Ovarian stimulation induces high expression of interleukin-1β and disrupts the histological features of the fallopian tube

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between ovarian stimulation and interrupted gamete interaction in the rat fallopian tube in vivo. We evaluated the protein expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) via immunohistochemistry and assessed the key histological features of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uteri of the rats following treatment with mild (15 IU) and high (30 IU) doses of gonadotropins compared to an unstimulated control group. The serum concentration of estradiol was also determined by immunoassay. The results revealed that high levels of circulating estrogen were associated with higher expression of the IL-1β protein in the ovaries and fallopian tubes of highly stimulated rats than in those of the mildly stimulated and unstimulated control groups. In contrast, endometrial IL-1β immunoexpression was not affected by ovarian stimulation. The histological features of the fallopian tubes were also dramatically altered upon ovarian stimulation, reducing the efficiency of the fallopian tube. In conclusion, the resulting high circulating estrogen level disrupts the histological features of the fallopian tubes and can lead to higher expression of IL-1β, thus negatively affecting gamete interactions in vivo. These results provide useful information regarding the lower fertilization rate observed following ovarian stimulation.

Repeated hyperstimulation affects the ultrastructure of mouse fallopian tube epithelium

“…The fine tuning of the histoarchitecture of FTs could be particularly sensitive to excessive estrogens induced by COH. After mild stimulation, an increased proliferation was, in fact, observed within the tubal epithelium, with pseudostratification of the epithelial cells and loss of their ciliated border [ 70 ]. Increased proliferation and multilayering of the tubal epithelium with the appearance of a micropapillary pattern were frequently observed at higher doses of gonadotropins [ 70 ].…”

“…FT epithelial cells expressed both estrogen and progesterone receptors, that were down-regulated by treatment with exogenous steroids [ 70 , 71 ]. However, while membrane steroid-binding proteins (as membrane progestin receptors) are exclusively expressed in CCs of mice and women –to probably control the beating of the cilia or receptor expression via feedback systems [ 71 ]– the nuclear Progesteron Receptor (PGR) is immunolocalized also in smooth muscle cells [ 72 ].…”

Morphofunctional Organization of the Uterine Tubes in the Conditions of Pathology

“…Результати показали, що високий рівень циркулюючого естрогену асоціювався з більш високою експресією білка IL-1ß в маткових трубах. Крім цього, високий рівень циркулюючого естрогену порушує гістологічні особливості маткових труб і може призвести до більш високої експресії IL-1ß, тим самим негативно впливаючи на взаємодію гамет in vivo [73]. Порушення гістологічної будови м'язових структур стінки перешийкової частини маткових труб незалежно від патологічних чинників у кінцевому підсумку призводить до неможливості проходження заплідненої яйцеклітини у порожнину матки або проходження сперматозоїдів через перешийкову частину маткової труби.…”

Oocyte recovery and in vitro embryo production in cows treated with a single dose of follicle-stimulating hormone

“…Ovaries are structures related to the production and secretion of hormones and other molecules that are essential to reproductive performance [1][2][3]. Pools of follicles are recruited continuously throughout the reproductive life of bovines but only one follicle advances to ovulation and this one is considered to be the dominant follicle.…”