Stage-specific gut microbial restructuring drives estrous transition in rabbits.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Microbiome Research
• Metabolomics

Background:

• The estrous cycle is crucial for reproduction in female mammals.
• Gut microbiota composition can influence host physiology, including reproductive functions.
• Understanding the interplay between microbiota and estrous cycles is vital for animal reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between colonic microbiota and estrous cycle transition in rabbits.
• To identify key microbial taxa and metabolites involved in estrus regulation.
• To explore the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions for reproductive management.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analyses were employed on rabbit colonic contents.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed in mice to assess microbial regulatory effects.
• Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) administration was tested for its role in estrus induction and cyclicity restoration.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in colonic microbial composition were observed between diestrus and early estrus rabbits.
• FMT from early estrus donors restored estrous cyclicity in mice, unlike diestrus FMT.
• Elevated levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in early estrus rabbits correlated with accelerated estrus onset and restored cyclicity.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota restructuring plays a significant role in regulating estrous transitions in rabbits.
• Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) emerges as a key metabolite mediating estrus regulation.
• These findings support the development of microbiota-targeted strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency in rabbit production.