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

BARAVALLE M.E.; STASSI, A.F.; BELOTTI, E.M.; VELAZQUEZ M.M.L.; PERALTA, M.B.; SALVETTI, N.R.; ORTEGA, H.H.

Mar del Plata

Congreso; LXI REUNIÓN ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE INVESTIGACIÓN CLÍNICA (SAIC); 2016

SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE INVESTIGACIÓN CLÍNICA (SAIC)

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the most importantcauses of reproductive failure in cattle. Cause anovulation andcontinuous growth of follicles to excessive diameters that fail toovulate, 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 themost important pro-angiogenic factors and VEGF Receptor-2(VEGFR2) is the major mediator of the angiogenic effects ofVEGF. The VEGFA protein expression in both the theca (TC) andgranulosa cells (GC) increases significantly as follicles grew andmatured. Thus we hypothesized that the alteration of these factorsmay contribute to the follicular persistence and pathogenesis ofCOD. The aim of this study was to examine VEGFA and VEGFR2expression by immunohistochemistry in ovarian follicular structuresduring the development of follicular persistence induced incows by long time progesterone administration. A low dose ofprogesterone was administered (n=5) for 0 (ovulation time) and5, 10, and 15 days after the expected day of ovulation: groupsP0, P5, P10, and P15, using an intravaginal progesteronereleasingdevice. Control cows (group C) received no additionalhormonal treatment. Results showed changes in VEGFA andVEGFR2 expression along folliculogenesis, in GC and TC inthe different stages of follicular persistence (p