Effects of gonadotropins, insulin and insulin-like growth factor I on ovarian oxytocin and progesterone production

MicroRNA 221 expression in theca and granulosa cells: hormonal regulation and function

Small noncoding RNA molecules (miRNA) regulate protein levels in a post-transcriptional manner by partial base pairing to the 3'-UTR of target genes thus mediating degradation or translational repression. Previous studies indicate that numerous miRNA regulate the biosynthesis of intraovarian hormones, and emerging evidence indicates that one of these, miRNA-221 (MIR221), may be a modulator of ovarian function. However, the hormonal control of ovarian MIR221 is not known. The objectives of this study were to investigate the developmental and hormonal regulation of MIR221 expression in granulosa (GC) and theca cell (TC) and its possible role in regulating follicular function. Bovine ovaries were collected from a local abattoir and GC and TC were obtained from small (<6 mm) and large (≥8 mm) follicles. In Exp. 1, GCs of small follicles had 9.7-fold greater (P < 0.001) levels of MIR221 than those of large follicles, and TCs of large follicles had 3.7-fold greater (P < 0.001) levels of MIR221 than those of small follicles. In large follicles, abundance of MIR221 was 66.6-fold greater (P < 0.001) in TCs than in GCs. In small follicles, MIR221 abundance did not differ (P = 0.14) between GC and TCs. In vitro Exp. 2, 3, and 4 revealed that treatment of bovine TCs with various steroids, phytoestrogens, IGF1, forskolin, and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate had no effect (P > 0.35) on MIR221 expression, whereas treatment with fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) and FGF2 increased (P < 0.001) TC MIR221 abundance 1.7- to 2.5-fold. In Exp. 5, FGF9 increased (P < 0.05) GC MIR221 abundance by 1.7- and 2.0-fold in small and large follicles, respectively. The role of MIR221 in GC steroidogenesis was investigated in Exp. 6 and it was found that transfection with a MIR221 mimic reduced (P < 0.01) GC estradiol and progesterone production induced by FSH and IGF1, whereas transfection with MIR221 inhibitor had little or no effect. We conclude that thecal MIR221 expression is increased by FGF9 and increased MIR221 may act to inhibit GC steroidogenesis in cattle.

The physiology of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea associated with energy deficiency in exercising women and in women with anorexia nervosa

An energy deficiency is the result of inadequate energy intake relative to high energy expenditure. Often observed with the development of an energy deficiency is a high drive for thinness, dietary restraint, and weight and shape concerns in association with eating behaviors. At a basic physiologic level, a chronic energy deficiency promotes compensatory mechanisms to conserve fuel for vital physiologic function. Alterations have been documented in resting energy expenditure (REE) and metabolic hormones. Observed metabolic alterations include nutritionally acquired growth hormone resistance and reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations; hypercortisolemia; increased ghrelin, peptide YY, and adiponectin; and decreased leptin, triiodothyronine, and kisspeptin. The cumulative effect of the energetic and metabolic alterations is a suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion is decreased with consequent suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone release. Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary secretion alters the production of estrogen and progesterone resulting in subclinical or clinical menstrual dysfunction.

Expression and effect of fibroblast growth factor 9 in bovine theca cells

Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) protein affects granulosa cell (GC) function but is mostly localized to theca cell (TC) and stromal cell of rat ovaries. The objectives of this study were to determine the 1) effects of FGF9 on TC steroidogenesis, gene expression, and cell proliferation; 2) mechanism of action of FGF9 on TCs; and 3) hormonal control of FGF9 mRNA expression in TCs. Bovine ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and TCs were collected from large (8-22 mm) follicles and treated with various hormones in serum-free medium for 24 or 48 h. FGF9 caused a dose-dependent inhibition (P<0·05) of LH- and LH+IGF1-induced androstenedione and progesterone production. Also, FGF9 inhibited (P<0·05) LH+IGF1-induced expression of LHCGR, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1 mRNA (via real-time RT-PCR) in TCs. FGF9 had no effect (P>0·10) on STAR mRNA abundance. Furthermore, FGF9 inhibited dibutyryl cAMP-induced progesterone and androstenedione production in LH+IGF1-treated TCs. By contrast, FGF9 increased (P<0·05) the number of bovine TCs. Abundance of FGF9 mRNA in GCs and TCs was several-fold greater (P<0·05) in small (1-5 mm) vs large follicles. Tumor necrosis factor α and WNT5A increased (P<0·05) abundance of FGF9 mRNA in TCs. In summary, expression of FGF9 mRNA in TCs is developmentally and hormonally regulated. FGF9 may act as an autocrine regulator of ovarian function in cattle by slowing TC differentiation via inhibiting LH+IGF1 action via decreasing gonadotropin receptors and the cAMP signaling cascade while stimulating proliferation of TCs.

Effects of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) on steroidogenesis and gene expression and control of FGF9 mRNA in bovine granulosa cells

Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF9) is decreased in granulosa cells (GC) of cystic follicles compared with normal dominant follicles in cattle. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of FGF9 on GC steroidogenesis, gene expression, and cell proliferation and to determine the hormonal control of GC FGF9 production. GC were collected from small (1-5 mm) and large (8-22 mm) bovine follicles and treated in vitro with various hormones in serum-free medium for 24 or 48 h. In small- and large-follicle GC, FGF9 inhibited (P < 0.05) IGF-I-, dibutyryl cAMP-, and forskolin-induced progesterone and estradiol production. In contrast, FGF9 increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers induced by IGF-I and 10% fetal calf serum. FGF9 inhibited (P < 0.05) FSHR and CYP11A1 mRNA abundance in small- and large-follicle GC but had no effect (P > 0.10) on CYP19A1 or StAR mRNA. In the presence of a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, trilostane, FGF9 also decreased (P < 0.05) pregnenolone production. IGF-I inhibited (P < 0.05) whereas estradiol and FSH had no effect (P > 0.10) on FGF9 mRNA abundance. TNFα and wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family member-3A decreased (P < 0.05) whereas T(4) and sonic hedgehog increased (P < 0.05) FGF9 mRNA abundance in control and IGF-I-treated GC. Thus, GC FGF9 gene expression is hormonally regulated, and FGF9 may act as an autocrine regulator of ovarian function by slowing follicular differentiation via inhibiting IGF-I action, gonadotropin receptors, the cAMP signaling cascade, and steroid synthesis while stimulating GC proliferation in cattle.

Gene expression profiling of preovulatory follicle in the buffalo cow: effects of increased IGF-I concentration on periovulatory events

The preovulatory follicle in response to gonadotropin surge undergoes dramatic biochemical, and morphological changes orchestrated by expression changes in hundreds of genes. Employing well characterized bovine preovulatory follicle model, granulosa cells (GCs) and follicle wall were collected from the preovulatory follicle before, 1, 10 and 22 h post peak LH surge. Microarray analysis performed on GCs revealed that 450 and 111 genes were differentially expressed at 1 and 22 h post peak LH surge, respectively. For validation, qPCR and immunocytochemistry analyses were carried out for some of the differentially expressed genes. Expression analysis of many of these genes showed distinct expression patterns in GCs and the follicle wall. To study molecular functions and genetic networks, microarray data was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis which revealed majority of the differentially expressed genes to cluster within processes like steroidogenesis, cell survival and cell differentiation. In the ovarian follicle, IGF-I is established to be an important regulator of the above mentioned molecular functions. Thus, further experiments were conducted to verify the effects of increased intrafollicular IGF-I levels on the expression of genes associated with the above mentioned processes. For this purpose, buffalo cows were administered with exogenous bGH to transiently increase circulating and intrafollicular concentrations of IGF-I. The results indicated that increased intrafollicular concentrations of IGF-I caused changes in expression of genes associated with steroidogenesis (StAR, SRF) and apoptosis (BCL-2, FKHR, PAWR). These results taken together suggest that onset of gonadotropin surge triggers activation of various biological pathways and that the effects of growth factors and peptides on gonadotropin actions could be examined during preovulatory follicle development.

Differentiation-specific action of orphan nuclear receptor NR5A1 (SF-1): transcriptional regulation in luteinizing bovine theca cells

BACKGROUND

The orphan nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor-1, SF-1) is a master regulator of tissue-specific gene expression in reproductive and steroidogenic tissues. Two activating functions, AF-1 and AF-2, have been described to function in a cooperative manner to recruit transcriptional coactivators to the promoter regions of NR5A1-controlled genes.

METHODS

The role of the NR5A1 activating functions AF-1 and AF-2 was studied in primary bovine theca cells. Bovine theca cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus vectors over-expressing wild-type NR5A1 or NR5A1 mutants, in which one of the activating functions of this orphan nuclear receptor had been impaired. Under different culture conditions, theca cell-specific transcript levels were measured by reverse transcription and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Under culture conditions optimized for cell growth, transcriptional up-regulation of CYP11A1 (P450 side chain-cleavage enzyme) and INSL3 (Insulin-like factor 3, Relaxin-like factor (RLF)) was found to be dependent on the presence of NR5A1 carrying an intact AF-2. Under conditions inducing luteal differentiation of theca cells, CYP11A1 and STAR (Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) were up-regulated by the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas the differentiation-specific up-regulation of INSL3 was suppressed by LH in luteinizing theca cells. Inhibition of insulin- or IGF1- (insulin-like growth factor I) dependent signal transduction by the RAF1 kinase inhibitor GW5074 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 resulted in the finding that RAF1 kinase inhibition was able to counteract the LH-dependent regulation of NR5A1-controlled genes, whereas inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway did not have any significant effect.

CONCLUSION

The regulation of the three NR5A1-controlled genes CYPA11, STAR, and INSL3 in luteinizing theca cells apparently is not dependent on NR5A1 activating functions AF-1 or AF-2. Activation of AF-1 here even appears to have an impairing effect on NR5A1 transcriptional activity, implying that up-regulation of NR5A1-controlled genes uses a different pathway. Our results might be explained by the possible existence of an interconnection between the RAF1 kinase and the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A pathway. Such a non-classical regulatory pathway might play an important role in the control of gene expression in reproductive and steroidogenic tissues.

The affinity and activity of the multiple hormone response element in the proximal promoter of the human oxytocin gene

In vivo there appears to be a marked association between oestrogen levels and the expression of the oxytocin (OT) gene in most tissues. Transfection and DNA-protein binding experiments using high levels of either oestrogen receptor (ER)alpha or ERbeta imply a direct interaction of these transcription factors with the multiple hormone response element (HRE) at approximately -160 from the transcription start site of the OT gene in most species. In an extensive set of experiments, we show, using both transfection and protein-DNA binding, that low to moderate amounts of either oestrogen receptor, while being able to interact directly with a classic oestrogen response element (ERE) fail to interact with the human OT -160 HRE. Instead, this element, similar to its bovine counterpart, has a high affinity for the orphan receptors steroidogenic factor 1 and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor. Second, the human and bovine OT promoter can be made artificially responsive towards oestrogen in a cotransfection system over-expressing ERalpha or ERbeta, but not in cells expressing natural levels of these steroid receptors. Interestingly, nuclear extracts from both ERalpha-positive MCF7 cells and ERalpha-negative MDA-MB231 cells both contain a transcription factor which binds specifically to both the hOT-HRE element and to a classic ERE, and which has orphan receptor-like binding properties rather than those of an oestrogen receptor. Together, these and other results suggest that oestrogen action in vivo on the OT gene in all species is more likely to involve a DNA-independent mechanism than classic direct interactions with dimeric oestrogen receptors.

Role of tumor necrosis factor in preovulatory follicles of swine

The effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on cultured porcine granulosa cells that were obtained from preovulatory follicles were studied with regard to following parameters: 1) TNF receptor type I expression, 2) progesterone receptor and transforming growth factor beta receptor type II (TbetaR II) as markers of luteinization, 3) proliferation, and 4) apoptosis. For comparative purposes the effects of TNF were also studied on insulin/forskolin-treated cells, as this treatment is well established to induce luteinization. Cytochemical methods followed by semiquantitative analysis were used. Our data show that TNF treatment upregulates TNF receptor type I expression in granulosa cells. TNF downregulates the expression of TbetaR II of insulin/forskolin-stimulated and of unstimulated cells. The progesterone receptor is also downregulated by the cytokine after insulin/forskolin-induced luteinization. Supplementation of the medium with TNF leads to increased proliferation and at the same time it induces apoptosis. Our results indicate that TNF exerts an inhibitory influence on luteinization and that TNF influences the balance between follicular growth (proliferation) and atresia (apoptosis).

Effects of intraovarian infusion of insulin-like growth factor-I on ovarian follicular function in cattle

The objective of this study was to determine if increased secretion of intraovarian insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), experimentally induced via minipumps, affects follicular function in cattle. Fourteen cycling Holstein cows were divided equally into two groups: Control, osmotic minipumps (containing vehicle) surgically inserted into each ovary, or IGF-I treated, osmotic minipumps as in Controls but pumping 2.0 microg of recombinant human IGF-I per hr for 7 days. All cows were synchronized with prostaglandin F(2alpha) 0.10) between Control and IGF-I-treated cows during Days 2 to 6 of treatment. IGF-I treatment increased (P<0.05) estradiol concentrations in follicular fluid of small follicles, but had no effect (P<0.10) on estradiol concentrations in follicular fluid of large follicles, or on progesterone, androstenedione, or IGF binding protein concentrations in small or large follicles. We conclude that a 7-day infusion of IGF-I directly into the stroma of the ovary altered follicular growth and follicular fluid estradiol concentrations.

Cloning of bovine estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta): expression of novel deleted isoforms in reproductive tissues

cDNAs coding for bovine estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) isoforms were cloned from bovine granulosa cells using a combination of several RT-PCR strategies. The cloned full-length receptor contains an open reading frame of 474 amino acids encoding a protein with high homology to the ERbeta sequences from other species. A second isoform nearly totally lacking the ligand binding domain was cloned that is expressed to relatively high levels in reproductive tissues. Expression of both ERbeta isoforms is down-regulated in corpus luteum and endometrium during the luteal phase of the female cycle. In addition, in granulosa cells several ERbeta isoforms carrying major internal deletions were detected by RT-PCR and cloned. Transient transfection studies expressing the two major bovine ERbeta isoforms together with an ERE reporter construct show estrogen-dependent transactivation by the full-length isoform, whereas the isoform lacking the ligand binding domain did not show any transactivation.

Expression of granulosa cell-specific genes and induction of apoptosis in conditionally immortalized granulosa cell lines established from H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mice

Granulosa cell lines have been established from H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mice. Using immunocytochemistry, significant amounts of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were found in all cell lines investigated, whereas estrogen and progesterone receptor expression could be detected in only some of the lines. All cell lines showed low basal production of the gonadal steroids estradiol and progesterone. The genes for the ovarian paracrine regulators IGF-I and basic fibroblast growth factor were expressed, as well as the genes for anti-Müllerian hormone and for the P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc). Expression of P450scc could be shown to be up-regulated in the cell lines under conditions mimicking the hormonal environment of the luteinizing granulosa cells in vivo. Inactivation of the temperature-sensitive SV40 T antigen by a shift of the cell lines to the nonpermissive temperature of 39.5 degrees C led to massive induction of apoptosis in several cell lines. These cell lines will allow a detailed study of the mechanisms regulating the expression of granulosa cell-specific functions, as well as the induction of granulosa cell apoptosis.

The molecular basis of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor gene expression in reproductive tissues

Transcriptional regulation of the oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes underly to a large degree the highly specific and often transient physiologies associated with this peptide hormone system. Using a variety of homologous transcription assays we have endeavoured to identify and characterize the cis and trans elements responsible for the regulation in vivo of the oxytocin peptide gene and the gene for the oxytocin receptor. The bovine ovarian granulosa cell model is a primary culture system where under stimulation by insulin or IGF-I and LH the endogenous oxytocin gene is massively upregulated. We have identified a proximal response element at -160, which in vivo binds the competing nuclear receptors, SF1 and COUP-TF. Additionally ovarian specific transcription factors bind at two additional sites in the distal promoter region. For the bovine oxytocin receptor gene, we have taken advantage of the high endogenous expression of the receptor in the endometrium of the estrous cycle. Using a combination of primary cell culture techniques and in vitro binding of nuclear protein extracts from tissues expressing the receptor in vivo, we have shown there to be a combination of constitutive and inhibitory elements controlling oxytocin receptor gene expression. Similar results were obtained for the human oxytocin receptor gene. At birth there may additionally be a specific stimulatory effect on transcription in the myometrium.

The effects of equine somatotropin (eST) on follicular development and circulating plasma hormone profiles in cyclic mares treated during different stages of the estrous cycle

The effects of exogenous equine somatotropin (eST) administration on ovarian activity and plasma hormone levels were evaluated on horse and pony mares. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of eST on follicular development and circulating concentrations of leutinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in cyclic horse and pony mares. Sixteen mares received daily injections (i.m.) of eST at a concentration of 25 micrograms/kg body weight on either Days 6 through 12 (Treatment A) or 13 through 19 (Treatment B) postovulation. In addition, contemporary mares were similarly given the carrier vehicle and served as controls (Treatments C and D). Blood samples were collected at 24-hr intervals and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed on the ovaries of each mare at 48-hr intervals beginning on the first day of treatment and ending either on the day of ovulation or 5 d postovulation. Circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were increased in treated mares by Day 3 post-treatment (P < 0.05). Also, mares in Treatment B exhibited a decrease in plasma estradiol concentrations (P < 0.05) when compared with control mares on Days 1 through 5 postovulation of the post-treated estrous cycle. In addition, circulating leutinizing hormone levels were different for mares in Treatment A compared with controls on Days--8 through--1 pre-ovulation (P < 0.05). All follicles present on the ovaries of each mare were measured and placed into one of five categories based on their diameter. Neither the mean number of follicles per size category > or = 8 mm in diameter nor the mean follicular diameter within each size category differed among treatment and control mares. However, eST treatment significantly increased the number of follicles < or = 7 mm on the ovaries of mares treated early in the estrous cycle when compared with control mares on Days 3 and 7 post-treatment and at the onset of standing estrus.

Alterations in the chromatin structure of the distal promoter region of the bovine oxytocin gene correlate with ovarian expression

The mechanisms regulating the expression of the neuropeptide hormone gene oxytocin have not yet been elucidated in detail. The binding of the orphan receptor Ad4BP, the bovine homolog of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), which is correlated with in vivo oxytocin transcription in the luteinizing granulosa cells of the bovine corpus luteum, is not sufficient to explain the transcriptional up-regulation in these cells. Therefore, we started experiments to identify other regions of the oxytocin locus that are involved in gene activation. The study presented here is the very first investigation of DNA methylation and chromatin structure in the distal promoter region of the bovine oxytocin gene. We show that this region is tissue-specifically hypomethylated in bovine granulosa cells. Upon stimulation of the cells with the adenylate cyclase-activator forskolin, a DNase I-hypersensitive site is induced in the distal promoter region. Additionally, we find binding of a monomeric nuclear orphan receptor directly within the region of inducible DNase I sensitivity; this factor is not identical to Ad4BP/SF-1. This study identifies a region in the bovine oxytocin distal promoter where tissue-specific changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure correlate with high induction of oxytocin gene transcription, and suggests that the binding of transcription factors to this region may be important for the up-regulation of oxytocin gene expression.

The ovarian insulin and insulin-like growth factor system with an emphasis on domestic animals

Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have direct effects on cultured ovarian cells. These effects include stimulation of granulosa cell mitogenesis, granulosa and luteal cell progesterone production, and thecal cell androgen production and appear similar among species. However, species differences exist with regard to insulin and IGF-I effects on granulosa cell estradiol production. In addition to endocrine effects of insulin and IGFs, IGFs are produced by granulosa, thecal, and luteal cells, allowing for an intraovarian autocrine and paracrine system. Granulosa, thecal, and luteal cells contain receptors for insulin and IGFs, and these receptors appear to mediate the effects of insulin and IGFs. Adding to the complexity of the regulatory role of IGFs is the presence of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) within the ovary. These IGFBPs are produced by granulosa, thecal, and luteal cells, and their production is hormonally regulated. Evidence for a coherent mechanism by which insulin, IGFs, and IGFBPs interact and regulate ovarian function in vivo has yet to be found.

The COUP transcription factor (COUP-TF) is directly involved in the regulation of oxytocin gene expression in luteinizing bovine granulosa cells

Competition with specific oligonucleotides in DNA-binding experiments, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and recognition by specific antibodies have identified the ubiquitous transcription factor COUP as one of the nuclear proteins binding to the promoter region of the bovine oxytocin gene in endogenously expressing bovine granulosa cells. PCR cloning of partial cDNA sequences for bovine COUP-TF I and II and development of RNase protection assays demonstrated the up-regulation of COUP-TF in bovine granulosa cells and corpus luteum under conditions where the oxytocin gene is switched off. These experimental results from in vitro and in vivo studies point to the direct involvement of COUP-TF in oxytocin gene down-regulation during luteinization of bovine granulosa cells.

Mapping of the bovine oxytocin gene control region: identification of binding sites for luteal nuclear proteins in the 5' non-coding region of the gene

Abstract In view of the small number of hormone-producing cells, the factors regulating oxytocin gene expression in the classic site of synthesis, in the magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus, have not yet been characterized. In the early bovine corpus luteum there is a tissue-specific oxytocin expression involving many more cells. This tissue therefore was chosen as a experimental system to identify deoxyribonucleic acid elements and nuclear proteins involved in the regulation of oxytocin gene expression. 3.2 kb from the 5'non-coding region of the bovine oxytocin gene have been sequenced and subcloned fragments used as probes for gel retardation and footprinting experiments. Binding sites for luteal as well as more ubiquitous proteins were detected in the oxytocin promoter region and in an artiodactyl-specific dispersed repeated deoxyribonucleic acid element. A binding site in the promoter region with a superficial similarity to an estrogen-responsive element (-159 to -152) was shown not to bind this steroid hormone receptor but to bind two nuclear proteins alternatively. One is a luteal protein, the other a more general transcription factor belonging to the steroid hormone receptor superfamily and similar, if not identical to the COUP protein. This alternative binding of a tissue- and phase-specifically expressed protein or an ubiquitous factor to the same site in the oxytocin promoter suggests a role for these two proteins in the transient up-regulation and subsequent down-regulation of the oxytocin gene during the differentiation of the bovine corpus luteum.