Increasing concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol has differential effects on secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone and amounts of mRNA for gonadotropin subunits during the follicular phase of the bovine estrous cycle

Selection of fewer dominant follicles in Trio carriers given GnRH antagonist and luteinizing hormone action replaced by nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin†

Studying selection of multiple dominant follicles (DFs) in monovulatory species can advance our understanding of mechanisms regulating selection of single or multiple DFs. Carriers of the bovine high fecundity Trio allele select multiple DFs, whereas half-sib noncarriers select a single DF. This study compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). On Day 1.5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized: (1) Control, untreated; (2) Acyline, two i.m. doses (Days 1.5 and D3) of 3 μg/kg; (3) hCG, single i.m. dose of 50 IU hCG on Day 1.5 followed by daily doses of 100 IU; and (4) Acyline + hCG. Treatments with nonpulsatile hCG were designed to replace LH action in heifers treated with Acyline. Acyline treatment resulted in cessation of follicle growth on Day 3 with smaller (P < 0.0001) maximum follicle diameter in Trio carriers (6.6 ± 0.2 mm) than noncarriers (8.7 ± 0.4 mm). Replacement of LH action (hCG) reestablished follicle diameter deviation and maximum diameter of DFs in both genotypes (8.9 ± 0.3 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.0001). Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was greater in Acyline-treated than in controls. Finally, Acyline + hCG decreased (P < 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (~6.5 mm) and noncarriers (~8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.

Interactions of circulating estradiol and progesterone on changes in endometrial area and pituitary responsiveness to GnRH†

Changes in circulating progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) during proestrus produce dynamic changes in endometrial function and pituitary release of gonadotropins. Independent and combined effects of P4 and E2 on endometrium and pituitary were evaluated. In a preliminary study, an exogenous hormone model of proestrus was created by removal of corpus luteum and follicles ≥5 mm followed by gradual removal of intravaginal P4 implants during 18 h and treatment with increasing doses of estradiol benzoate during 48 h to mimic proestrus using high E2 (n = 9) or low E2 (n = 9). Decreased P4, increased E2, and increased endometrial area (EA) simulated proestrus in high-E2 cows and this was used subsequently. The main experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial design with: high E2 and low P4 (n = 11); high E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and low P4 (n = 10). At 48 h, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release was determined. Variables were analyzed using PROCMIXED of Statistical Analysis System. The EA increased dramatically during 48 h only in high-E2 and low-P4 cows. For FSH, high-E2 cows had greater area under the curve (AUC) and FSH peak after GnRH than low E2, with mild negative effects of high P4. For LH, concentration at peak and AUC were 2-fold greater in high E2 compared to low-E2 groups, with low P4 also 2-fold greater than high-P4 groups. Thus, maximal changes in uterus and pituitary during proestrus depend on both low P4 and high E2, but different physiologic responses are regulated differently by E2 and P4. Changes in endometrium depend on low P4 and high E2, whereas GnRH-induced FSH secretion primarily depends on high E2, and GnRH-induced LH secretion is independently increased by high E2 or reduced by high P4.

The non-steroidal mycoestrogen zeranol suppresses luteinizing hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary of cattle via the estradiol receptor GPR30 in a rapid, non-genomic manner

Picomolar concentrations of estradiol produce rapid suppression of GnRH-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the anterior pituitary (AP) of cattle via G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Zeranol is a strong estrogenic metabolite derived from zearalenone, a non-steroidal mycoestrogen produced by Fusarium that induces reproductive disorders in domestic animals. The hypothesis was tested that zeranol suppresses GnRH-induced LH release from the AP of cattle via GPR30 in a rapid, non-genomic manner. The AP cells (n=15) were cultured for 3 days in steroid-free conditions and then treated them with estradiol (0.001-10nM) or zeranol (0.001-100nM) for 5min before GnRH stimulation. Pre-treatment with 0.001-0.1nM estradiol suppressed GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. Pre-treatment with zeranol at concentrations of 0.001nM (P<0.01), 0.01nM (P<0.01), 0.1nM (P<0.05), and 1nM (P<0.05), but not at concentrations of 10 and 100nM, also inhibited GnRH-stimulated LH secretion from AP cells. Pre-treatment for 5min with a GPR30-specific antagonist, G36, inhibited estradiol or zeranol suppression of LH secretion from cultured AP cells. Cyclic AMP measurements and quantitative PCR analyses revealed that pre-treatment with small amounts of estradiol (P<0.05) or zeranol (P<0.01) decreased cAMP, but not gene expressions of the LHα, LHβ, or FSHβ subunits in the AP cells. Hence, zeranol may suppress luteinizing hormone secretion from the AP of cattle via GPR30 in a rapid, non-genomic manner.

Follicular-phase concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17β, LH, FSH, and a PGF2α metabolite and daily clustering of prolactin pulses, based on hourly blood sampling and hourly detection of ovulation in heifers

Circulating concentrations of hormones were determined each hour in 13 heifers from the end of the luteolytic period to ovulation (follicular phase, 3.5 days). Diameter of the preovulatory follicle was determined every 8 hours, and the time of ovulation was determined hourly. The diameter of the preovulatory follicle decreased 0.8 ± 0.1 mm/h in heifers when there was 1 to 3 hours between the last two diameter measurements before ovulation. The concentration of progesterone (P4) after the end of the luteolytic period (P4 < 1 ng/mL) changed (P < 0.0001), as shown by a continued decrease until Hour -57 (Hour 0 = ovulation), then was maintained at approximately 0.2 ng/mL until 2 hours before the peak of the LH surge at Hour -26, and then a decrease to 0.1 ng/mL along with a decrease in estradiol-17β. Concentrations of LH gradually increased (P < 0.007) and concentrations of FSH gradually decreased (P < 0.0001) after the end of luteolysis until the beginning nadirs of the respective preovulatory surges. A cluster of prolactin (PRL) pulses occurred (P < 0.0001) each day with approximately 24 hours between the maximum value of successive clusters. Hourly concentrations of a PGF2α metabolite decreased (P < 0.007) until Hour -40, but did not differ among hours thereafter. Novel observations included the gradual increase in LH and decrease in FSH until the beginning of the preovulatory surges and follicle diameter decrease a few hours before ovulation. Results supported the following hypotheses: (1) change in the low circulating P4 concentrations during the follicular phase are temporally associated with change in LH concentrations; and (2) PRL pulses occur in a cluster each day during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle.

Progesterone and the distribution of pituitary gonadotropin isoforms in cattle

The objective of the present study was to determine the relative proportion of gonadotropin isoforms in bovine pituitary glands affected by progesterone. Twelve postpubertal heifers (Swiss-Zebu) were assigned to three groups (n=4): intact animals in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle (diestrus group); ovariectomized heifers with (OVXP) or without progesterone treatment (OVX). Prior to pituitary gland collection, a blood sample was taken from each animal to determine the circulating progesterone concentration. Pituitary protein extractions processed by chromatofocusing were eluted with a pH gradient ranging from 10.5 to 3.5. The LH and FSH eluent was grouped on the basis of the following three criteria: (1) as either a basic (pH>or=7.5), neutral (pH 7.4-6.5) and acid (pH<or=6.4); (2) according to the pH unit (pH>or=10.5-3.5); (3) on the basis of distinct isoforms 12 peaks of which (A-L) were identified for LH and 11 (I-XI) for FSH. The analysis by range of pH and by pH of elution in the OVX and OVXP groups showed no difference in the LH and FSH isoform ratio, but diestrus cattle differs having a greater ratio (p<0.05) of basic LH isoforms (87.5+/-0.4%) and lesser ratio (p<0.05) of acid isoforms (5.4+/-0.7%). In the diestrus group, the ratio of acid FSH isoform increased (62.1+/-1.7%), while neutral isoforms decreased (5.7+/-0.4%, P<0.05). The analysis by isoform type of LH revealed a greater proportion of isoforms C (pH 9.4) and E (pH 9.0) in the groups with circulating progesterone when compared to the OVX group. The heterogeneity of FSH was quantitatively similar in most isoforms in the three groups, with the exception of the predominant isoform (VIII, pH 4.9) that was more abundant in the diestrus group (p<0.05). These results indicate that progesterone with other gonad factors influence the pituitary glicosylation altering the relative proportions of gonadotropin isoforms.

Caprine luteinizing hormone isoforms during the follicular phase and anestrus

The relative proportion of the circulating luteinizing hormone isoforms in goats during follicular phase (pre-ovulatory peak; F) and anestrus (A) was investigated. Estrus was synchronized in six goats with a prostaglandin analogue. After estrus was detected, blood samples were taken at 1 h intervals for 24 h. Four anestrous goats received 100 microg i.v. of GnRH and blood samples were collected every 15 min for 5 h. Samples with the greatest LH concentration in follicular phase and after GnRH administration (anestrus) were analyzed by chromatofocusing and eluted with a pH gradient from 10.5 to 3.5. For quantification purposes eluted LH was grouped into basic (pH> or =7.5), neutral (pH 7.4-6.5) and acidic isoforms (pH< or =6.4) as well as by pH unit. In both physiological conditions (PC), basic and acidic isoforms were greater than the neutral. With this grouping criteria, there was an interaction between PC and pH group, with the proportion of neutral isoforms being greater (p<0.05) in A (12.0+/-0.8%) as compared with F (5+/-2%). Analysis by pH unit showed a very basic group of eluted isoforms (pH> or =10), which amounted to a percentage of 6.0+/-0.4% of the total observed during A, and 3+/-1% during F (p<0.05). Predominant isoforms in A eluted in the pH range 9.99-9.0 (42+/-3%) as compared to 7+/-3% (p<0.01) in that pH range in F. In contrast, the predominant isoforms in F eluted in the pH range 8.99-8.0, representing 55+/-8%, while in A the proportion was 11+/-2% (p<0.01). Isoforms eluted at the pH range 7.9-7 represented a significantly greater proportion during A (5.0+/-0.6%) as compared with F (3+/-1%). This is the first report on goat LH circulating isoforms. During A the LH isoforms secreted by the pituitary are more basic than during F.

Pattern of circulating luteinizing hormone isoforms during the estrous and luteal phases in Holstein heifers

The pattern of distribution of circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) isoforms in cattle during estrus and the luteal phase was investigated. In each stage, the stage of the estrous cycle was synchronized in seven Holstein heifers with a prostaglandin analogue. After estrus was detected, blood samples were taken at 2-h intervals for 24h. In the luteal phase, animals received 250 microg i.v. of GnRH and blood samples were collected every 15 min for 5h. LH concentration in the samples was determined. Samples with the greatest LH concentration in estrus (pre-ovulatory peak) and those collected 60 min after GnRH administration (luteal phase) were analyzed by chromatofocusing, eluted with a pH gradient from 10.5 to 3.5. Eluted LH was grouped into basic (pH > or = 7.5), neutral (pH 7.4-6.5) and acidic isoforms (pH < or = 6.4) as well as by pH unit. In both phases, basic forms were the most abundant, and these were greater (P < 0.05) during the luteal phase (78.4 +/- 4.2%) as compared with during estrus (57.1 +/- 6.2%); the proportion of neutral and acidic isoforms in estrus (13.7 +/- 2.6%; 28.5 +/- 2.8%) was greater (P < 0.05) as compared with the luteal phase (3.0 +/- 0.7; 18.7 +/- 3.4). These results indicate that the relative proportion of LH isoforms secreted by the adenohypophysis differ by stage of estrous cycle. The addition of excess of NaCl to the column modifies the antigen-antibody binding in the RIA, and the proteins eluted are erroneously quantified as LH; this is an artifact of the technique.

Frequency of luteinizing hormone pulses in cattle influences duration of persistence of dominant ovarian follicles, follicular fluid concentrations of steroids, and activity of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins

The objectives of the present study were to determine how varying frequency of LH pulses as controlled by varying treatments with progesterone (P4) in cattle would affect: (1) concentration of steroid hormones and activity of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the ovarian follicular fluid and blood plasma, and (2) duration of persistence of largest ovarian follicles. There were four treatment groups (n=7 per group) and a control group (n=5) of mature, non-lactating beef cows. Treatments were: (1) two progesterone releasing intravaginal devices (PRIDs) for 16 days (2PRID); (2) a half PRID for 16 days (0.5PRID); (3) two PRIDs for 8 days, then a half PRID for 8 days (2-0.5PRID); or (4) a half PRID for 8 days, then two PRIDs for 8 days (0.5-2PRID). Treatment was initiated on the fifth day of the estrous cycle, which was designated as Day 0, and continued for 16 days. All P4-treated females were administered prostaglandin F2alpha on Day 0 and 1 to regress their corpora lutea. Frequency of LH pulses was greater during treatment with the smaller dose of P4 compared with treatment with the larger dose of P4 and the control group. Ovarian follicles were classified into five categories based on ultrasonographic observations: growing (G); atretic (A); growing dominant (GD); growing persistent (GP); or atretic persistent (AP). At ovariectomy on Day 16, the largest and second largest follicles collected were re-classified into five categories based on follicular concentration of steroids. Classification of the largest follicle collected on Day 16 was influenced by treatment (P<0.005), with the 2PRID group having A follicles, the 2-0.5PRID group GP follicles, the 0.5-2PRID group AP follicles, and the 0.5PRID group GD and GP follicles. Concentrations of 17beta-estradiol (E2) were greatest in GD and GP follicles (P<0.05). There was less (P<0.05) activity of IGFBP-2 in GD follicles and less (P<0.05) activity of IGFBP-3 in GD and GP follicles than other follicles. Activity of IGFBP-4 and -5 was greater (P<0.05) in A and AP follicles than G, GD, and GP follicles. Maintenance of a frequent release of LH pulses over a 16-day period did not result in maintenance of persistent follicles throughout this period indicating that duration of dominance of these follicles is finite even when there is frequent release of LH pulses. Follicular atresia is associated with greater activity of IGFBP-2, -4, -5, and greater concentrations of P4 in follicles, whereas growing dominant and persistent follicles contained greater concentrations of E2, androstenedione (A4), and less IGFBP-2 activity than follicles of other classes. Follicle classifications based on ultrasonography or follicular concentration of steroids did differ (P<0.05) for the largest follicles from the 2PRID group. Two follicles in this group appeared as GD follicles by ultrasonography, but these were atretic based on follicular steroid contents. Objective 1 of the present study yielded the conclusion that concentrations of steroid hormones in follicular fluid and blood plasma could be predictably controlled by regulating the frequency of LH pulses with varying doses of P4. Objective 2 yielded the conclusion that maintain frequent release of LH pulses over a 16-day period could not maintain persistent follicles throughout this period, indicating that duration of dominance of these follicles is finite even when there is frequent release of LH pulses. Follicular atresia in the present study was associated with increased follicular fluid activity of IGFBP-2, -4, -5, and P4, whereas growing dominant and persistent follicles contained greater concentrations of E2, A4, and less IGFBP-2 activity than follicles of other classes.

Recent advances in bovine reproductive endocrinology and physiology and their impact on drug delivery system design for the control of the estrous cycle in cattle

When methods of drug intervention are being developed to control estrous cycles, a thorough understanding of the endocrine and functional changes together with the reproductive behavior of the animals are essential. This review presents our current knowledge on reproductive endocrinology, physiology and behavior, and the methods of drug intervention to control estrous cycles. It also describes current efforts to develop advanced drug delivery systems that meet the animal scientist's demands to control the estrous cycle in cattle.

Pulsatility of systemic FSH and LH concentrations during follicular-wave development in cattle

Changes in systemic FSH and LH pulsatility in temporal association with follicular-wave emergence and follicle deviation were studied in cattle. Wave emergence was defined as occurring when the future dominant follicle first reached 4 mm, as established retrospectively. Follicle deviation was defined as the beginning of a change in growth rates between the 2 largest follicles and occurred 60.4 +/- 4.2 h after wave emergence. Follicles were tracked by transrectal ultrasound scanning every 8 h, and blood samples for pulse characterization were collected every 20 min from before emergence until after deviation. Pulses were characterized by the Pulsar program applied to each 8-h increment, centered on the hour of follicle scanning in each heifer (n = 6). Pulsatility of FSH was not detected for any of the 8-h increments. The mean FSH concentrations for the 24 samples per 8 h increased (P < 0.05) between 8 h before and 8 h after wave emergence, followed by a decrease 40 to 16 h before deviation. The low mean values continued for 24 h after deviation. Pulses of LH were detected for all 8-h increments. The LH mean of all concentrations per 8 h and pulse frequency increased (P < 0.05) between the hour of wave emergence and 32 h after emergence and then pulse frequency plateaued at a mean interpeak interval of 1.3 h. Increased LH means for all concentrations per 8 h and basal concentration were reached 32 h before deviation. The results indicated that elevated concentrations of LH and reduced concentrations of FSH were present 32 to 16 h before to at least 24 h after the beginning of follicle deviation. However, an abrupt, short-term change in FSH concentrations or in LH pulsatility in close temporal association with follicle deviation that could act as an acute stimulus to initiate deviation was not found.

Effect of 48 h treatment with 17 beta-oestradiol or progesterone on follicular wave emergence and synchrony of ovulation in Bos indicus cows when administered at the end of a period of progesterone treatment

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with additional progesterone (P4) or 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) at the end of a period of P4 treatment on ovarian follicular development, ovulation time, and plasma gonadotrophin and steroid hormone concentrations of Bos indicus cows. Initially, two injections of PGF2 alpha were given 14 days apart, and at the time of the second injection (Day 0) all cows received a single P4-releasing controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device that was removed 10 days later. Control cows (Group 1, n = 8) received no other treatment. On Day 8, cows in Group 2 (n = 8) and Group 3 (n = 8) received either a s.c. implant containing E2, or a second CIDR device, respectively. All CIDR devices and E2 implants were removed at a similar time on Day 10. Treatment with E2 or P4 delayed mean (+/- SD) time of ovulation (113.1 +/- 25.6 h, 153.4 +/- 44.5 h and 150.8 +/- 25.1 h for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P < 0.05) and the mean time (+/- SD) of the luteinising hormone (LH) peak (87.4 +/- 24.5 h, 124.3 +/- 45.0 h and 122.3 +/- 25.04 h for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P < 0.05). Both treatments delayed the mean (+/- SD) day of emergence of the ovulatory follicle (7.7 +/- 3.6 days, 11.3 +/- 1.7 days and 11.1 +/- 1.5 days for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P < 0.05), and reduced the variability in the day of emergence of the ovulatory follicle (P < 0.05) compared with the control cows. Variability in age and duration of dominance of the ovulatory follicle was greater in control animals compared with treated animals (P < 0.05). Treatment with E2 on Days 9 and 10 did not alter mean concentrations of gonadotrophins in the cows in Group 2 compared with control cows (P > 0.05), whereas treatment of cows with an additional CIDR device resulted in greater mean concentrations of FSH and lesser concentrations of LH on Day 9 (P < 0.05) compared with cows in Groups 1 and 2. By Day 10 mean concentrations of gonadotrophins were similar among cows in all three groups. Concentrations of E2 were less in cows in Group 3 compared with cows in Groups 1 and 2 from Day 9 to Day 11 (P < 0.05). We conclude that treatment with either E2 or P4 can influence the pattern of ovarian follicular development and ovulation in cattle; however, the mechanism of action of the two treatments may differ. Atretogenic treatments for ovarian follicles applied at the end of a period of progesterone treatment did not improve synchrony of ovulation.

Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency on serum and pituitary concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, GnRH receptors, and messenger ribonucleic acid for gonadotropin subunits in cows

Thirty-two nutritionally anestrous cows were used to determine the effect of the frequency of exogenous GnRH pulses on ovarian follicular growth, serum concentrations of LH and FSH, and concentrations of LH, FSH, GnRH receptors (GnRH-R), messenger RNA (mRNA) for GnRH-R, and mRNA for gonadotropin subunits in the pituitary. Cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 2 micrograms GnRH infused (i.v.) continuously during 1 h, 2 micrograms GnRH infused during 5 min once every hour, 2 micrograms GnRH infused during 5 min once every fourth hour, or saline (control) for 13 days. Infusion of GnRH every hour increased LH concentrations in serum (P < 0.05), but FSH concentrations were not affected by GnRH infusion. Luteal activity (LA) was assessed by the presence of corpora lutea and/or serum progesterone greater than 1 ng/ml. Six of eight cows infused with GnRH every hour had LA by day 13, whereas only 25% of cows infused either continuously or with a pulse every fourth hour had LA by day 13. None of the control cows had LA during the experiment (P < 0.01). Concentrations of LH and FSH in the pituitary were significantly reduced when GnRH was infused hourly or continuously. Concentrations of common alpha and FSH beta mRNA were not influenced by treatment. However, continuous infusion of GnRH decreased (P < 0.05) LH beta mRNA subunit. Concentrations of GnRH-R (P < 0.1) and GnRH-R mRNA (P < 0.05) were reduced when GnRH was infused continuously. We concluded that pulsatile secretion of LH is necessary for follicular growth and LA in beef cattle, and GnRH treatment differentially regulates LH and FSH gene transcription and serum concentrations of LH and FSH in cattle.