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Changes in the mRNA expression of structural proteins, hormone synthesis and secretion from bovine placentome
A Wojciechowska1, J Mlynarczuk1, J Kotwica1
1Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland.
Abstract:
Disorders in the barrier function and secretory activity of the placenta can be caused by xenobiotics (XB) present in the environment and their accumulation in tissues of living organisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,-bis-4-chlorophenyl-ethane (DDT) and its metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis-4-chlorophenyl-ethene (DDE) (for 24 or 48h) at doses of 1, 10 or 100ng/ml on the function of cow placentome sections in the second trimester of pregnancy. DDT and DDE affected neither (P>0.05) the viability nor hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1α) mRNA expression of the sections. XB decreased (P<0.05) connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 43 and placenta-specific 1 (PLAC-1) mRNA expression but did not affect (P>0.05) keratin 8 (KRT8) mRNA expression. DDT and DDE also reduced (P<0.05) prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) synthase (PGFS) mRNA expression, while DDT increased (P<0.05) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase (PGES) mRNA expression. Neither cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA expression nor PGF2α and PGE2 secretion were affected. Both DDT and DDE increased (P<0.05) neurophysin I/oxytocin (NP1/OT) mRNA expression and oxytocin (OT), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) secretion while DDT stimulated only 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) mRNA expression (P<0.05). In summary, DDT and DDE impaired the barrier function and secretory activity of the placenta. Thus, these compounds can disrupt trophoblast invasion, myometrium contractility and gas/nutrient exchange throughout pregnancy in cows.
Insights
Environmental toxins like DDT and DDE disrupt cow placental function. These xenobiotics impair barrier and secretory activities, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Reproductive biology
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Xenobiotics (XB) can disrupt placental barrier and secretory functions.
- DDT and its metabolite DDE are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Placental function is crucial for successful pregnancy in cattle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of DDT and DDE on cow placentome function.
- To assess impacts on barrier function, secretory activity, and gene expression.
- To understand potential disruptions during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of cow placentome sections with DDT and DDE (1, 10, 100 ng/ml for 24/48h).
- Measurement of cell viability and mRNA expression (HIF1α, Cx, PLAC-1, KRT8, PGFS, PGES, COX-2, NP1/OT, 3βHSD, CYP11A1).
- Quantification of secreted hormones (PGF2α, PGE2, OT, E2, P4).
Main Results:
- DDT and DDE did not affect cell viability or HIF1α mRNA.
- XB decreased Cx 26, 32, 43 and PLAC-1 mRNA, but not KRT8 mRNA.
- DDT/DDE reduced PGFS mRNA, while DDT increased PGES mRNA; COX-2, PGF2α, and PGE2 secretion were unaffected.
- DDT/DDE increased NP1/OT mRNA and OT, E2, P4 secretion.
- DDT alone increased 3βHSD and CYP11A1 mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- DDT and DDE impair placental barrier and secretory functions in cows.
- These xenobiotics disrupt key molecular pathways involved in placental function.
- Potential adverse effects on trophoblast invasion, myometrial contractility, and nutrient exchange during pregnancy.
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