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Cell death during luteal regression in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)
F M Young1, P J Illingworth, S F Lunn
1MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, UK.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
|November 26, 1997
Summary
Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, increases during primate corpus luteum regression. This study investigated luteal regression mechanisms, finding apoptosis and vacuolar cell death involved in both natural and induced luteolysis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The precise mechanisms governing luteal regression in primates remain unclear.
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a potential contributor to this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of apoptosis in primate corpus luteum regression.
- To compare spontaneous and induced luteal regression mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Studied marmoset ovaries during normal ovarian cycles and after induced luteolysis.
- Induced luteolysis using prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue (cloprostenol) or GnRH antagonist (antarelix).
- Quantified apoptosis via morphological assessment and in situ DNA end-labeling.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis significantly increased in corpora lutea during the early follicular phase (late luteal phase) compared to the mid-luteal phase.
- Both cloprostenol and antarelix increased apoptosis, as detected by DNA end-labeling.
- Cloprostenol also increased apoptosis detected by morphometry.
- A distinct form of cell death involving cytoplasmic vacuoles was observed in both spontaneous and induced regression.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is elevated during both physiological and induced luteal regression in primates.
- An alternative cell death mechanism, characterized by vacuole formation, also participates in luteal regression.
- The relative contributions of apoptosis and vacuolar cell death require further investigation.