestic Animals

In most domestic animals the later stages of follicle development occurs in a wave‐like pattern during oestrous cycles (cattle, sheep, goats, horses and buffalo) or periods of reproductive activity (llamas and camels). A follicle wave is the organized development of a cohort of gonadotrophin‐dependent follicles all of which initially increase in size, but most of which subsequently regress and die by atresia (subordinate follicles). The number of remaining (dominant) follicles is specific to the species and is indicative of litter size. Follicle waves develop during both luteal and follicular phases and it is the dominant follicle(s) of the last follicular wave that ovulates. However, there are cases where dominant follicles from the last two follicle waves can ovulate (sheep and goats). There are exceptions to the organized wave‐like pattern of follicle growth where follicle development is apparently continuous (pigs and chickens). In these animals many follicles develop to intermediate diameters and at specific times follicles that are destined to ovulate are selected from this pool and continue growing to ovulation. Understanding the pattern of follicle development in different species is increasingly important for designing improved methods to manipulate reproduction in domestic animals.     

Role of oocyte‐derived paracrine factors in follicular development

Mammalian oocytes secrete transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily proteins, such as growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) and BMP15, and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These oocyte‐derived paracrine factors (ODPFs) play essential roles in regulating the differentiation and function of somatic granulosa cells as well as the development of ovarian follicles. In addition to the importance of individual ODPFs, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction of ODPF signals with other intra‐follicular signals, such as estrogen, is critical for folliculogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the role of ODPFs in follicular development with an emphasis on their interaction with estrogen signaling in regulation of the differentiation and function of granulosa cells.     

The Insulin‐like Growth Factor System: a Key Determinant Role in the Growth and Selection of Ovarian Follicles? A Comparative Species Study

The aim of the present paper is to make a comparative study of the expression of the elements of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system in different mammalian species and thus illuminate their potential role in the process of ovarian folliculogenesis in mammals. In most mammalian species, IGFs and IGFBPs (in particular IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐4) are considered, respectively, as stimulators and inhibitors of follicular growth and maturation. In mammalian species, IGFs might play a key role in sensitizing ovarian granulosa cells to FSH action during terminal follicular growth. Concentrations of IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐4 in follicular fluid strongly decrease and increase during follicular growth and atresia, respectively, leading to an increase and a decrease in IGF bioavailability, respectively. The decrease in these IGFBPs is because of a decrease in mRNA expression (IGFBP‐2) and an increase in proteolytic degradation by PAPP‐A in follicular fluid (IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐4 and IGFBP‐5), and likely participates in the selection of dominant follicles. In contrast, levels and/or sites of expression of IGF‐I, IGF‐II, IGFBP‐4, IGFBP‐5 and type II receptor in follicular cells strongly differ between mammalian species, suggesting that these phenomena might play species‐specific or secondary roles in ovarian folliculogenesis.     

Acid–Base Parameters and Steroid Concentrations in Pre‐Ovulatory Follicles and Plasma of Lactating Dairy Cows with Spontaneous and Synchronized Oestrus or Follicular Cyst

The study aimed to compare the acid–base balance and steroid concentrations between follicular fluids (FF) of pre‐ovulatory follicles derived from a spontaneous oestrus (SO), synchronized or induced oestrus (IO) and follicular cysts (CYS) and between FF and blood in dairy cows. Forty‐two dairy cows were included in this study. The animals were allocated to three groups: SO (n = 23); IO (n = 11) using GnRH at day 0 and day 9 and PGF₂α at day 7; and animals with CYS (n = 10). The follicular fluids (FF) were aspirated from the cyst/pre‐ovulatory follicles (? ≥ 15 mm) after SO and after second GnRH dose in IO by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided ovum pick‐up technique. Blood samples (BL) were collected in heparinized vacutainer tubes. The oxygen tension (pO2) in FF of IO was higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and CYS groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.001, r = ?0.89) between FF and blood pO2. The carbon dioxide tension (pCO2) and lactate level in FF of CYS group were higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and IO groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.01, r = ?0.73) between blood and FF pO2. Oestradiol‐17β concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO group was higher (p < 0.001) than in IO and CYS groups. Progesterone concentration in pre‐ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO and IO groups was lower (p < 0.01) than in CYS group. Plasma androstenedione concentration in SO and IO groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in CYS group. In conclusion, acid–base parameters, E2 and P4 levels in the follicular fluid of both IO and CYS groups were deviated greatly from the physiological level (disturbances of intrafollicular/intracystic environment), which may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.     

Improvement of 2D‐PAGE Resolution of Human,Porcine and Equine Follicular Fluid by Means of Hexapeptide Ligand Library

The major challenge of follicular fluid proteomic analysis is the presence of high‐abundance proteins that originate from plasma. These proteins can prevent the detection of lower abundant ones, produced locally by follicle cells and that may have important roles in follicular activity. In this study, the novel technology called hexapeptide ligand library was evaluated to enrich the low‐abundance proteins in follicular fluid of human (HFF), porcine (PFF) and equine (EFF) prior 2D‐PAGE. Our results showed that the new strategy enabled detection of many new protein spots, increased resolution and highly improved the intensity of low‐abundance proteins by 2D‐PAGE.     

Oocyte Morphology from Primordial to Early Tertiary Follicles of Yak

The objective of this study was to investigate the developmental morphology of yak oocytes from the primordial follicle to the tertiary follicle. Yak oocytes from resting primordial (n = 6), activated primordial (n = 12), primary (n = 9), secondary (n = 7) and early tertiary (n = 5) follicles were processed and analysed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The resting primordial follicular oocyte was characterized by relatively smooth surface on the oolemma, the accumulation of free and organelle‐related smooth (SER) and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), round or oval mitochondria, and polyribosomes on the surface of the RER and throughout the ooplasm. The activated primordial follicular oocyte was dominated by numerous coated pits and coated vesicles on the oolemma, and round mitochondria. Up to the secondary follicular stage the oocyte displayed an increase in the number of microvilli, polyribosome, Golgi complexes and mitochondria with distinct cristae. During the secondary follicular stage, formation of the zona pellucida, development of a desmosome‐like connection between the oocyte and the granulosa cells, formation of the cortical granules in the oocyte and elongated mitochondria in nearly all oocytes were seen. In the early tertiary follicular oocyte, the perivitelline space was present and a decrease in free SER and RER in the ooplasm occurred; finally, the nucleus migrated from an eccentric to a peripheral location. In conclusion, the growth of the yak oocyte is associated with the relocation and modulation of a number of cytoplasmic organelles as well as the development of oocyte‐specific structures such as the zona pellucida, desmosome‐like connection and cortical granules.     

Dominant follicles development and estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes

This study was designed to evaluate the dominant follicles development and the estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum buffaloes. Sixteen Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes were submitted to transrectal ultrasonographic examination from the 1st post‐partum day until day 50, 3 days apart. The follicular diameter of the different categories of follicles and the ovulations was recorded. The animals were allocated into two groups: I (n = 6) non‐ovulating and II (n = 10) ovulating buffaloes. Serum estradiol‐17β concentrations on the days for dominant follicle registration were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were statistically processed by analysis of variance, non‐parametric and correlation analysis. The mean intervals between calving and first dominant follicle detection differed significantly (p < .05) among the groups (19.5 ± 6.2 vs. 13.8 ± 5.1 days), while the mean intervals between registered dominant follicles from two successive waves were comparable. The mean follicular diameters for the same category follicles in both groups were similar. Different estradiol‐17β concentrations (p < .05) for the first dominant follicle between non‐ovulating (23.5 ± 7.0 pg/ml) and ovulating (33.3 ± 8.4 pg/ml) buffaloes were determined. The cumulative percentages of buffaloes with firstly detected dominant follicle and ovulating animals correlated positively (r ≥ .84; p < .05) to post‐partum days. In conclusion, non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes showed differences in the development of the first dominant follicle and estradiol‐17β concentrations during the time of dominant follicles detection.     

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Medium-sized Ovarian Follicles between Meishan and Duroc Sows

To reveal the molecular mechanism involved in different number of ovulation between hyperprolific and ordinary sows, forward and reverse subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed to screen differentially expressed genes in medium ovarian follicles at 4th day during follicular phase of estrous cycle between Meishan and Duroc sows. The differentially expressed genes selected were demonstrated by Real-time PCR and cluster analysis was performed through DAVID. The results showed that a total of 148 and 75 non-redundant ESTs were isolated from the SSH library of Meishan and Duroc sows M2 follicles, including 125 and 60 known genes, respectively. The results of Real-time PCR were consistent with the screening results. GO analysis indicated that these genes were involved in regulation of metabolic process, cell cycle, biosynthetic process, intracellular transport, steroid hormone receptor and stimulus. KEGG pathway analysis defined 6 genes involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway, 5 genes in oocyte meiosis pathway, 7 genes in steroid hormone receptor signaling pathway. Genes controlling TGF-beta signaling pathway were considered to play an important role in regulating follicle development. The research would be helpful for further studying the follicular development and the genetic mechanism on reproductive traits.     

梅山猪与杜洛克猪中等卵泡差异表达基因的鉴定

本试验采用抑制性消减杂交技术构建了卵泡期第4天梅山猪和杜洛克猪中等卵泡M2组织差异表达的消减cDNA文库,从中筛选差异表达的基因,并通过实时荧光定量PCR对其进行验证,利用DAVID软件对差异表达的基因进行聚类分析。结果表明,从梅山猪和杜洛克猪M2卵泡消减文库中筛选得到了148和75个差异表达的ESTs,分别含有125和60个已知的基因。实时荧光定量PCR验证结果与筛选结果相符。GO功能分类注释到调控代谢、细胞循环、生物合成、胞内转运、类固醇雌激素受体和刺激等生物学过程。KEGG Pathway分析表明有6个基因参与TGF-beta信号通路,5个基因参与卵母细胞减数分裂信号通路,7个基因参与类固醇雌激素受体信号通路,推测TGF-beta信号通路中的基因可能调控猪卵泡的发育。研究结果为深入探讨卵泡发育机理和对繁殖性状影响的遗传机理奠定了基础。     

Biochemical analysis of bovine follicular fluid: albumin, total protein, lysosomal enzymes, ions, steroids and ascorbic acid content in relation to follicular size, rank, atresia classification and day of estrous cycle

To investigate some biochemical changes during bovine follicle development, ovaries were obtained from cyclic heifers (7 to 11 heifers/d on each day of the 21-d estrous cycle; N = 152). Follicular fluid from the two largest follicles from both ovaries and a pool from small follicles (N = 30/cow) were collected from each animal and analyzed for ionic, enzymatic and endocrine changes in relation to day of the estrous cycle, follicle size, rank and atretic or growing status. Follicular fluid alkaline phosphatase activity and ascorbate concentrations were highest in all follicular sizes during the earlier portion of the estrous cycle (d 1 to 12; P less than .05), then decreased to the lowest levels (d 13 to 21). As follicular size (diameter) increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid and alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced in follicular fluid (P less than .05). Alkaline phosphatase and LDH activity tended to be increased in atretic follicles (P less than .10), and was correlated with increased progesterone and androgen concentrations of follicular fluid (r = .4, P less than .05). Both albumin and total protein concentrations decreased as follicular diameter increased (P less than .05). Sodium concentrations in follicular fluid were greater in growing-antral than atretic follicles, and increased with follicular enlargement (P less than .05). Follicular potassium concentrations increased as the estrous cycle progressed (P less than .05), and tended to be elevated in atretic follicles (nonsignificant). Both Ca and Mg concentrations increased with follicular enlargement (P less than .05). Dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone were the predominant androgens in follicular fluid (androstenedione, the lowest concentration); their concentration decreased with follicle development (P less than .05), but were quite variable. Estradiol was increased in growing follicles (P less than .01). Estrone and estradiol concentrations increased as ovulation approached, particularly in small follicles (less than or equal to 4 mm diameter). Changes of biochemical components found in follicular fluid that relate to the growth and atresia process may provide a more sensitive and accurate method to classify follicle status, and thus aid in understanding the complexity of events associated with maturation of the bovine follicle and oocyte.