VEGF system expression as important intraovarian component in the follicular persistence associated with bovine COD.

BARAVALLE M.E; STASSI, A.F.; BELOTTI M; VELÁZQUEZ MML; PERALTA B; SALVETTI NR; ORTEGA H.H.

Mar del Plata

Encuentro; LXI Reunión anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Clínica (SAIC); 2016

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Clínica

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the most important causes of reproductive failure in cattle. Cause anovulation and continuous growth of follicles to excessive diameters that fail to ovulate, persist and then interfere with normal ovarian function. Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by angiogenic factors. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one of the most important pro-angiogenic factors and VEGF Receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is the major mediator of the angiogenic effects of VEGF. The VEGFA protein expression in both the theca (TC) and granulosa cells (GC) increases significantly as follicles grew and matured. Thus we hypothesized that the alteration of these factors may contribute to the follicular persistence and pathogenesis of COD. The aim of this study was to examine VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression by immunohistochemistry in ovarian follicular structures during the development of follicular persistence induced in cows by long time progesterone administration. A low dose of progesterone was administered (n=5) for 0 (ovulation time) and 5, 10, and 15 days after the expected day of ovulation: groups P0, P5, P10, and P15, using an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device. Control cows (group C) received no additional hormonal treatment. Results showed changes in VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression along folliculogenesis, in GC and TC in the different stages of follicular persistence (p