Effect of luteinizing hormone on goat theca cell apoptosis and steroidogenesis through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway

Anim Reprod Sci. 2018 Mar:190:108-118. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.01.014. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein that regulates the function of ovarian follicular cells. Theca cells (TCs) also have a key role in follicular growth and atresia. The effects and intracellular signaling mechanisms were investigated of LH on apoptosis and steroidogenesis in goat gonadotropin-independent follicular (1.0-4.0 mm) TCs. The results indicated that LH increased androstenedione secretion and relative abundance of CYP17A1 and BCL2 mRNA in the TCs, whereas LH in combination with LY294002, a PI3K/AKT inhibitor, decreased LH-induced function. The apoptosis ratio and expression of the BAX gene in TCs were less with LH treatment, and the extent of this inhibition was decreased by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, results of the present study indicate LH regulates apoptosis and steroidogenesis in goat TCs by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Goat; Luteinizing hormone; PI3K/AKT; Steroidogenesis; Theca cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Chromones / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Goats*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Morpholines / pharmacology
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Theca Cells / drug effects*
  • Theca Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Chromones
  • Morpholines
  • 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt