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Melatonin Receptors and Serotonin: Age-Related Changes in the Ovaries
Victoria Polyakova1,2, Dmitrii Medvedev3,4, Natalia Linkova1,2
1St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 2-4 Ligovskii Ave., 191036 St. Petersburg, Russia.
Introduction:
Melatonin and serotonin can influence certain aging processes in the ovaries. The main melatonin receptors are represented by types MT1 and MT2. The goal of investigation. Here, we evaluated the expression of genes and synthesis of MT1 and MT2 receptors, as well as serotonin synthesis in the ovaries during ontogenesis.
Methods:
We analyzed histological material obtained from the ovaries of infants, women of younger and older reproductive age, premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. For the analysis of MT1 and MT2 receptors and serotonin expression and synthesis, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used.
Results:
We found that the synthesis of serotonin, as well as MT1 and MT2 receptors in the ovaries significantly decrease in ontogenesis. The sharpest drop in these molecules was observed in samples obtained from one-year-old infants, as well as from pubescent girls and menopausal women. A statistically significant 2.3-7.6-fold decrease in the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in the ovaries was also observed in one-year-old infants, in adolescents, and in middle-aged women.
Conclusions:
These data are crucial to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging of the female reproductive system and the search for molecules predicting its aging.
Insights
Ovarian synthesis of serotonin and melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) declines with age, particularly in infants and menopausal women. Gene expression for these receptors also significantly decreases, impacting female reproductive system aging.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Aging research
Background:
- Melatonin and serotonin influence ovarian aging processes.
- Melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 are key players.
- Understanding their role in ovarian function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate MT1 and MT2 receptor gene expression and synthesis in ovaries across different life stages.
- Assess serotonin synthesis in ovaries during ontogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of ovarian tissue from infants to postmenopausal women.
- RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry used to analyze receptor and serotonin expression and synthesis.
Main Results:
- Ovarian synthesis of serotonin and MT1/MT2 receptors significantly decreases with age.
- Sharpest declines observed in infants, pubescent girls, and menopausal women.
- Significant reduction in MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene expression noted in infants, adolescents, and middle-aged women.
Conclusions:
- Findings are vital for understanding female reproductive system aging mechanisms.
- Identifies key molecules for predicting ovarian aging.
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