Effects of cytokines on FSH-induced estradiol production by bovine granulosa cells in vitro: Dependence on size of follicle

The objective of the present studies was to determine the effect of cytokines on FSH-induced estrogen production by granulosa cells from small (1–5 mm) and large (≥ 8 mm) bovine follicles. FSH-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells from large follicles (expressed as pg estradiol/10⁵ cells/24 hr) was not affected (P>.05) by 10 or 100 ng/ml of interleukin (IL)-1β, 10 or 100 ng/ml of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) or 100 ng/ml of IL-2. In contrast, 100 ng/ml of IL-1β, IL-2 or TNFα inhibited (P<.05) FSH-induced estradiol production by 31%, 55% or 72%, respectively in cells from small follicles. Interferon-α (IFNα; 100 U/ml) inhibited (P<.05) FSH-induced estradiol production by 61% and 20% in cultures of cells from small and large follicles, respectively. Interferon-β (IFNβ; 100 U/ml), interferon γ (IFNγ; 100 U/ml) and bovine trophoblast protein-1 (bTP-1; 100 U/ml) inhibited (P<.05) estradiol production by 47%, 71% and 28%, respectively in cells from small follicles, but had no effect (P>.05) on FSH-induced estradiol production in cells from large follicles. TNFα binding protein-I blocked (P<.05) the inhibitory effect of TNFα on FSH-induced estradiol production by cells from small follicles. Viability of granulosa cells was not affected (P>.05) by the various cytokines. In summary, cytokines have little or no effect on FSH-induced estradiol production by bovine granulosa cells collected from large follicles, whereas cytokines (bTP-1 ≤ IL-1β < IL-2 = IFNβ < IFNα < IFNγ = TNFα) have potent inhibitory effects on FSH-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells collected from small follicles. Thus, it appears that less differentiated granulosa cells (small follicles) are more responsive to cytokines than are highly differentiated granulosa cells (large follicles).     

Nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway in swine granulosa cells

The present investigation was undertaken to verify if the two nitric oxide synthase isoforms, eNOS and iNOS, are present in swine granulosa cells and whether the enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase is functionally active in the same cells and can account for NO effects. Using western blotting, the presence of endothelial NO synthase was demonstrated in freshly collected cells; on the contrary, iNOS expression was not observed in the same cells either before or after culture with the inflammatory cytokine hTNF-. The treatment with a strong NO donor (S-Nitroso-L-acetyl penicillamine, SNAP) determined an increase of cGMP levels in culture media, which was attenuated by the combined treatment with an inhibitor of NO-sensitive soluble guanylate cyclase, 1H-[1,2,3]oxadiaziolo [4,3a]quinoxaline −1-one (ODQ). The cGMP analog, 8 bromo-cGMP, mimicked the strong inhibitory effect exerted by SNAP on estradiol 17 β and progesterone production, while ODQ did not modify steroids concentrations in culture media. These observations demonstrate the presence of a follicular NO-generating system, which in swine granulosa cells seems to include only the endothelial NOS isoform. Furthermore, the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP system seems to be functionally active in these cells, since cGMP appears to mediate NO action, even if it cannot account completely for NO inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis.     

Seasonal differences in progesterone production by luteinized bovine thecal and granulosa cells

This study examined seasonal differences in progesterone (P4) production by granulosa cells (GC) and thecal cells (TC) that were luteinized in vitro during the winter or the summer; it also compared plasma P4 concentrations of lactating dairy cows in the two seasons. First-wave dominant follicles obtained from Holstein cows were dissected on day 6 of the cycle, GC and TC were separated, enzymatically dispersed, and cultured for 9 days in media containing 1% fetal calf serum, forskolin (10 micromol/mL) and insulin (2 microg/mL), to induce cell luteinization. All experimental procedures were identical and characteristics of the follicles were similar in the two seasons. During 9 days of culture, P4 production by luteinized GC was higher in winter than in summer, but the difference only tended to be significant. In contrast, luteinized TC produced three times as much P4 in winter as in summer (324 versus 100 ng/10(5)cells). In the in vivo experiment, P4 concentrations in plasma collected during entire estrous cycles in winter and summer were compared. The cows were, on average, at 70 days postpartum and yielded similar amounts of milk. Concentrations of progesterone in plasma were significantly higher in winter than in summer; during the mid-luteal phase the difference between the two seasons was 1.5 ng/mL. These results indicate that chronic effects of heat-stress are possibly carried over from an impaired follicle to an impaired corpus luteum (CL), and that luteinized TC are more susceptible to heat-stress than luteinized GC.     

Study of programmed cell death in bovine herpesvirus 1 infected MDBK cells and the possible role of nitric oxide in this process

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) is the aetiological agent of many disease types and may predispose infected animals, possibly through immunosuppression, to secondary bacterial infections. Immunosuppression may directly be associated with the induction of programmed cell death (PCD) in some virus-infected cells. Nitric oxide (NO) has an important mediating role against fungal, bacterial, protozoal, viral pathogens and tumours. BHV-1 induced apoptosis between 0.5-3 h postinfection (PI) in MDBK cells; however, between 3 and 6 h PI the PCD response was found to be decreased. It was interesting to see that BHV-I inhibited staurosporin-induced PCD after 1 h. These results showed similarities with those obtained from herpes simplex type I infections in human epithelial cells. PCD response decreased 1 h following caspase-3 inhibitor applications, whereas NO response increased 3 h following infection in the presence of caspase-8 and -9 inhibitory peptides. In conclusion, BHV-1 inhibited the staurosporin-induced apoptotic response and also the NO response. We propose that this inhibition is caspase-3 dependent.     

日粮铜对肉鸡肾脏一氧化氮产生及一氧化氮合酶活性的影响

铜是动物体内一种必需的微量元素,在多种代谢途径中有重要的生物学作用.早期的研究结果表明,提高饲料中铜的含量,可以促进动物生长.但是过量添加铜也可以损害肝脏、肾脏等器官[1-2].一氧化氮(NO)作为一种强有力的内皮细胞舒血管因子,其功能已越来越受到人们的重视.NO对肾脏具有保护和损伤的双重作用.一方面具有扩张动脉,抑制血小板粘附、聚集,抗血栓形成,疏通微循环,增加供血,保护细胞的作用.     

Effects of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on production of prostaglandin F2alpha and E2 in bovine endometrial cells

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) mediates tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha influence on the bovine endometrium. TNFalpha influence on the bovine endometrium is limited to the stromal cells. Therefore, it was interesting to find out whether NO production by the stromal cells, stimulated by TNFalpha might influence the endometrial epithelium. Moreover, we investigated the intracellular mechanisms of TNFalpha- and NO-regulated prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) and PGE(2) synthesis. Epithelial and stromal cells from the bovine endometrium (Days 2-5 of the oestrous cycle) were separated by means of enzymatic dispersion and cultured for 6-7 days in 48-well plates. The confluent endometrial cells were exposed to a NO donor (S-NAP; 1-1000 microM) for 24 h. S-NAP strongly stimulated PGE(2) production in both bovine endometrial cell types (P<0.001). The effect of SNAP on PGF(2alpha) production was limited only to the stromal cells (P<0.05). To study the intracellular mechanisms of TNFalpha and NO action, stromal cells were incubated for 24 h with TNFalpha or S-NAP and with NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME; 10 microM) or an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (IBMX; 10 microM). When the cells were exposed to TNFalpha in combination with NOS inhibitor (L-NAME), TNFalpha-stimulated PGs production was reduced (P<0.05). The inhibition of enzymatic degradation of cGMP by IBMX augmented the actions of S-NAP and TNFalpha on PGs production (P<0.05). The overall results suggest that TNFalpha augments PGs production by bovine endometrial stromal cells partially via induction of NOS with subsequent stimulation of NO-cGMP formation. NO also stimulates PGE(2) production in epithelial cells.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) inhibits progesterone and estradiol-17beta production from cultured granulosa cells: presence of TNFalpha receptors in bovine granulosa and theca cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether functional tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) receptors are present in the granulosa cells and the cells of theca interna (theca cells), obtained from bovine follicles classified into one of three groups. Each group was defined as either small vesicular ovarian follicles (small follicles; 3-5 mm in diameter), preovulatory mature ovarian follicles (preovulatory follicles) or atretic follicles (12-18 mm) according to gross examination of the corpus luteum in the epsilateral or contralateral ovary and the uterus (size, color, consistency and mucus), and the ratio of progesterone (P(4)) and estradiol-17beta (E(2)) concentrations in follicular fluid. A Scatchard analysis showed the presence of a high-affinity binding site on both granulosa and theca cells from all follicles examined (dissociation constant: 4.7 +/- 0.15 to 6.9 +/- 1.40 nM). Moreover, TNFalpha receptor concentrations in granulosa and theca cells obtained from atretic follicles were significantly higher than those in the cells from preovulatory follicles (P<0.05). Exposure of cultured granulosa cells from small antral follicles to recombinant human TNFalpha (rhTNFalpha; 0.06-6 nM) inhibited E(2) secretion in a dose-dependent fashion (P<0.01), but did not affect P(4) secretion. In addition, rhTNFalpha inhibited follicle stimulating hormone-, forskolin- or dibutylyl cyclic AMP-induced P(4) and E(2) secretion by the cells (P<0.01). These results indicate the presence of functional TNFalpha receptors in bovine granulosa and theca cells in small, preovulatory and atretic follicles, and suggest that TNFalpha plays a role in regulating their secretory function.     

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the expression of Pin1, a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, in the bovine granulosa cells

A peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, Pin 1, has been shown to play a role in the regulation of cell cycle progression, both in vitro and in vivo. However, the involvement of Pin 1 during follicular development is not well understood. The aim of this study was first to investigate the expression of Pin 1 mRNA in the granulosa and theca cells of the follicle at different developmental stages of follicles in the bovine ovary, and second, to examine the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) on the expression of Pin 1 in the cultured bovine granulosa cells. Follicles were classified into four groups based on the diameter (dominant follicles >8.5mm in diameter, subordinate follicles <8.5mm in diameter) and the relative levels of E2 and progesterone (P4) (E2:P4>1, estrogen active; E2:P4<1, estrogen inactive): i.e. preovulatory dominant follicles (POFs); E2 active dominant follicles (EADs); E2 inactive dominant follicles (EIDs); small follicles (SFs). The expression of the Pin 1 gene was significantly increased in the granulosa cells of EADs as compared with those of other follicles, whereas its expression in theca cells did not differ among follicles at different developmental stages. The concentration of 5 ng/ml FSH alone and the combination of 1 ng/ml E2 and 5 ng/ml FSH stimulated the expression of the Pin 1 gene in bovine granulosa cells. Our data provide the first evidence that Pin 1 expression in the granulosa cells but not the theca cells changes during follicular development, and that FSH stimulate the expression of the Pin 1 gene. These results suggest that Pin 1 regulates the timing of cell proliferation and may act as an intracellular signal responder in the granulosa cells during bovine follicle development.     

Kisspeptin在牛卵巢颗粒细胞的表达及功能研究

为明确kisspeptin在牛卵巢颗粒细胞的表达和功能,本试验首先利用免疫荧光技术研究了kisspeptin在牛卵巢颗粒细胞的表达,随后利用MTT和ELISA技术研究了不同浓度的kisspeptin-10(Kp10)对牛卵巢颗粒细胞增殖和孕酮分泌的影响。结果表明,kisspeptin在牛卵巢颗粒细胞有表达,10、100、1 000nmol/L的Kp10处理24h,均可以极显著提高牛卵巢颗粒细胞活力(P0.01);100nmol/L的Kp10处理24、72h,可极显著提高牛卵巢颗粒细胞的活力(P0.01),但处理48h未能显著提高细胞活力(P0.05)。100nmol/L的Kp10处理24h,可显著提高牛卵巢颗粒细胞孕酮的分泌水平(P0.05),而10、1 000nmol/L的Kp10对孕酮分泌无显著影响(P0.05)。研究结果提示kisspeptin可促进牛卵巢颗粒细胞增殖和孕酮分泌。     

Effects of nitric oxide on bovine polymorphonuclear functions.

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the functionality of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in bovine milk or blood were investigated. In 2 experiments, mastitis was induced by infusing both hind quarters with saline containing Escherichia coli endotoxins. In addition, the left hind quarter was infused with aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS). At various times after infusion, somatic cells were isolated from milk samples, and superoxide (O2-) production induced by phorbol myristate acetate was evaluated. In both experiments, the addition of aminoguanidine had no inhibitory effect on the number of milk somatic cells or on their O2- production. The effect of NO and iNOS inhibitors on the functionality of bovine PMNs isolated from blood was investigated in vitro. The neutrophils did not produce NO. A neutrophil:monocyte co-culture system was used to study the effect of NO derived from monocytes on O2- production by bovine neutrophils. Neither NO derived from activated monocytes nor the iNOS inhibitors aminoguanidine and L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine had an effect on the ability of bovine neutrophils to release O2-. Moreover, aminoguanidine did not affect the ability of bovine neutrophils to phagocytose bacteria. These results suggest that inhibition of NO release during inflammation does not interfere with the migration of immune cells to the site of infection or the ability of these cells to destroy pathogens. Thus, NO does not appear to play a major role in the control of the functions of bovine neutrophils.     

Quantification of insulin-like growth factor binding protein mRNA using real-time PCR in bovine granulosa and theca cells: effect of estradiol, insulin, and gonadotropins

The effects of estradiol, insulin, and gonadotropins on levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2, -3, -4, and -5 mRNA levels in bovine granulosa and theca cells were evaluated in vitro using serum-free medium containing various hormone treatments arranged in four different experiments. Amounts of IGFBP-2, -3, -4 and -5 mRNA were quantitated using fluorescent quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In small-follicle (1-5 mm) granulosa cells, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the presence or absence of insulin increased (P<0.05) IGFBP-3 mRNA but did not change IGFBP-2, -4, or -5 mRNA levels; estradiol was without effect on IGFBP-2, -3, -4, or -5 mRNA levels in the absence of insulin but increased (P<0.05) IGFBP-2 mRNA levels in the presence of insulin. Luteinizing hormone (LH) in the absence (but not presence) of insulin increased (P<0.05) small-follicle granulosa cell IGFBP-3 mRNA levels. In large-follicle (>7.9 mm) granulosa cells, insulin alone increased (P<0.05) IGFBP-2 gene expression while LH, FSH, and estradiol were without effect (P>0.10). Estradiol (3 and 300 ng/ml) decreased (P<0.05) IGFBP-5 mRNA levels in large-follicle granulosa cells. In theca cells, insulin decreased (P<0.05) IGFBP-4 expression, but had no effect (P>0.10) on IGFBP-2, -3, or -5 mRNA levels. Estradiol decreased (P<0.05) IGFBP-2, -3, and -4 mRNA levels but had no effect on IGFBP-5 mRNA levels in theca cells. LH had no effect on levels of IGFBP-2, -3, -4, or -5 mRNA in theca cells. These results indicate that expression of IGFBP-2, -3, -4, and -5 mRNA by granulosa and theca cells are differentially regulated by estradiol, insulin and gonadotropins, therefore discretely modulating the amount of bioavailable IGFs to these cells depending upon the specific hormonal stimuli. In particular, these studies are the first in cattle to show that estradiol selectively inhibits IGFBP-2, -3, and -4 gene expression in theca cells, inhibits IGFBP-5 gene expression in large-follicle granulosa cells, and stimulates IGFBP-2 gene expression in small-follicle granulosa cells.     

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in spontaneous bovine bronchopneumonia.

The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), major histocompatibility class II molecules (MHC-II), CD68, and the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 (also called MRP8 and MRP14, respectively) was assessed in lung tissues from cattle that succumbed to pneumonia. Expression patterns of these markers were related to the types of lung lesion. iNOS expression was only observed in lungs infected with Arcanobacterium pyogenes or Pasteurella haemolytica but not in lungs from cattle with subacute chronic interstitial pneumonia and acute interstitial pneumonia due to Escherichia coli infection. High levels of iNOS were expressed by cells (probably leukocytes) surrounding necrotic foci. Occasionally, iNOS was expressed by intraalveolar macrophages in viable parenchyma, by leukocytes within the airways, and by some chondrocytes in the supporting cartilage of bronchi. Cells expressing MHC-II were distributed relatively evenly throughout areas of inflammation and did not display any clear association with necrotic foci. Cell types expressing MHC-II included type II alveolar epithelial cells, spindle-shaped cells of the interstitium, cells in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue, and leukocytes in lymph and blood vessels but largely excluded iNOS-positive cells. Likewise, CD68-positive cells were rarely positive for iNOS and were not confined to the areas surrounding necrotic tissue. As with MHC-II and CD68, there was little if any coexpression of iNOS and either of the S100 proteins tested. Thus, in cattle with necrotizing bronchopneumonia, iNOS-expressing cells were largely restricted to the cellular zone surrounding necrotic areas.     

输卵管和颗粒细胞单层对牛体外受精胚胎发育的影响

以屠宰场牛卵巢为试验材料,研究输卵管细胞单层(OCM)和颗粒细胞单层(GCM)对牛卵母细胞体外成熟(IVM)、体外受精(IVF)和体外培养(IVC)后胚胎发育能力的影响。(1)从卵泡抽取卵丘卵母细胞复合体(COCs),并根据卵母细胞外面卵丘细胞的层数将其分为3类:1级(≥4层);2级(2～3层);3级(0～1层)。作分别在IVM和IVC培养液中添加GCM(1×106个/mL)与不添加的对比试验。结果显示:添加GCM对1级卵母细胞的卵裂率、6～8细胞发育率和囊胚率无明显影响(P>0.05);但添加GCM的2级、3级卵母细胞,受精后的卵裂率、6～8细胞发育率和囊胚率分别高于未添加组(P<0.05)。(2)所有卵母细胞(包括COCs和裸卵)被随机分为3个组,在其IVM和IVC培养液中分别添加OCM、GCM或不添加体细胞(对照组)。结果显示:OCM和GCM组的卵裂率、6～8细胞发育率和囊胚率均高于对照组(P<0.05),而两试验组之间差异不显著。     

Endometrial nitric oxide production and nitric oxide synthases in the equine endometrium: Relationship with microvascular density during the estrous cycle

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in angiogenesis and in the regulation of the blood flow. This study was carried out to investigate (i) the effects of endogenous estrogens and progestins and exogenous progesterone (P₄) (5 ng/ml or 1 μg/ml) or estradiol 17β (E₂β) (50 pg/ml or 1 μg/ml) on in vitro endometrial NO synthesis; (ii) the presence of different isoforms of NO synthase; (iii) and their relationship to microvascular density in the equine endometrium during the estrous cycle. NOS expression was also evaluated in the myometrium. Expression of endothelial and inducible forms of NOS in the uterus was assessed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Vascular density in endometrial tissue was determined on histologic sections. In the luteal phase, compared to the follicular phase, endometrial NO production increased without exogenous hormones and with exogenous E₂β (1 μg/ml). Although immunocytochemistry revealed iNOS and eNOS expression in the endometrium, no positive signal for iNOS was detected by Western blot. Endothelial NOS was observed in endometrial glands, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, blood and lymphatic vessels. Endometrial eNOS expression was the highest in the follicular and mid-luteal phases while it was found to be the lowest in the early luteal phase. In the follicular phase, hyperplasia of endometrial tissue with respect to myometrium was detected. No difference in vascular density was present between phases. All together, NO may play some roles in both proliferative and secretory phases of endometrial development in the mare.     

BDNF和NGF对牛颗粒细胞体外生长的影响

在DMEM培养液中分别添加不同质量浓度的脑源性神经生长因子(Brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BD NF)和神经生长因子(Nerve growth factor,NGF),观察其对牛颗粒细胞体外生长的影响.结果显示:在DMEM中添加20μg/L的BDNF,可促进牛颗粒细胞的体外生长;在DMEM中添加5μg/L的NGF,可促进牛颗粒细胞的体外生长.结果表明,在DMEM培养液中添加一定质量浓度的NGF和BDNF可促进牛颗粒细胞的体外生长.     

Mechanical stretch-induced activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells is dependent on nitric oxide production in vitro

Mechanical stretch induces activation of cultured quiescent satellite cells and the activation response is owing to rapid release of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from its extracellular association with satellite cells and its subsequent presentation to the c-met receptor. We provide new evidence that the stretch activation is dependent on nitric oxide (NO) production. Stretch activation could be abolished by the addition of N ^G-nitro- L -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a competitive inhibitor of NO synthesis, but not by N ^G-nitro- D -arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a less active enantiomer of L-NAME. Adding HGF to the L-NAME culture restored the activation response, indicating that L-NAME does not directly inhibit satellite cell activation, but acts upstream from the HGF release. In addition, immunoblots of satellite cell lysate revealed the presence of nitric oxide synthase. These experiments suggest that NO is involved in linking mechanical perturbation of satellite cells to chemical signaling responsible for HGF release from its sequestration in vitro .     

The impact of bisphenol S on bovine granulosa and theca cells

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical with multiple potential mechanisms of action, including as an oestrogen receptor agonist. BPS is increasingly used in plastics and thermal receipts as a substitute for bisphenol A, which has been phased out due to concerns about human health implications. The ability of BPS to alter female reproductive function in mammals has not been widely studied, despite the importance of normal hormone signalling for female reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate how BPS (in a wide range of doses, including very low doses) affects granulosa cell and theca cell steroid hormone production and cell viability in the bovine. Granulosa cell oestradiol production was stimulated when cells were exposed to 100 μM BPS under basal conditions, but there was no effect of BPS when cells were stimulated with follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Additionally, there was no effect of BPS on granulosa cell progesterone production or cell viability under basal or FSH‐stimulated conditions. BPS did not affect theca cell androstenedione or progesterone production, or theca cell viability under basal or luteinizing hormone‐stimulated conditions. This study suggests for the first time that BPS may alter oestradiol production by bovine granulosa cells, albeit at a concentration that is unlikely to be physiologically relevant. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of BPS on the bovine oocyte and on other functions of follicular cells.