Follicle stimulating hormone receptor protein is expressed in ovine uterus during the estrous cycle and utero-placenta during early pregnancy: An immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a well characterized gonadotropin that controls primarily development and functions of ovarian follicles in mammalian species. FSH binds to a specific G protein-coupled receptor (FSHR) belonging to the glycoprotein hormone receptor family that plays an essential role in reproduction. Although the primary location of FSHR is in the gonads (mainly in ovarian follicles), FSHR protein and/or mRNA have also been detected in extragonadal female reproductive tissues including embryo, placenta, endometrium, cervix, ovarian cancer tissues, and/or endometriotic lesions in several species. To determine the pattern of FSHR expression in the uterus and placenta, uterine tissues were collected at the early, mid- and/or late luteal phases of the estrous cycle from non-treated or FSH-treated ewes, and utero-placental tissues were collected during early pregnancy followed by immunohistochemistry and image generation. FSHR was immunolocalized to several uterine and utero-placental compartments including luminal epithelium, endometrial glands and surrounding stroma, myometrium, and endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells in endometrium, myometrium and mesometrium. Intensity of staining and distribution of FSHR in selected compartments differed and seems to depend on the stage of the estrous cycle or pregnancy, and FSH-treatment. These novel data demonstrate differential expression of FSHR protein indicating that FSH plays a specific role in regulation of uterine and utero-placenta functions in sheep.

BMP15 miR-31 FSHR axis regulates yak ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and P4 secretion

“…Studies have shown that FSHR mRNA is expressed in GCs and oocytes from ovaries [37]. Moreover, the expression of FSHR mRNA in the different follicle and GC development stages varies significantly because of the different degrees of dependence on FSH [32,38]. Thus, in the process of mammalian ovarian follicle development the stimulation of FSH toward GCs needs to be combined with FSHR, and the amount of FSHR expressed on the surface of cells regulates the response of cells toward FSH.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the mRNA levels of FSHR are dependent on the size of ovarian GCs [32]. Thus, we hypothesized that yak ovarian GC proliferation is due to differences in the expression level of FSHR because of BMP15 regulation.…”

Effects of FSH treatment and withdrawal during proestrus on uterine proliferation and steroid hormone receptor expression in beef heifers

“…The reproductive tract and uterine samples were collected on Day 20 of the estrous cycle, corresponding to proestrus and estrus phase of the cycle. Cross‐sections of uterine body and horn were dissected from middle part of uterus as described previously (Grazul‐Bilska et al, 2019; Grazul‐Bilska, Reyaz, et al, 2018). Briefly, as soon as transported to the laboratory, the samples and uterine regions were classified microscopically (LE, EG, DG, and ES).…”

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor and Estrogen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Women With Discordant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels

“…Many studies have investigated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gynecological diseases and aimed to elucidate the differences caused by FSH receptor isoforms. These studies have shown that SNPs may alter exogenous FSH levels, leading to differential responses to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) [9][10][11].…”