Local regulation of corpus luteum development and regression in the cow: Impact of angiogenic and vasoactive factors

The corpus luteum (CL) of the estrous cycle in the cow is a dynamic organ which has a life time of approximately 17-18 days. The main function of the CL is to secrete a large amount of progesterone (P) thereby supporting the achievement of pregnancy. As the CL matures, the steroidogenic cells establish contact with many capillaries and the matured CL is composed of many vascular endothelial cells that account for up to 50% of all CL cells. The bovine CL produces several major angiogenic and vasoactive foctors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), angiopoietin-1 and -2 (ANPT-1 and -2), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), endothelin-1 (EDN1), angiotensin II (Ang II) and nitric oxide (NO). These factors regulate P secretion directly and/or indirectly within the CL. Moreover, different actions of PGF_2α in the early cycle CL (non-luteolytic) and the mid cycle CL (luteolytic) may provide insight into the luteolysis cascade in the cow. The aim of the present review is to describe the current concepts of the local mechanisms for the cascade of development and regression of the bovine CL as regulated by luteal angiogenic and vasoactive factors.     

Short‐term intake of β‐carotene‐supplemented diets enhances ovarian function and progesterone synthesis in goats

The effect of β‐carotene supplementation upon luteal activity, measured as number (CLT) and volume (VLT) of corpus luteum, and P4 synthesis in goats, was evaluated. Goats (n = 22, 34 months) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (i) β‐carotene [Beta, n = 10; body weight (BW = 44.8 ± 1.45 kg), body condition score (BCS = 3.25 ± 0.07)], and (ii) Control (Control, n = 12; BW = 45.30 ± 1.32 kg, BCS = 3.33 ± 0.06). Upon oestrus synchronization, the Beta group received 50 mg of β‐carotene per day during 35 days pre‐ and 17 days post‐ovulation. The day 4, 8, 12 and 16 post‐ovulation, blood samples were collected for quantification of serum P4 concentrations by radioimmmunoassay, and transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed at day 18 for evaluating CLT and VLT. Overall, CLT and VLT mean were 3.10 and 2211.1 mm³ respectively. The Beta‐goats depicted both the largest values for CLT (p = 0.07) and serum P4 levels (p = 0.05), with no differences (p = 0.53) for VLT between treatments. Results suggest a higher efficiency within the cellular‐enzymatic groups defining the steroidogenic pathways in the β‐carotene‐supplemented goats, generating a larger P4 synthesis. The last is essential for ovulation of healthy oocytes, maintenance of uterine quiescence, nourishment and survival of the embryo around implantation; all of them of paramount significance during the maternal recognition of pregnancy process.     

山羊黄体弥散性神经内分泌细胞的分布

为了探查山羊卵巢黄体中是否存在弥散性神经内分泌细胞,采用免疫组化链霉素抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶法对12~18月龄妊娠奶山羊卵巢中弥散性神经内分泌细胞标志物的分布进行了研究。结果显示:黄体组织中各区均含有催产素、神经元特异性烯醇化酶、S-100蛋白、突触素和5-羟色胺样免疫反应阳性细胞。这些细胞散在或成团分布,多呈圆形、卵圆形和三角形,一些细胞具有明显的突起。阳性细胞数由多至少顺序为:催产素、突触素、S-100蛋白、神经元特异性烯醇化酶、5-羟色胺。鉴于神经元特异性烯醇化酶、S-100蛋白、突触素和5-羟色胺是弥散性神经内分泌系统广谱的、共同的细胞标记物,结果提示山羊卵巢黄体中存在弥散性神经内分泌细胞。