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Immunohistochemical determination of mTOR pathway molecules in ovaries and uterus in rat estrous cycle stages

Gulcin Ekizceli1, Sevinc Inan2, Gulperi Oktem3

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey. ekizceli.g@gmail.com.

Histology and Histopathology
|September 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are involved in rat ovulation. These signaling molecules, including mTOR and ERK, are crucial for ovarian function during the estrous cycle.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulates critical cellular processes including growth, proliferation, and autophagy.
  • The MAPK pathway, particularly ERK, is interconnected with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
  • Understanding these signaling pathways is vital for comprehending reproductive physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of mTOR and related signaling molecules in rat ovaries and uteruses during the estrous cycle.
  • To analyze the expression patterns of key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways.
  • To elucidate the involvement of these pathways in the rat ovulation process.

Main Methods:

  • Estrus cycle staging in female rats using vaginal smears (proestrous, estrous, metestrous, diestrous).
  • Immunohistochemical staining for mTORC1, IGF1, PI3K, pAKT1/2/3, ERK1, and pERK1/2 in ovarian and uterine tissues.
  • Western blotting analysis for pAKT1/2/3 and ERK1 protein expression.

Main Results:

  • Both PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/pERK signaling pathways showed increased activity during rat ovulation.
  • Antibody immunoreactivity for all markers was detected in various ovarian and uterine tissues, with strongest expression for ERK1.
  • Highest antibody expression in the corpus luteum was observed during the metestrous stage, distinct from other ovarian regions.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR and mTOR-related ERK signaling molecules likely play a significant role in the rat ovulation process.
  • The PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways are dynamically regulated during the estrous cycle.
  • Further research into these pathways could offer insights into reproductive health and potential therapeutic targets.

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