Regulation of progesterone synthesis and action in bovine corpus luteum

The main function of the corpus luteum (CL) is to synthesize and secrete progesterone (P4), which regulates the duration of the estrous cycle and maintains of pregnancy in many species. Both synthesis and action of this hormone is regulated by many luteotropic and luteolytic factors. Progesterone also affects its own synthesis by regulation of the activity and genes expression of crucial enzymes which control steroidogenesis. The physiological effect of P4 on luteal cells is mediated through the nuclear receptor which occurs in two specific A and B receptor isoforms and also by non-genomic pathways. The nature of non-genomic action of P4 has not been fully understood. It is possible that P4 can temporarily impair binding of oxytocin to its receptor or it can bind one of the three potential membrane receptors. It is assumed that one of these proteins, progesterone receptor membrane component 1 may be involved in regulation of CL function and it can participate in protecting bovine CL against luteolysis. This review summarize the data involving the molecular regulation of P4 synthesis, its intracellular and membrane receptor and the genomic and non-genomic action in the bovine CL.

Transcription factor p53 can regulate proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of luteinizing porcine ovarian granulosa cell cultured with and without ghrelin and FSH

The aim of our in vitro experiments was to examine the role of transcription factor p53 in controlling the basic functions of ovarian cells and their response to hormonal treatments. Porcine ovarian granulosa cells, transfected and non-transfected with a gene construct encoding p53, were cultured with ghrelin and FSH (all at concentrations of 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/ml). Accumulation of p53, of apoptosis-related (MAP3K5) and proliferation-related (cyclin B1) substances was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. The secretion of progesterone (P4), oxytocin (OT), prostaglandin F (PGF), and E (PGE) was measured by RIA. Transfection with the p53 gene construct promoted accumulation of this transcription factor within cells. It also stimulated the expression of a marker of apoptosis (MAP3K5). Over-expression of p53 resulted in reduced accumulation of a marker of proliferation (cyclin B1), P4, and PGF secretion and increased OT and PGE secretion. Ghrelin, when added alone, did not affect p53 or P4, but reduced MAP3K5 and increased PGF and PGE secretion. Over-expression of p53 reversed the effect of ghrelin on OT, caused it to be inhibitory to P4 secretion, but did not modify its action on MAP3K5, PGF, or PGE. FSH promoted the accumulation of p53, MAP3K5, and cyclin B1; these effects were unaffected by p53 transfection. These multiple effects of the p53 gene construct on luteinizing granulosa cells, cultured with and without hormones 1) demonstrate the effects of ghrelin and FSH on porcine ovarian cell apoptosis and secretory activity, 2) confirm the involvement of p53 in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting P4 secretion in these cells, 3) provide the first evidence that p53 suppress proliferation of ovarian cells, 4) provide the first evidence that p53 is involved in the control of ovarian peptide hormone (OT) and prostaglandin (PGF and PGE) secretion, and 5) suggest that p53 can modulate, but probably not mediate, the effects of ghrelin and FSH on the ovary.

Yolk protein is expressed in the insect testis and interacts with sperm

Background

Male and female gametes follow diverse developmental pathways dictated by their distinct roles in fertilization. While oocytes of oviparous animals accumulate yolk in the cytoplasm, spermatozoa slough off most of their cytoplasm in the process of individualization. Mammalian spermatozoa released from the testis undergo extensive modifications in the seminal ducts involving a variety of glycoproteins. Ultrastructural studies suggest that glycoproteins are involved in sperm maturation in insects; however, their characterization at the molecular level is lacking. We reported previously that the circadian clock controls sperm release and maturation in several insect species. In the moth, Spodoptera littoralis, the secretion of glycoproteins into the seminal fluid occurs in a daily rhythmic pattern. The purpose of this study was to characterize seminal fluid glycoproteins in this species and elucidate their role in the process of sperm maturation.

Results

We collected seminal fluid proteins from males before and after daily sperm release. These samples were separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis, and gels were treated with a glycoprotein-detecting probe. We observed a group of abundant glycoproteins in the sample collected after sperm release, which was absent in the sample collected before sperm release. Sequencing of these glycoproteins by mass spectroscopy revealed peptides bearing homology with components of yolk, which is known to accumulate in developing oocytes. This unexpected result was confirmed by Western blotting demonstrating that seminal fluid contains protein immunoreactive to antibody against yolk protein YP2 produced in the follicle cells surrounding developing oocytes. We cloned the fragment of yp2 cDNA from S. littoralis and determined that it is expressed in both ovaries and testes. yp2 mRNA and YP2 protein were detected in the somatic cyst cells enveloping sperm inside the testis. During the period of sperm release, YP2 protein appears in the seminal fluid and forms an external coat on spermatozoa.

Conclusion

One of the yolk protein precursors YP2, which in females accumulate in the oocytes to provision developing embryos, appears to have a second male-specific role. It is produced in the testes and released into the seminal fluid where it interacts with sperm. These data reveal unexpected common factor in the maturation of insect eggs and sperm.

Carbonic anhydrase activity in the vas deferens of the cotton leafworm - Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) controlled by circadian clock

The male reproductive tract of Lepidoptera is an ideal model for the study of the physiological role of peripheral clocks in insects. The latter are significant in the generation and coordination of rhythmic phenomena which facilitate the initial stages of sperm capacitation. This process requires the maintenance of pH in the upper vas deferens (UVD) aided by, among others, H+-ATPase. Our aim was to determine the potential involvement of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in this process, an enzyme tasked with generating protons subsequently utilized by H+-ATPase to acidify the UVD milieu in S. littoralis, during the time when the lumen of this organ is filled with sperm. We attempted to answer the question whether CA activity can be controlled by the biological oscillator present in the male reproductive tract of the cotton leafworm. Using PAGE zymography, the presence of CA was demonstrated in the UVD wall, but not in the luminal fluid nor in the sperm. Using histochemistry, it was shown that CA is active in the UVD epithelium, and that this activity varies throughout the day and is most likely controlled by an endogenous biological clock. Conversely, the application of CA inhibitors, acetazolamide and sodium thiocyanate, in conjunction with an analysis of H+-ATPase activity in the acidification the UVD environment shows that CA most likely does not play a direct role in the regulation of the pH in this organ.

Influence of polychlorinated biphenyls on LH-stimulated secretion of progestereone and oxytocin from bovine luteal cells

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to their lipophilic properties can be easily accumulated in animal and human body and elicit diverse effects causing impairment of reproductive processes. Since these compounds were not be able to affect directly the luteal steroidogenesis, the aim of the present study was to verify hypothesis that PCBs can impair the effect of LH on the secretory function of luteal cells. Bovine luteal cells from different stages of the oestrous cycle (days 1-5, 6-10, 11-15 and 16-18) were exposed for 72h to various congeners of PCBs (PCB 126, PCB 77 and PCB 153) at the doses of 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml, in the presence or absence of LH (100 ng/ml), to determine the possible effect of these compounds on progesterone (P4) and ovarian oxytocin (OT) secretion. Only PCB 77 on days 1-5 and 16-18 increased P4 secretion. All PCBs decreased LH-simulated secretion of P4 from luteal cells obtained from all days of luteal phase. Dioxin-like congener (PCB 126) inhibited (P<0.05) the most evidently LH effect on P4 secretion. All congeners, except the lower doses of PCB 126, increased (P<0.05) OT secretion. They can also increase LH-stimulated secretion of OT, but the effect was dependent on the congener used and on the phase of oestrous cycle. On days 1-5 and 10-15, PCB 126 diminished LH-stimulated effect on OT secretion from luteal cells. PCB 77 (mimickig both dioxin and estradiol effect) in the higher doses, amplified effect of LH-stimulated OT secretion, while on all other days it diminished LH influence. PCB 153, which has estrogen-like properties, amplified LH effect on OT secretion during all studied days of the cycle. We conclude that PCBs (supposedly via estrogen and arylhydrocarbon - AhR receptor) may directly affect LH-stimulated function of CL. This does not appear to be a direct adverse effect on luteal steroidogenesis, but rather indirect on OT secretion from or within CL.

Leptin directly controls secretory activity of human ovarian granulosa cells: possible inter-relationship with the IGF/IGFBP system

AIMS

The aim of our in vitro studies was to understand the role of leptin and the insulin-like growth factor I/insulin-like growth factor protein (IGF/IGFBP) system in controlling human ovarian function.

METHODS

We studied the action of leptin (0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/ml) and immunoneutralization of IGF-I using specific antiserum (0.1%) on the release of progesterone (P), estradiol (E), oxytocin (OT), IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and prostaglandins F (PGF) by these cells using radioimmunoassay/immunoradiometric assay.

RESULTS

It was found that leptin stimulated the secretion of OT, IGFBP-3, and PGF. It suppressed the secretion of E and IGF-I, but not P, into the medium. The addition of antiserum against IGF-I decreased IGF-I output, increased P, OT, IGFBP-3, and PGF secretion, and had no effect on E release. Immunoneutralization of IGF-I also prevented or reversed the effects of leptin on P, E, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, PGF, but not on OT.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations (1) demonstrate that leptin directly controls the secretory activity of human ovarian cells, (2) confirm the involvement of IGF-I in the regulation of ovarian cells, and (3) suggest an inter-relationship between leptin and the IGF/IGFBP system in the control of these functions and the involvement of IGF/IGFBP system in mediating leptin action on the ovary.

Stimulatory effect of LH, PGE2 and progesterone on StAR protein, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage and 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene expression in bovine luteal cells

The aim of these studies was to investigate the effect of LH, progesterone (P4), PGE, noradrenaline (NA) and a nitric oxide donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (S-NAP), on steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) and cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc) gene expression and on the synthesis of their protein products. Bovine luteal cells were collected and prepared on days 6-10 of the estrous cycle and preincubated in vitro for 24 h. Thereafter, medium was changed and supplemented with one of six treatments: control medium, LH (100 ng/ml), P4 (10(-5)M), PGE2 (10(-6)M), NA (10(-5)M) or S-NAP (10(-4)M). In Experiment 1, luteal cells (10(6)/well) were incubated for 3, 6, 18 and 24 h. After incubation, total RNA was isolated and P4 concentrations in medium was determined. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to measure gene expression. In Experiment 2, luteal cells were preincubated for 24h, then stimulated as in Experiment 1. Total protein was isolated from lysed cells and Western blot analysis was performed using specific antibodies against the StAR, 3beta-HSD and cytochrome P450scc proteins. Bands were analyzed by means of KODAK 1D Image Analysis Software. In Experiment 1, LH and PGE2 stimulated secretion of progesterone from luteal cells. Concentrations of mRNA for StAR, 3beta-HSD, cytochrome P450scc were increased after 6 h in cells stimulated with LH, PGE2 and P4 (P<0.05). Gene expression was not affected by NA. In Experiment 2, LH, P4 and PGE2 induced an increase in the concentration of these three proteins. S-NAP inhibited both concentrations of mRNA and protein for StAR, 3beta-HSD, cytochrome P450scc. Therefore, the increase in secretion of P4 induced by LH and PGE2 is associated with increases in StAR, 3beta-HSD and cytochrome P450scc gene expression. This genomic response may be mediated in part through a positive effect of P4 on the expression of these genes observed in this experiment.

Effect of progesterone on the expression of bax and bcl-2 and on caspase activity in bovine luteal cells

Bovine luteal cells from days 6-10 and 11-15 of the estrous cycle were exposed (6 h) to factors that support or disrupt steroidogenesis. The expression of bcl-2 and bax and level of active caspase-3 in cells was measured. Progesterone (P4) increased (P<0.01) while staurosporine decreased (P<0.01-P<0.001) bcl-2 expression at both stages of the estrous cycle studied. In cells from 11-15 days of the estrous cycle expression of bcl-2 was stimulated (P<0.05) by prostaglandin (PG)E2 and inhibited (P<0.01) by 3,3',4,4'-tertrachlorobiphenyl (PCB)-77. Treatment with aminoglutethimide (blocker of cytochrome P450scc; 1.5 x 10(-4)M), nitric oxide donor (spermine NONOate), and staurosporine increased bax expression in cells collected from both experimental periods. The influence of these factors was greater in cells from days 11-15 (P<0.001) than by cells on days 6-10 (P<0.05) of the estrous cycle. PCB-77 stimulated expression of bax in cells from 11-15 days of cycle (P<0.01) only. Treatment of luteal cells with P4 and PGE2 for 24 h decreased (P<0.05) level of active caspase-3 while aminoglutethimide (P<0.05), spermine NONOate (P<0.05), and staurosporine (P<0.001) increased caspase-3 activity in the cells. Moreover, P4 decreased (P<0.05) while staurosporine increased (P<0.01) the ratio of bax/bcl-2 at both stages of the cycle. Aminoglutethimide, spermine NONOate and PCB increased (0<0.05) this ratio in cells on days 11-15 of the cycle. These results suggest that P4 concentrations in luteal cells protects against apoptosis, while disruption of steroidogenesis and reduced ability of luteal cells to produce P4 can induce cell death.

Non-genomic effect of steroids on oxytocin-stimulated intracellular mobilization of calcium and on prostaglandin F2α and E2 secretion from bovine endometrial cells

Progesterone (P4) was found to interfere directly with the interaction of oxytocin (OT) with its own receptor in bovine endometrium. The aim of these studies was to investigate whether other steroids have a similar effect. Endometrial slices and epithelial endometrial cells from days 14 to 18 of the estrous cycle were used. Progesterone (P4), pregnenolone (P5), 17beta-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP4), the P4 receptor antagonist (aP4), and testosterone (T4) did not affect (P > 0.01) basal secretion of PGE2 and PGF 2alpha during 4h of incubation but all steroids inhibited (P < 0.05) OT-stimulated PGF2alpha secretion both from endometrial slices and from dispersed cells. None of the steroids used affected OT-stimulated PGE2 secretion from the cells (P > 0.01). In the next experiment it was studied whether P5, 17-OHP4 and P4 pretreatment for 30min modifies intracellular mobilization of Ca(2+) in response to OT. Oxytocin induced a rapid increase in intracellular Ca(2+)concentrations within 15s, while cells pretreated with steroids this increase occurred later. The total amount of intracellular Ca(2+)concentrations was lower (P < 0.05) in cells preincubated with steroids compared to controls. We conclude that steroids and aP4 are able to suppress OT-stimulated endometrial PGE2 and PGF2alpha secretion via a non-genomic pathway.

Influence of progesterone, pregnenolone and 17beta-hydroxyprogesterone on the function of bovine luteal cells treated with luteinizing hormone, noradrenaline and prostaglandin E2

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of progesterone (P4), its precursor (pregnenolone; P5) and metabolite (17beta-hydroksyprogesterone; 17betaOHP4) on secretory function of bovine luteal cells on days 6-10 of the estrous cycle and on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The luteal cells were pre-incubated for 24 h and after change of medium they were incubated for 30 min with P5 and 17betaOHP4 (10(-5) each). Next, the medium was supplemented with LH (100 ng/ml), noradrenaline (NA; 10(-5) M) and prostaglandin (PG)E2 (10(-6) M), the cells were incubated for further 4 h and the medium was collected for P4 determination. Another set of luteal cells (5x10(4)/well) was incubated with P4, P5 and 17betaOHP4 at the dose of 10(-5) M each for 30 min and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was measured every 5 s three times before and for 60 s after cells stimulation with LH, NA and PGE2. Metabolite of P4 did not affect the stimulatory effect of LH, PGE2 and NA on P4 secretion to the medium. Whereas all used steroids reduced calcium release from small but not from large luteal cells. It is suggested that steroids could temporary impair effect of luteotropins on the luteal cells via non-genomic way.

Influence of polychlorinated biphenyls on the secretion of oxytocin from bovine luteal cells and from granulosa cells obtained from the follicles of different size

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyles (PCBs) on viability and secretory function of luteal and granulosa cells from mature cows was studied. Luteal cells from corpora lutea of different developmental stages and granulosa cells from follicles of >1 cm< in diameter were used. Neither individual congeners (PCB-126, -77, -153) nor mixture of PCBs Aroclor Ar) 1248 at the dose of 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml affected the viability of cells (P>0.05) compared to control after 72 h of incubation. PCBs markedly increased (P<0.05-0.001) oxytocin (OT) secretion from granulosa cells. This effect was the most evident when granulosa cells from follicles <1 cm diameter was treated with PCB-77 which is assumed to stimulate both arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and estradiol (E2) receptor. Even the lowest dose of this compound (1 ng/ml) outranged the effect produced by cortisol (10(-5)M) used as positive control. There was marked effect (P<0.05-0.001) of PCBs on luteal cells from days 6-15 of the estrous cycle. However, influence of PCBs on OT secretion from luteal cells on day 1-5 and 16-18 of the estrous cycle was less evident. Again, PCB-77 was the most efficient stimulator of OT secretion. While the lowest effect was found after treatment of cells with PCB-126 which has dioxin-like properties. It can be assumed that diverse effect of PCBs on female reproduction largely results from the influence of these compounds on ovarian OT secretion. Since both synthesis and secretion of ovarian OT in bovine do not markedly depend on estradiol, some alternative cellular pathways of PCBs on ovary function are suggested.

Thrombopoietin regulates proliferation, apoptosis, secretory activity and intracellular messengers in porcine ovarian follicular cells: involvement of protein kinase A

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is known to be involved in megakariocytopoesis, but its role in the control of ovarian function is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine whether TPO can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian cells, to identify possible intracellular mediators of TPO action, especially protein kinase A (PKA), and to define their interrelationships within ovarian cells. We investigated the effect of TPO treatment (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml) on the following characteristics of cultured porcine ovarian follicles, determined using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, RIA and ELISA: the expression of intracellular peptides associated with proliferation (PCNA), apoptosis (Bax), tyrosine kinase (TK, phosphotyrosine), Cdc2/p34 kinase, PKA and the transcription factor CREB-1, and the secretion of progesterone, androstenedione, estradiol-17beta, oxytocin, inhibin A, inhibin B, IGF-I, transforming growth factor-2beta (TGF-2beta) and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). The involvement of PKA-dependent pathways was examined by evaluating the effect of a PKA blocker (KT5720, 1 microg/ml), either alone or in combination with TPO, on the parameters listed above. A TPO-induced increase in expression of PCNA, Bax, PKA, TK, Cdc2/p34 and CREB was observed. Furthermore, TPO was able to inhibit androstenedione, estradiol, TGF-2beta and IGFBP-3 secretion, and to stimulate oxytocin, inhibin A, inhibin B and IGF-I secretion. Progesterone secretion was not stimulated. The PKA blocker KT5720, when given alone, reduced the expression of Bax and TGF-2beta, augmented the expression of PKA, CREB and oxytocin, but did not influence the secretion of progesterone, androstenedione, estradiol, IGFBP-3, inhibins A and B or IGF-I. When given together with TPO, the PKA blocker prevented or reversed the action of TPO on PKA, CREB, androstenedione, estradiol, IGFBP-3, oxytocin, but not its effect on Bax, TGF-2beta or inhibin B. On the other hand, treatment with KT5720 augmented the effect of TPO on progesterone, inhibin A and IGF-I. These results provide the first evidence that TPO may be a potent regulator of ovarian function (e.g. proliferation, apoptosis and the secretion of peptide hormones, steroids, growth factors and growth factor-binding protein, as well as of the expression of some intracellular messengers). Furthermore, they demonstrated the importance of PKA in controlling these functions and in mediating the effects of TPO on ovarian cells. It remains possible that other (TK- and Cdc2/p34-dependent) intracellular mechanisms are also involved in mediating TPO action on the ovary.

The concentrations of catecholamines and oxytocin receptors in the oviduct and its contractile activity in cows during the estrous cycle

In vitro experiments on oviducts of cyclic cows were undertaken to study: (1) the content of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A) in infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus, (2) the concentration of oxytocin receptors (OTR) in oviductal tissues and (3) the motility of ampulla and isthmus. Changes of DA content were observed in the infundibulum and the ampulla with maximal values occurring on Days 6-10 of the estrous cycle. The mean NA content was greatest in infundibulum<ampulla<isthmus. NA concentrations were the highest in the isthmus on Days 1-5 and 16-21, whereas in infundibulum NA levels were low during the whole estrous cycle. Mean A content was the highest (P<0.001) in the isthmus and in the studied regions of the oviduct A content decreased from Days 1-5 to Days 16-21 (P<0.01). Oxytocin receptors densities were measured in oviducts collected from cows on Days 16-21 (277.1+/-151.4 fmol/mg protein; K(d) 20.5+/-10.9 nM). Oxytocin (10(-7) M) increased the area under the contractile curve (AUC) of the ampulla and the isthmus on Days 16-21 and of the isthmus on Days 1-5 (P<0.01). Acetylcholine (Ach) (10(-7) M) stimulated the ampulla and the isthmus contractions on Days 1-5 (P<0.05) and ampulla contractions on Days 6-10 and 16-21 (P<0.01). NA (10(-5) M) relaxed the ampulla and the isthmus during most of the studied days but was most effective on Days 1-5 and 16-21 (P<0.01).

IN CONCLUSION

(a) catecholamine content in the bovine oviduct varies by region and phase of the estrous cycle, (b) the presence of OTR and the stimulatory effect of oxytocin on oviduct motility are evident in the follicular-phase cows, (c) Ach and NA modify contractile activity in the oviduct of cows during follicular and early-luteal phases and (d) the studied oviductal parameters did not differ by ipsilateral and contralateral relationships to the active ovary in cow.

Involvement of MAP kinase in the mediation of GH action on ovarian granulosa cells

Growth hormone (GH), prostaglandins F (PGF) and prostaglandins E (PGE) are important regulators of ovarian function. Therefore, interrelationships between GH and these substances and their intracellular mechanisms might be of physiological significance in the ovary. The aims of this study on cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells were to determine the effect of GH on the secretion of oxytocin (OT), PGF and PGE and whether MAP kinase could be involved in the mediation of GH action. Experiments were carried out with cultured porcine granulosa cells to investigate the effects of exogenous pGH (1-100 ng/ml) on the expression of MAP kinase (ERK-1, -2) and of PGH (1-100 ng/ml) and the MAP kinase blocker PD 98059 (1 microg/ml) on the secretion of PGF, PGE and OT. The cellular content of ERK-1 and -2 was analyzed by Western immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, whilst PGF, PGE and OT accumulation in the medium was measured by RIA. Addition of GH to culture medium significantly altered the pattern of ovarian ERK MAP kinase on SDS-PA gels: the 44 and 42 kDa bands were reduced and additional 50 and 48 kDa bands appeared. Moreover, there was an increase in the percentage of cells containing ERK MAP kinase. GH stimulated the secretion of PGF (at a concentration of 1 ng GH per ml medium) and OT (100 ng GH per ml), but not PGE. The MAP kinase blocker alone did not affect PGF, PGE and OT secretion but did prevent the stimulatory effects of GH on PGF and induced stimulatory action of GH (10 ng/ml) on PGE. GH-stimulated OT secretion was unaffected. These observations confirm the role of GH in regulating porcine ovarian PGF, PGE and OT secretion and the presence of ERK MAP kinase in porcine granulosa cells. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that MAP kinase-dependent intracellular mechanisms are dependent on GH, and that these mechanisms are involved in the mediation of GH action on ovarian PGF and PGE but not OT secretion.

Involvement of high-density lipoprotein in stimulatory effect of hormones supporting function of the bovine corpus luteum

The hypothesis that epinephrine (noradrenaline, NA) enhances utilisation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by bovine luteal cells and that this process involves phospholipase (PL) C and protein kinase (PK) C intracellular pathway was tested. Luteal cells from days 2-4, 5-10 or 11-17 of the oestrous cycle were preincubated for 20 h. Subsequently DMEM/Ham's F-12 medium was replaced by fresh medium and the cells were treated for 6 h as follows: In Experiment I with HDL (5-75 micrograms cholesterol per ml), NA, isoprenaline (ISO) or luteinising hormone (LH). In Experiment II cells were incubated for further 24 h in deficient medium (without FCS) and next treated as in Experiment I. In Experiment III cells were stimulated with NA, ISO or LH alone and together with HDL. In Experiment IV cells were treated with PLC inhibitor (U-73122) or with PKC inhibitor (staurosporine) or stimulator (phorbol 12-myristrate 13-acetate) and with either NA, insulin or LH. Only luteal cells from days 5-10 of the cycle responded on HDL and beta-mimetics (P < 0.05). LH stimulated progesterone secretion from the luteal cells during all stages of the cycle (P < 0.001). Cells incubated in deficient medium and supplemented with HDL secreted as much progesterone as those stimulated by LH in all stages of the cycle. Beta-mimetics were unable to enhance the stimulatory effect of HDL. Blockade of PLC had no influence on progesterone secretion from cells treated with either NA or LH, but this did impair the stimulatory effect of insulin (P < 0.05). Similarly, blockade of PKC by staurosporine impaired (P < 0.05) the effect of insulin only but not that observed after LH or NA treatment. We suggest that: (a) noradrenergic stimulation does not enhance utilisation of cholesterol from HDL for progesterone secretion; (b) the fasting of luteal cells seems to activate enzymes responsible for the progesterone synthesis; (c) effect of NA on progesterone secretion from luteal cells does not involve the PLC-PKC pathway.

Role of prostaglandin E2 in basal and noradrenaline-induced progesterone secretion by the bovine corpus luteum

The role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in basal and noradrenaline (NA)-stimulated utilization of high density lipoprotein (HDL) as a source of cholesterol for progesterone synthesis was examined. In Experiment 1, a cannula was inserted into the aorta abdominalis through the coccygeal artery (cranial to the origin of the ovarian artery) in mature heifers, to facilitate infusion of NA (4 mg/30 min; n = 3) on day 10 of the estrous cycle. Three other heifers were similarly cannulated to serve as control. Before, during, and after NA or saline infusion, blood samples from the vena cava were collected every 5-15 min for analysis of PGE2, progesterone, and cholesterol. Each NA infusion stimulated (P < 0.01) secretion of both hormones in heifers. Short-duration increases (P < 0.05) in progesterone were observed due to the infusion of NA while cholesterol was not altered significantly. In addition, increases in PGE2 concentrations (P < 0.05) compared to controls were seen after NA infusion. Therefore, we used an in vitro model to verify the effect of PGE2 on HDL utilization by luteal cells from day 5 to 10 of the estrous cycle. In the preliminary experiment, 10(-6) M of PGE2 out of four different doses examined was selected for further studies, since it evoked the highest release of progesterone. In the next experiment, it was found that HDL increases progesterone secretion by luteal cells and both PGE2 and LH increased (P < 0.05) the response to HDL while NA did not. In the last in vitro experiment, progesterone stimulated PGE2 secretion by luteal cells. In conclusion, PGE2 may be directly involved in the utilization of cholesterol from HDL for progesterone synthesis. Furthermore, PGE2 may influence NA-stimulated progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum (CL). It is concluded that there is a positive feedback loop between progesterone and luteal PGE2 during days 5-10 of the estrous cycle.

Direct inhibitory effect of progesterone on oxytocin-induced secretion of prostaglandin F(2alpha) from bovine endometrial tissue

The effect of progesterone on oxytocin-induced secretion of prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) from bovine endometrial tissue explants was examined. Endometrial tissue from the late luteal phase were preincubated for 20 h in control medium. Explants were then treated for 6 h with control medium, oxytocin (10(-7) M), progesterone (10(-5) M), or both hormones. Oxytocin increased the medium concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF(2alpha), whereas progesterone completely suppressed the stimulatory effect of oxytocin. In experiment 2, isolated endometrial epithelial cells were incubated with progesterone (10(-5) M), oxytocin (10(-7) M), and combinations of these hormones with or without actinomycin D (1 ng/ml). Only oxytocin stimulated secretion of PGF(2alpha), and this response was suppressed by progesterone. Oxytocin induced a rapid increase in intracellular concentrations of Ca(2+) detected within 1 min of exposure of epithelial cells from the same cows. Progesterone pretreatment diminished this response. In experiment 3, direct effects of progesterone (2 nM-20 microM) on binding of (3)H-oxytocin to the membrane preparation from epithelial cells were determined by saturation analysis. Oxytocin binding was suppressed by progesterone at every dosage tested. Progesterone is capable of suppressing the ability of oxytocin to induce endometrial secretion of PGF(2alpha). This effect appears to be mediated through a direct interference in the interaction of oxytocin with its own receptor.

Neural regulation of the bovine corpus luteum

The ovarian noradrenergic stimulation or noradrenaline (NA) administration directly to the ovary in cow increases ovarian oxytocin (OT) release and post-translational processing of OT synthesis within a few minutes has been established in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, NA affects progesterone secretion and its synthesis by an increase of cytochrome P450scc and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. This effect is mediated via luteal cell beta(1)- and beta(2)-receptors. Their total amount correlates with peripheral progesterone concentrations during the luteal phase and this reflects the ability of the ovary to react to beta-stimulation. On the other hand, ovarian denervation causes a decrease of steroidogenic activity in the CL, an increase of beta-receptors on luteal cells, a delay in follicular development and the disruption of cyclicity. Moreover, decrease of progesterone secretion by 20-30% was seen after brief pharmacological blockade of ovarian beta-receptors in the mid-cycle of cattle. We assume that tonic beta-stimulation of the CL ensures the basal secretion of progesterone, whereas acute noradrenergic activation supports the CL during stressful situations which could impair its function. Conversely, long-lasting increase in blood catecholamine concentrations markedly decreases the number of beta-receptors in CL, presumably due to their down-regulation. Concentrations of dopamine (DA) within the CL are highly correlated with those of NA during the estrous cycle, and are higher in the newly-formed than in the developed corpus luteum, the regressed corpus luteum or the corpus luteum of pregnant females. Bovine CL can synthesise de novo NA from DA as a precursor. Concluding, presented data indicate that noradrenergic stimulation can be an important part of mechanism supporting secretory function of CL.

Do GH, IGF-I and oxytocin interact by regulating the secretory activity of porcine ovarian cells?

The aims of this study on porcine ovarian granulosa cells were to examine the effect of GH on oxytocin (OT), IGF-I and IGF-I receptors, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), progesterone and prostaglandin E (PGE), as well as to determine whether IGF-I and/or OT may be mediators of GH action. The cells were cultured either with porcine GH (pGH) (1 ng/ml to 10 microg/ml or 100 ng/ml only), antiserum against IGF-I (0.1%), antiserum against OT (0.1%) or a combination of GH (10 ng/ml) with antiserum against IGF-I or antiserum against OT (0.1%). The secretion of IGF-I, OT, IGFBP-3, progesterone and PGE was determined using RIA/IRMA, whilst the IGF-I binding sites were measured using a radioreceptor assay. It was observed that pGH increased the secretion of IGF-I and the abundance of IGF-I binding sites in granulosa cells. Furthermore, GH inhibited OT release, stimulated progesterone and PGE output, but had no significant effect on IGFBP-3 secretion. Immunoneutralization of IGF-I by antiserum against IGF-I inhibited PGE secretion, but it did not influence progesterone or IGFBP-3 secretion. Binding of OT by antiserum suppressed IGFBP-3, PGE, but not progesterone secretion. Neither immunoneutralization of IGF-I nor OT substantially prevented the effects of GH on progesterone, IGFBP and PGE. These observations demonstrate the involvement of GH, IGF-I and OT in the control of porcine ovarian secretory activity and the ability of GH to regulate IGF-I and OT production and IGF-I reception. Nevertheless, lack of correlation between the effects of GH, antiserum against IGF-I and antiserum against OT, as well as the inability of blockade of IGF-I or OT to prevent the effects of GH, suggests that IGF-I and OT, despite their dependence on GH, do not mediate GH action on ovarian cells.

Secretory activity of bovine ovarian granulosa cells transfected with sense and antisense insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 and the response to IGF-I, GH, LH, oxytocin and oestradiol

The aim of our in vitro experiments was to examine if IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 is involved in control of bovine ovarian secretory activity. For this purpose we performed the transfection of bovine granulosa cells with cDNA sense and antisense constructs increasing or inhibiting IGFBP-3 synthesis. The release of IGFBP-3, progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I and prostaglandins F (PGF) and E (PGE) by control and transfected cells was compared. The transfected ovarian cells were cultured with and without bLH (100 ng/ml), bGH (100 ng/ml), IGF-I (10 ng/ml), oxytocin (10 ng/ml) and oestradiol-17beta (100 ng/ml). The concentration of IGFBP-3 produced was assessed using ligand and western blotting and secretion of progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I, PGF and PGE was evaluated using RIA/IRMA techniques. Transfection of cells with the sense IGFBP-3 cDNA construct resulted in the expected increase in IGFBP-3 release, whereas the antisense IGFBP-3 construct induced the expected reduction in IGFBP-3 output. The granulosa cells transfected to overexpress IGFBP-3 had an increase in IGF-I, PGF and PGE release, and a decrease in basal and hormone- or growth factor-induced accumulation of progesterone and oxytocin. The granulosa cells transfected to have reduced IGFBP-3 expression gave primarily significant opposite findings. The present results suggest the involvement of IGFBP-3 in control of bovine ovarian steroid, peptide hormone, growth factor and prostaglandin release. IGFBP-3 is a physiological stimulator of IGF-I and prostaglandin release and an inhibitor of steroid and peptide hormone output.

Mechanism of action of noradrenaline on secretion of progesterone and oxytocin by the bovine corpus luteum in vitro

The present studies were conducted: (1) to determine which beta-adrenoceptor subtypes are involved in progesterone and oxytocin (OT) secretion, (2) to examine whether noradrenaline (NA) acts directly on the cytochrome P-450scc and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), and (3) to study the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) on NA-stimulated steroidogenesis in luteal cells. The effect of NA on progesterone secretion from luteal slices of heifers on days 8-12 of the oestrous cycle was blocked by both atenolol (beta 1-antagonist) and ICI 118.551 hydrochloride (beta 2-antagonist). OT secretion was blocked only after treatment with ICI 118.551 hydrochloride (P < 0.05). Dobutamine (10(-4)-10(-6) M), a selective beta 1 agonist and salbutamol (10(-4)-10(-6) M), a selective beta 2 agonist, both increased progesterone production (P < 0.01) with an efficiency comparable to that produced by NA (P < 0.01). The increase of OT content in luteal slices was observed only after treatment with salbutamol at the dose of 10(-5) M (P < 0.01). Dobutamine had no effect on OT production at any dose. A stimulatory effect of NA on cytochrome P-450scc activity (P < 0.05) was demonstrated using 25-hydroxycholesterol as substrate. 3 beta-HSD activity also increased following NA (P < 0.01) or pregnenolone (P < 0.05) and in tissue treated with pregnenolone together with NA (P < 0.01). PGF decreased progesterone synthesis (P < 0.05) and 3 beta-HSD activity (P < 0.01) in tissue treated with NA. We conclude that NA stimulates progesterone secretion by luteal beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors, while OT secretion is probably mediated only via the beta 2-receptor. NA also increases cytochrome P-450scc and 3 beta-HSD activity. PGF inhibits the luteotropic effect of NA on the luteal tissue.

The transfection-induced overexpression of IGF-binding protein-4 affects the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells and their response to hormones and IGF-I

The aim of our studies was to examine whether IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-4 is involved in the control of the secretion of various ovarian substances and also the mediation of the effects of several hormones and growth factors on this secretion. For this purpose, we carried out the transfection of porcine granulosa cells with a cDNA sense construct, increasing IGFBP-4 synthesis. We then compared the release of IGFBP-3, progesterone, oxytocin and IGF-I by control and transfected cells cultured with and without porcine LH (100 ng/ml), porcine GH (100 ng/ml), IGF-I (10 ng/ml), oxytocin (10 ng/ml) and estradiol-17beta (100 ng/ml). The concentration of IGFBP-4 produced was assessed using ligand blotting, and the release of progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 was evaluated using RIA/IRMA techniques. It was observed that GH, IGF-I, estradiol, LH and oxytocin alter the progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Transfection of these cells with an IBFBP-4 cDNA expression construct significantly increased the IGFBP-4 accumulation in cell-conditioned medium. Furthermore, this transfection significantly reduced progesterone, oxytocin and IGFBP-3 release, and increased IGF-I output in cells cultured in the absence or presence of GH, IGF-I, estradiol and LH. The addition of oxytocin, but not of other tested substances, fully or partially prevented the effects of IGFBP-4 overexpression on IGFBP-3, IGF-I, but not on progesterone release. The present results suggested that IGFBP-4, as well as GH, IGF-I, estradiol, LH and oxytocin, is a potent regulator of porcine ovarian steroid (progesterone), nonapeptide hormone (oxytocin), growth factor (IGF-I) and growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP-3) release. IGFBP-4 is an inhibitor of basal progesterone, oxytocin and IGFBP-3 release and a stimulator of IGF-I output by porcine ovarian cells. The action of IGFBP-4 on the ovary can be mediated by (1) inhibition of oxytocin release, (2) suppression of receptor/postreceptor events induced by other hormones and IGF-I and (3) stimulation of IGF-I release.

Effect of four cGMP analogues with different mechanisms of action on hormone release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro

The aim of our in-vitro experiments was to examine the role of cGMP-dependent intracellular mechanisms in control of ovarian hormone secretion, as well as to understand, whether cGMP effect on the ovary may be mediated by either protein kinase G (PKG), cGMP-gated ion channels (CGI) or cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDE). We compared the effects of the cGMP analogues 8-pCPT-cGMP, an activator of PKG 1-alpha, 1-beta and type II and of CGI, but not of PDE: Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS and Rp-8-Br-cGMPS, inhibitors of PKG, stimulators of CGI with no effect of PDE, and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, an inhibitor of both, PKG and CGI and stimulator of PDE (all at 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 nM), on the release of oxytocin (OT) and progesterone (P) by cultured porcine granulosa cells. It was observed, that Rp-8-pCPT-cGMPS significantly (p<0.05) suppressed OT release when given at 1 or 10 nM. Rp-8-Br-cGMPS increased OT output, when given at 1-10 nM too, but decreased it at 100 nM. Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS inhibited OT release at 1 nM. No influence of 8-pCPT-cGMP on OT output was found. 8-pCPT-cGMP stimulated P release at 0.1, 10 or 100 nM. All other cGMP analogues studied suppressed P release at all doses used. The present observations suggest the involvement of cGMP-dependent intracellular mechanisms in control of ovarian steroid and nonapeptide hormone release. The lack of association between patterns of influence of cGMP analogues on CGI and PDE, and the coincidence of the majority of effects of cGMP analogues on P, OT and PKG may indirectly indicate that cGMP action on release of ovarian hormones is mediated mainly by PKG, but not by CGI or PDE.