In recent years, vitamin D3 has been revealed as an important regulator of reproductive processes in humans and livestock; however, its role in the female reproductive system of poultry is poorly known. The aim of this study was to examine vitamin D3 receptor (VDR and PDIA3) and metabolic enzyme (1α-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase) mRNA transcript and protein abundances, and protein localization within the hen ovary, oviductal shell gland, pituitary, liver, and kidney. We demonstrated, for the first time, the patterns of the relative mRNA and protein abundances of examined molecules in the ovary, dependent on follicle development and the layer of follicle wall, as well as in other examined organs. Immunohistochemically, PDIA3, 1α-hydroxylase, and 24-hydroxylase are localized in follicular theca and granulosa layers, luminal epithelium and tubular glands of the shell gland, pituitary, liver, and kidney. These results indicate that reproductive tissues have both receptors, VDR, primarily involved in genomic action, and PDIA3, probably participating in the rapid, non-genomic effect of vitamin D3. The finding of 1α-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase expression indicates that the reproductive system of chickens has the potential for vitamin D3 synthesis and inactivation, and may suggest that locally produced vitamin D3 can be considered as a significant factor in the orchestration of ovarian and shell gland function in hens. These results provide a new insight into the potential mechanisms of vitamin D3 action and metabolism in the chicken ovary and oviduct.
Keywords: 1α-hydroxylase; 24-hydroxylase; PDIA3; VDR; chicken; reproductive system; vitamin D3 metabolism; vitamin D3 receptors.