Effect of thyroid dysfunction on NOS expression in the female rat

Thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for normal reproductive function and dysregulation of TH impairs follicular development. Although the functions of THs on female reproduction are of great interest, the mechanisms still remain unclear. Many studies have shown that NO plays important roles in female reproduction. In the present study, we investigate the effects of TH dysregulation on nitric oxide synthase types (NOS) expression in rats. Propylthiouracil (PTU) and L-thyroxine were administered to rats to induce hypo- and hyperthyroidism, respectively. Ovarian histology was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and protein or mRNA content was analyzed by Western blotting or RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that NOS1, NOS2 and NOS3 expressions were detected in the oocyte, granulosa cell and theca cell in all follicular stages, which were up-regulated by eCG treatment. NOS1 protein content was increased in both PTU and L-thyroxine treatments. There were no significant differences in NOS2 levels between the treatment and the control group. However, NOS3 was only increased in the hyperthyroid group. These results were consistent with the IHC staining. The present study provides evidence that TH dysregulation alters NOSs profiles, which suggests that NOSs/nitric oxide (NO) is possibly involved in the regulation of female reproduction.