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Postnatal uterine development in Inverdale ewe lambs
Kanako Hayashi1, Anne R O'Connell, Jennifer L Juengel
1Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A and M University, 442 Kleberg Center, 2471 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2471, USA. kanako@tamu.edu
Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Neonatal ovarian factors, like testosterone and inhibin-alpha, are crucial for uterine development and gland formation in ewes. The Inverdale gene mutation impairs ovarian follicle development, leading to reduced uterine growth and fewer endometrial glands.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Postnatal uterine development, particularly endometrial gland formation, is influenced by ovarian factors.
- The Inverdale gene mutation (FecXI) in ewes leads to infertile 'streak' ovaries lacking developing follicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postnatal uterine development differences between wild-type and homozygous Inverdale (II) ewes.
- To identify potential ovarian factors influencing uterine growth and endometrial gland development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of uterine weight, length, and weight:length ratio in wild-type and II ewes at postnatal day 56.
- Histomorphometrical analysis of endometria and myometria, including endometrial gland counts.
- Hormonal analysis of estradiol, testosterone, and inhibin-alpha concentrations.
- Detection of androgen and activin receptors in neonatal uteri.
Main Results:
- Homozygous Inverdale (II) ewes exhibited significantly reduced uterine weight (52% lower) and uterine weight:length ratio (68% reduction) compared to wild-type ewes.
- Endometria and myometria were thinner in II ewes, with 38% fewer endometrial glands in the intercaruncular endometrium.
- II ewes had lower concentrations of testosterone and inhibin-alpha between postnatal days 14 and 56, while estradiol levels were similar.
Conclusions:
- Developing ovarian follicles secrete uterotrophic factors, potentially testosterone or inhibin-alpha, essential for neonatal uterine growth and endometrial gland development.
- The Inverdale mutation disrupts ovarian development, impairing the secretion of these factors and consequently hindering uterine development.
