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Animals
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Ovarian Function and Antral Follicular Development in Livestock Reproduction
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Ovarian Function and Antral Follicular Development in Livestock Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 December 2023) | Viewed by 8661

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Paweł Mieczyslaw Bartlewski

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Interests: livestock reproduction; hormonal control of ovarian function; reproductive processes
Dr. Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira

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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
Interests: ruminant reproduction; follicular dynamics; estrus synchronization; superovulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Studies conducted mainly in the 1990’s documented the pattern of ovarian follicular development in several livestock species. The temporal relationships among developing antral follicles were examined using serial transrectal ultrasonography. Those were the first reports of a wave-like pattern of ovarian follicular kinetics in females of mammalian species, and the results provided direct evidence that the conceptual model assumed for ovarian function had been incorrect. Contrary to traditional knowledge, females exhibit more than one follicular wave during their interovulatory period; a wave of follicular development refers to the simultaneous emergence of a cohort of antral follicles that continue to grow to ostensibly ovulatory diameters before regression or ovulation. Recurrent follicular waves emerge throughout the luteal phase of the estrous cycle; previously, antral follicular growth was believed to occur at random or as a single bevy of follicles which mature just before ovulation. In addition, the incidences and proposed putative mechanisms of abnormal follicular development, failure of ovulation, and inadequate luteal function have been described. These abnormalities may contribute to suboptimal fertility; however, their etiology is not completely understood. The application of transrectal ultrasonography for monitoring ovarian dynamics paved the way for extensive studies on the endocrine control of ovarian function. Moreover, ultrasound imaging combined with computer-assisted analysis of ultrasonograms is a promising tool for determining and predicting various aspects of ovarian physiology; however, their applications have not been fully explored or utilized yet. In the 2000’s and 2010’s, an array of imaging modalities including, but not limited to, color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography have been added to the repertoire of ovarian monitoring techniques. This field of research still holds legitimate potential for advancing our knowledge of animal reproduction and reproductive biotechnologies; hence, it deserves to become a subject of reinvigorated attention.

Prof. Dr. Paweł Mieczyslaw Bartlewski
Dr. Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ovary
  • antral follicles
  • corpus luteum
  • ovulation
  • ultrasonography
  • estrous cycle
  • endocrine control
  • controlled animal breeding
  • ultrasound image analysis
  • superovulation

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2781 KiB  
Article
Deciphering Cellular Heterogeneity and Communication Patterns in Porcine Antral Follicles by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
by Na Chen, Yong Zhang, Yuhan Tian, Shumei Wu, Fei Gao and Xiaolong Yuan
Animals 2023, 13(19), 3019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193019 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1861
Abstract
The antral follicle stage is a critical period in mammalian oocyte maturation, marked by complex interactions between oocyte development and neighboring granulosa cells. Understanding the heterogeneity and communication patterns of granulosa cells within antral follicles is crucial for deciphering their roles in follicle [...] Read more.
The antral follicle stage is a critical period in mammalian oocyte maturation, marked by complex interactions between oocyte development and neighboring granulosa cells. Understanding the heterogeneity and communication patterns of granulosa cells within antral follicles is crucial for deciphering their roles in follicle development and oocyte maturation. Here, we employed single-cell RNA-sequencing to explore the molecular and cellular characteristics of porcine antral follicles. Our analysis revealed distinct subpopulations within mural and cumulus granulosa cells, indicating diverse cellular states and functions within the follicles. Functional enrichment analysis unveiled the involvement of specific subpopulations in steroid biosynthesis, cumulus expansion, and cellular communication. Moreover, comparing mature and less mature follicles highlighted differences in cell distribution and functions, indicating developmental-specific variations. Our findings shed light on the intricate cellular heterogeneity and communication network within porcine antral follicles, providing valuable insights into the regulation of follicle development and oocyte maturation in pigs. These results hold promise for improving pig reproductive efficiency and advancing human reproductive medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ovarian Function and Antral Follicular Development in Livestock Reproduction)
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17 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Luteal Function, Biometrics, and Echotextural Attributes in Santa Inês Ewes Superovulated with Different Total Doses of Porcine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
by Júlia Ribeiro Bevilaqua, Mariana Garcia Kako Rodriguez, Giovanna Serpa Maciel, Gabriel Brun Vergani, Jeferson Ferreira da Fonseca, Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski and Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
Animals 2023, 13(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050873 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2390
Abstract
Premature regression of corpora lutea (PRCL) may adversely affect the outcome of hormonal ovarian superstimulation in small ruminants, and the total dose of exogenous gonadotropins used may be one of the causes of this condition. There were two major objectives of the present [...] Read more.
Premature regression of corpora lutea (PRCL) may adversely affect the outcome of hormonal ovarian superstimulation in small ruminants, and the total dose of exogenous gonadotropins used may be one of the causes of this condition. There were two major objectives of the present study: (1) to evaluate the effects of different superovulatory doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) on the biometry, blood perfusion (Doppler), and echotextural characteristics of luteal structures; and, (2) to determine the usefulness of biometric, vascular, and echotextural luteal variables, as well as measurements of circulating progesterone (P4) concentrations for early detection of PRCL in superovulated Santa Inês ewes. Twenty-seven Santa Inês ewes received an intravaginal P4-releasing device (CIDR) from Days 0 to 8 (Day 0 = random day of the anovulatory period). An IM injection of d-cloprostenol (37.5 μg) was given at the time of the CIDR insertion and withdrawal. On Day 6, all the ewes received 300 IU of eCG IM and were divided into three treatment groups (each n = 9): G100 (100 mg); G133 (133 mg); and G200 (200 mg of pFSH) administered IM every 12 h in eight injections. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and jugular blood sampling for serum P4 measurements were performed on Days 11 to 15. On the day of embryo recovery (Day 15), all the ewes underwent diagnostic videolaparoscopy and were classified, based on their luteal characteristics, into three response groups: nCL (ewes with normal CL only); rCL (ewes with regressing CL only); and ewes with both nCL and rCL following the superovulatory regimen. Our present results indicate that the total pFSH doses of 100 mg and 200 mg result in similar ovulatory responses and luteal function/biometrics, although the percentage of donor ewes with nCL was greater (p < 0.05) for G100 compared with the G200 animals. An application of 133 mg of pFSH was associated with diminished luteogenesis. Lastly, circulating P4 concentrations, ultrasonographic estimates of total luteal area, and CL pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of numerical pixel values) are promising markers of luteal inadequacy in superovulated ewes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ovarian Function and Antral Follicular Development in Livestock Reproduction)
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15 pages, 1109 KiB  
Article
Ovarian Follicular Dynamics and Its Functional Significance in Relation with Follicle Deviation, Vaginal Cytology, and Hormone Profiles in Llamas (Lama glama)
by Uri H. Perez-Guerra, Yesenia M. Quispe, Henry I. Gonzáles, Natalio Luque, Domingo A. Ruelas, María I. Carretero, Miguel A. Gutiérrez-Reinoso, Manuel G. Pérez-Durand and Manuel García-Herreros
Animals 2022, 12(23), 3299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233299 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
The reproductive physiology in camelid species has its particularities. The present study aimed to characterize the ovarian follicular dynamics and its functional significance in relation to follicular deviation, vaginal cytological characteristics, and sexual hormone profiles in llamas as the first report in South [...] Read more.
The reproductive physiology in camelid species has its particularities. The present study aimed to characterize the ovarian follicular dynamics and its functional significance in relation to follicular deviation, vaginal cytological characteristics, and sexual hormone profiles in llamas as the first report in South American camelids. Non-pregnant, multiparous llamas (Lama glama; n = 10; age: 48–72 mo.; BCS: 2.5–3.0) were enrolled in the study. The ultrasonographic assessment was carried out transvaginally and follicular ablation was performed (day 0) when follicles were larger than 7 mm. The follicle number and diameter were scored daily throughout the process for a proper evaluation of the deviated follicles and to monitor the presence of new follicle pools (1.5 to 2.5 mm diameter). Vaginal cytological evaluation (parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells) was performed every other day until day 6. Endocrine profiles (17β estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, testosterone, and progesterone) during pre- and post-follicular deviation were determined by using the ELISA assay. Differential follicular dynamics both in the presence of a single dominant follicle (DF) and in codominance during the follicular deviation process were detected in llamas (p < 0.05). The percentage of superficial cells was the most related to the follicular wave phase. However, the percentage of parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells was not related to the phases of follicular growth, dominance, and regression (p > 0.05). Differential patterns among the different hormone concentration levels regarding the 17β estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, and testosterone during follicular deviation were observed, with the latter being significantly different along the deviation process (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of vaginal cytology assessment would not be sufficient to determine the follicular phases in llamas. Therefore, complementary analyses, such as ultrasonography and endocrine assessment, are strongly recommended to determine follicular dynamics during the follicular deviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ovarian Function and Antral Follicular Development in Livestock Reproduction)
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