Sex steroids drive the remodeling of oviductal extracellular matrix in cattle

Biol Reprod. 2018 Sep 1;99(3):590-599. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioy083.

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a group of molecules that offer structural and biochemical support to cells and interact with them to regulate their function. Also, growth factors (GFs) stored in the ECM can be locally released during ECM remodeling. Here, we hypothesize that the balance between ECM components and remodelers is regulated according to the ovarian steroid milieu to which the oviduct is exposed during the periovulatory period. Follicular growth was manipulated to generate cows that ovulated small follicles (SF-small corpus luteum [SCL]; n = 20) or large follicles (LF-large corpus luteum [LCL]; n = 21) and possess corresponding Estradiol (E2) and Progesterone (P4) plasmatic concentrations. Ampulla and isthmus samples were collected on day 4 (day 0 = ovulation induction) and immediately frozen or fixed. The transcriptional profile (n = 3/group) was evaluated by RNA sequencing. MMP Antibody Array was used to quantify ECM remodelers' protein abundance and immunohistochemistry to quantify type I collagen. Transcriptome analysis revealed the over-representation of ECM organization and remodeling pathways in the LF-LCL group. Transcription of ECM components (collagens), remodelers (ADAMs and MMPs), and related GFs were upregulated in LF-LCL. Protein intensities for MMP3, MMP8, MMP9, MMP13, and TIMP4 were greater for the LF-LCL group. Type I collagen content in the mucosa was greater in SF-SCL group. In conclusion, that the earlier and more intense exposure to E2 and P4 during the periovulatory period in LF-LCL animals stimulates ECM remodeling. We speculate that differential ECM regulation may contribute to oviductal receptivity to the embryo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Collagen Type I / biosynthesis
  • Collagen Type I / genetics
  • Computational Biology
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Ovarian Follicle / physiology
  • Ovarian Follicle / ultrastructure
  • Oviducts / physiology*
  • Oviducts / ultrastructure
  • Ovulation / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / blood

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • ADAM Proteins
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases