Modulation of Notch system in response to Wnt inhibition induces restoration of the rat luteal function

ACCIALINI, P.; PARBORELL, F.; BECHIS, A.; BAS, D.; TESONE, M.; IRUSTA, G.; ABRAMOVICH, D.

Congreso; Fertility 2019 Conference; 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Notch pathway is modulated in response to the down-regulation of theWnt/B-Catenin system in corpora lutea (CLs) from superovulated rats. To this end, we analyzed the effect of in vitro CL Wnt/B-Catenin inhibition on the expression of Notch members and on luteal function. Mechanically isolated rat CLs were cultured with ICG-001, a Wnt/B-Catenin inhibitor. In this system, Wnt/B-Catenin inhibition reduced progesterone production and decreased StAR protein levels. Besides, Wnt/B-catenin inhibition stimulated the Notch system, evidenced by an increase in Hes1 expression, and promoted the expression of selected Notch family members. At long incubation times, StAR levels and progesterone concentration reached the control values, effects probably mediated by the Notch pathway. These results provide the first evidence of a compensatory mechanism between Wnt/B-Catenin signaling and the Notch system, which contributes to the homeostasis of luteal cells.