Alterations of Cortisol and Melatonin Production by the Theca Interna Cells of Porcine Cystic Ovarian Follicles

Abstract

(1) Background: Cortisol and melatonin (MT) act in regulating follicular development. We hypothesized that abnormal levels of cortisol, MT, and steroids in theca interna cells might be involved in the development of follicular cysts in sows. (2) Methods: To test this hypothesis, we measured the mRNA levels of enzymes involved in steroid hormone synthesis, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and melatonin receptors (MTRs) in theca interna cells of cystic and normal porcine follicles. (3) Results: The concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol were greater in cystic follicles than in control ones (p = 0.034, p = 0.020, p = 0.000), but the concentration of MT was significantly lower (p = 0.045). The levels of GR, 11β-HSD1, and 11β-HSD2 were higher in cystic follicles than in control l follicles. MT types 1 and 2 were significantly lower in cystic follicles (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of genes encoding the steroid hormone synthesis enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), recombinant cytochrome P45011A1 (CYP11A1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in theca interna cells of cystic follicles were significantly higher than in control follicles. Thus, there was disruption of hormone secretion in the fluid of cystic follicles in sows. (4) Conclusions: The levels of steroid hormones, cortisol and MT are disrupted in porcine cystic follicles.

Role of Melatonin in Ovarian Function

“…Melatonin uses the PI3K/Akt pathway to mediate the synthesis and secretion of progesterone by theca cells [58]. Abnormal levels of melatonin in theca interna cells might be associated with the development of follicular cysts in sows [59]. The mechanims of protection from the oxidative stress that damages the maturing oocyte and granulosa cells have also been documented [9,60,61].…”

Association of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders with Bovine Ovarian Follicular Cysts

“…Individual follicles were carefully dissected from the ovarian stroma with scissors and forceps after three-times PBS washing in 100 mm dishes. And the collection of follicular fluid and theca interna was according to the method published previously [26]. The collected follicular fluid was then centrifuged at 2000× g for 10 min and stored at −80 • C for further hormone detection; the theca interna was then frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 • C for subsequent RNA extraction and mRNA expression analysis.…”