Gene Expressions in the Persistent Corpus Luteum of Postpartum Dairy Cows: Distinct Profiles from the Corpora Lutea of the Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract. Persistence of the corpus luteum (CL) in cattle usually occurs during the puerperium and is associated with interference of prostaglandin (PG) F 2α release from the uterus. The objective of the present study was to determine for the first time the gene expressions in the persistent CL compared with the CL of pregnancy and cyclic CL. Three types of CL biopsy samples were collected from 32 lactating Holstein cows: (1) CL persisting for 29 to 33 days after the first ovulation postpartum (persistent CL, n=9), (2) CL between days 29 and 33 of early pregnancy (CL of pregnancy, n=8) and (3) CL between days 10 and 13 of the estrous cycle (cyclic CL, n=27). mRNA expression of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase-1 was upregulated only in the CL of pregnancy, confirming exposure to interferon-τ (IFNT) produced by trophoblasts in pregnant cows. mRNA expressions of immune tolerance-related factors (PGES and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor 3) were upregulated in the CL of pregnancy but not in the persistent CL, suggesting that IFNT controls upregulation of these genes. mRNA expression relating to some of the major systems such as lymphangiogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis were similarly upregulated in the persistent CL and the CL of pregnancy but not in the cyclic CL. The results suggest that the persistent CL may survive for a long period without changes in local immune tolerance but develops several major systems required for CL maintenance similar to the CL of pregnancy. Key words: Dairy cow, Early pregnancy, Persistent corpus luteum, mRNA expression (J. Reprod. Dev. 58: [445][446][447][448][449][450][451][452] 2012) I n mammals, the corpus luteum (CL) develops rapidly after ovulation and plays a crucial role in survival of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy by producing progesterone (P4). Luteinization of steroidogenic cells and angiogenesis are essential processes during CL development and maturation [1]. On the other hand, prostaglandin (PG) F 2α released by the uterine endometrium induces regression of the CL if pregnancy is not established. Formation, maintenance and regression of the CL are regulatory mechanisms controlled by various luteotropic and luteolytic factors that are mediated by the cyclic expression of key genes during the lifespan of the CL [2].Luteolysis in cattle is generated by the pulsatile release of PGF 2α by the endometrium between days 16 and 19 of the estrous cycle [3]. The persistence of the CL in cattle usually occurs postpartum in association with uterine disorders, such as fetal mummification, endometritis or pyometra [4]. In addition, mastitis [5] and negative energy balance [6] can cause a higher incidence of a prolonged luteal phase. It is generally thought that interference with the production or release of PGF 2α causes persistent CL [7]. Indeed, the lifespan of the CL can be prolonged for at least 145 days by immunization against PGF 2α , thereby maintaining plasma P4 concentrations above 4 ng/ ml [8]. Although a prolonged luteal phase due to CL persistence i...

Gene expression profiles in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and pregnancy: Possible roles of chemokines in regulating CL function during pregnancy

“…Growth factors including FGF, IGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are potent regulators of luteal function in cows [ 36 ]. Growth factors regulate both the formation and the regression of the CL in many species [ 37 , 38 ], but they may have other functions in the pregnant CL that have not yet been identified. Our results show that collagen and fibronectin genes in the CL are expressed more weakly at days 150–160 of pregnancy than in the estrous cycle ( Table 2 ).…”

Apoptosis-Related Factors in the Luteal Phase of the Domestic Cat and Their Involvement in the Persistence of Corpora Lutea in Lynx

“…So far, Eurasian, Iberian and Canada lynx are the only species where both structural and functional persistence of CL has been reported. In cows, the persistence of such functional CL is viewed as a pathology, because it prevents the initiation of a new ovarian cycle [ 71 ]. The unique physiological persistence of CL in lynx offers opportunity to learn more on the mechanisms of CL rescue.…”

Functional and Morphological Characterization of Small and Large Steroidogenic Luteal Cells From Domestic Cats Before and During Culture

“…An exception is the so called “persistent CL” which can be found on the ovary outside of these periods. Persistent CL are considered a pathological disorder and are connected to hormonal disruption and infertility, e.g., in cows (29, 30). In contrast, physiologically persistent and hormonally active CL have been described in lynx (31, 32).…”