RESUMEN
Prostaglandin F2α (PGF) induces the precipitous loss of steroidogenic capabilities and cellular death in the corpus luteum of many species, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this event are not completely understood. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was activated in granulosa cells during follicle atresia, whereas AKT is immediately down-regulated in the corpus luteum after PGF treatment in cattle; however, their involvement in both functional and morphological luteolysis in monovular species still need to be determined. Blood samples and corpus lutea were collected from cows before (0) and 2, 12, 24, and 48 hr after PGF treatment on Day 10 of the estrous cycle (4-5 cows per time point). Serum progesterone concentrations decreased by threefold (p < 0.05) within 2 hr, confirming functional luteolysis. The mRNA abundance of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX increased 12-48 hr post-PGF treatment (p < 0.05), while morphological luteolysis was observed 24 and 48 hr after PGF treatment, based on the loss of plasma membrane integrity, reduction of cytoplasmic volume, and pyknotic nuclei. Phosphorylated STAT3 increased, peaking at 12 hr, and remained elevated until 48 hr after PGF treatment. SOCS3 transcript abundance also increased (p < 0.05) starting at 2 hr post-PGF treatment. In contrast, AKT phosphorylation decreased by 12 hr after treatment. Thus, activation of STAT3 and inactivation of AKT signaling are involved in structural regression of the corpus luteum.
Asunto(s)
Cuerpo Lúteo/metabolismo , Dinoprost/farmacología , Luteólisis/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Bovinos , FemeninoRESUMEN
Castration of male calves is necessary for trading to facilitate handling and prevent reproduction. However, some methods of castration are traumatic and lead to economic losses because of infection and myiasis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of intratesticular injection (ITI) of hypertonic sodium chloride (NaCl; 20%) solution in male calf castration during the first weeks of life. Forty male calves were allocated to one of the following experimental groups: negative control-surgically castrated immediately after birth; positive control -intact males; G1-ITI from 1- to 5-day old; G2-ITI from 15- to 20-day old; and G3-ITI from 25- to 30-day old. Intratesticular injection induced coagulative necrosis of Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules leading to extensive fibrosis. Testosterone secretion and testicular development were severely impaired in 12-month-old animals from G1 and G2 groups (P<0.05), in which no testicular structure and sperm cells were observed during breeding soundness evaluation. Rectal and scrotal temperatures were not affected by different procedures. In conclusion, ITI of hypertonic NaCl solution induces sterility and completely suppresses testosterone secretion when performed during the first 20 days of life.