Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Corpus Luteum During Oestrous Cycle in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document the expression and localization of VEGF system comprising of VEGF isoforms (VEGF 120, VEGF 164 and VEGF 188) and their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle. Real-time RT-PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors. In general, all the components of VEGF system (the VEGF isoforms and their receptors) were found in the water buffalo CL during the oestrous cycle. The mRNA as well as protein expression of VEGF system was highest during the early and mid-luteal phase, which later steadily decreased (p < 0.05) after day 10 to reach the lowest level in regressed CL. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, VEGF protein was localized predominantly in luteal cells; however, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were localized in luteal cells as well as in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the dynamics of expression and localization of VEGF system in buffalo corpora lutea during the luteal phase were demonstrated in this study, indicating the possible role of VEGF system in the regulation of luteal angiogenesis and proliferation of luteal as well as endothelial cells through their non-angiogenic function.

Characterization of miR‐126‐3p and its Target Talin2 in the Bovine Corpus Luteum during the Oestrus Cycle

“…; Chouhan et al. ). Luteal tissues were separated from ovaries and frozen in liquid nitrogen until further analysis.…”

Stimulatory effect of luteinizing hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor on progesterone secretion and viability of cultured bubaline luteal cells

“…For the experiments, CL samples from early luteal phase (ELP; Days 1 to 4; n ¼ 4), mid-luteal phase (MLP; Days 5 to 10; n ¼ 4), and late luteal phase (LLP; Days 11 to 16; n ¼ 4) of estrous cycle were used, and these were selected based on the criteria outlined previously [34,35]. In total 24 (4 no/stage  3 stage  2 repetitions) no of CL were obtained.…”

Expression and localization of adiponectin and its receptors in ovarian follicles during different stages of development and the modulatory effect of adiponectin on steroid production in water buffalo

“…The role of pituitary gonadotropins and growth hormone is well established in the process of follicular and luteal dynamics. Nevertheless, recent evidences also proved the essential modulatory role by locally produced factors such as steroid hormones, peptides and growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IGF‐I, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), angiopoietin, thrombopoietin, ghrelin in the development of follicle, CL and regulation of reproductive cycle (Ali et al, ; Babitha et al, ; Berisha & Schams, ; Berisha, Schams, Kosmann, Amselgruber, & Einspanier, ; Chouhan et al, , ; Gupta et al, ; Gupta, Dangi, Singh, & Sarkar, ; Mishra et al, ; Sarkar, Schilffarth, Schams, Meyer, & Berisha, ; Uniyal et al, ). These locally produced compounds constitute a complex intraovarian autocrine, paracrine and juxtacrine regulatory system.…”