Ovarian localization of 11beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD): Effects of ACTH stimulation and its relationship with bovine cystic ovarian disease.

AMWEG, AYELEN N.; SALVETTI, NATALIA R.; STANGAFERRO, MATIAS L.; PAREDES, ALFONSO; LARA, HERNAN; RODRIGUEZ, FERNANDA M.; ORTEGA, HUGO H.

DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2013 p. 126 - 140

0739-7240

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in cattle, and ACTH has been involved in regulatory mechanisms related to ovarian function associated with ovulation, steroidogenesis and luteal function. Here, we examined the localization of 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 proteins in the ovary of healthy cows and animals with spontaneous and ACTH-induced COD and the in vitro response of the follicular wall exposed to ACTH. After stimulation by ACTH, we documented changes in 11beta-HSD expression and cortisol secretion by the follicular wall of large antral and follicular cysts. Follicular cysts showed a higher constitutive expression of both enzymes, while ACTH induced an increase in 11beta-HSD1 in tertiary follicles and follicular cysts and a decrease in 11beta-HSD2 in follicular cysts. Moderate expression of 11beta-HSD1 was observed by immunohistochemistry in granulosa of control animals, wit an increase (P < 0.05) from primary to secondary, tertiary and atretic follicles. The level of immunostaining in theca interna was lower than that in granulosa. The expression of 11beta-HSD2 was lower in the granulosa of primary follicles than in that of secondary, tertiary and atretic follicles, and lower in the theca interna than in the granulosa. In ACTH-induced and spontaneously occurring follicular cysts, differences from controls were observed only in the expression of 11beta-HSD1 in the granulosa, being higher (P < 0.05) than in tertiary follicles. These findings indicate that follicular cysts may be exposed to high local concentrations of active glucocorticoids and indicate a local role for cortisol in COD pathogenesis and in regulatory mechanisms of ovarian function.