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Title: Comparisons of mRNA expression for insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type 2 receptor (IGF2R) and IGF-1 in small ovarian follicles between cattle selected and not selected for twin ovulations

Author
item Echternkamp, Sherrill
item AAD, PAULINE - Oklahoma State University
item SPICER, LEON - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2010
Publication Date: 9/1/2010
Citation: Echternkamp, S.E., Aad, P.A., Spicer, L.J. 2010. Comparisons of mRNA expression for insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type 2 receptor (IGF2R) and IGF-1 in small ovarian follicles between cattle selected and not selected for twin ovulations [abstract]. Proceedings of 8th International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium. p. 122 (Abstract # S38).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Both IGF-1 and -2 stimulate ovarian follicular cell proliferation and antral follicle development. Actions of IGF-1 and -2 are mediated through the IGF type 1 receptor, whereas binding of IGF-2 to the IGF2R results in its degradation. Information on the role of IGF2R in regulating bovine follicular development is limited, but IGF-1 reduced IGF2R in bovine follicular cells in vitro(1). Because cattle selected for twin ovulations (Twinner) have greater blood and follicular fluid IGF-1,(2) increased antral follicle numbers may result from IGF-1-mediated reduction in IGF2R. Experimental objectives were to assess relationships among IGF2R, aromatase, and IGF-1 mRNA expression in small (<5 mm) antral follicles and to determine their association with increased follicular development in Twinner cattle. Ovaries were collected from cyclic (d 5 or 6) Twinner (n=11) and non-Twinner (n=12) cows; pieces of cortex were fixed in 4% formaldehyde, dehydrated in ethanol and then xylene, and embedded in paraffin. Expression of mRNA was evaluated by in situ hybridization using 35S-UTP-labelled antisense and sense probes published for IGF2R, aromatase, and IGF-1. Slides were exposed to Kodak NTB-2 emulsion for 4 wk. Silver grain density was quantified in four areas of the granulosa and thecal layers of each antral follicle (2-7 follicles/cow) by Bioquant Nova Prime image analysis. Antisense minus sense density measurements were averaged for four replicates/follicle and specific expression data were analyzed for effect of genetic line using SAS Proc Mixed. Antral follicles from Twinners were smaller in diameter than non-Twinner follicles (1.9+0.1 vs. 2.3+0.1 mm; P=0.08), but thickness of granulosa layer did not differ (76.8+19.2 vs. 75.0+16.0 microns, respectively). Abundance of IGF2R mRNA was less within granulosa (3.4+0.8 vs. 6.3+0.8% specific grains; P<0.01) and thecal cells (3.1+0.7 vs. 4.9+0.6%; P<0.05) of Twinner vs. non-Twinner follicles, whereas abundance of aromatase mRNA was greater in granulosa of Twinner vs. non-Twinner follicles (17.5+1.6 vs. 7.8+1.4%; P<0.01). Expression of aromatase and IGF2R mRNA was correlated negatively in granulosa (r =-0.42; P