Adipokines represent a link between the subject’s energy availability and a regular performance of the reproductive activity (1). Apelin (Apln) and resistin are newly discovered adipokines that have never been studied in sheep. Their investigation at the reproductive apparatus level is aimed at obtaining information on the effect of different nutrition states in grazing animals in specific climatic situations (e.g. summer), allowing to support the management of these animals in the areas of the central Apennines. As Apln system regards, an extensive investigation was performed to observe its distribution in the organs of the reproductive apparatus. Instead, the study of resistin was focused on uterus comparing ewes subjected to different nutritional level. Investigation was carried out on 15 adult female ewes in dry stage reared in a semi-natural pasture and fed with fresh hay from June to the pasture maximum flowering (MxF). From this period to maximum dryness, the control group (Cnt) was fed with fresh hay while, the experimental group (Exp) was fed with fresh hay supplemented with 600g/day/head of barely and corn (1:1). Apln and Apln receptor (AplnR) were analysed by RTPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the ovary, oviduct and uterus. In addition, concentrations of plasma Apln were evaluated on 5 animals from the MxF to MxD period. Resistin was evaluated in the uterus by means of IHC and western blotting comparing Cnt and Exp groups. Apln system was observed in the corpus luteum, in the lining epithelium of the oviduct and uterus and in the uterine glands. The highest levels of Apln and AplnR mRNAs were detected in the MxD group ewes in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle compared to the MxF group in the anestrous phase. Plasma Apln levels was fairly constants during the period evaluated. Resistin was observed in the lining epithelium of uterus and in the uterine glands where Exp group showed a stronger immunohistochemical staining. Our findings support the existence of a peripheral Apln and resistin system in the sheep reproductive apparatus. Molecular expression differences could be related to the tissue cyclic activity and seem to be also affected by the diet. Data obtained in this study may support the decisional processes about the management of seminatural pastures in the central Apennines also considering the increasing summer aridity, preserving the agro-zootechnical activities. References Kurowska P., Barbe A., Różycka M., Chmielińska J., Dupont J., Rak A., 2018. Apelin in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Different Species: A Critical Review. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2018: 9170480.
Apelin and resistin, new adipokines acting on the reproductive apparatus of the sheep: a molecular investigation as a supporting tool in the grassland ecosystem management
Mercati Francesca
;Maranesi Margherita;Coliolo Paola;Dall’Aglio Cecilia
2019
Abstract
Adipokines represent a link between the subject’s energy availability and a regular performance of the reproductive activity (1). Apelin (Apln) and resistin are newly discovered adipokines that have never been studied in sheep. Their investigation at the reproductive apparatus level is aimed at obtaining information on the effect of different nutrition states in grazing animals in specific climatic situations (e.g. summer), allowing to support the management of these animals in the areas of the central Apennines. As Apln system regards, an extensive investigation was performed to observe its distribution in the organs of the reproductive apparatus. Instead, the study of resistin was focused on uterus comparing ewes subjected to different nutritional level. Investigation was carried out on 15 adult female ewes in dry stage reared in a semi-natural pasture and fed with fresh hay from June to the pasture maximum flowering (MxF). From this period to maximum dryness, the control group (Cnt) was fed with fresh hay while, the experimental group (Exp) was fed with fresh hay supplemented with 600g/day/head of barely and corn (1:1). Apln and Apln receptor (AplnR) were analysed by RTPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the ovary, oviduct and uterus. In addition, concentrations of plasma Apln were evaluated on 5 animals from the MxF to MxD period. Resistin was evaluated in the uterus by means of IHC and western blotting comparing Cnt and Exp groups. Apln system was observed in the corpus luteum, in the lining epithelium of the oviduct and uterus and in the uterine glands. The highest levels of Apln and AplnR mRNAs were detected in the MxD group ewes in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle compared to the MxF group in the anestrous phase. Plasma Apln levels was fairly constants during the period evaluated. Resistin was observed in the lining epithelium of uterus and in the uterine glands where Exp group showed a stronger immunohistochemical staining. Our findings support the existence of a peripheral Apln and resistin system in the sheep reproductive apparatus. Molecular expression differences could be related to the tissue cyclic activity and seem to be also affected by the diet. Data obtained in this study may support the decisional processes about the management of seminatural pastures in the central Apennines also considering the increasing summer aridity, preserving the agro-zootechnical activities. References Kurowska P., Barbe A., Różycka M., Chmielińska J., Dupont J., Rak A., 2018. Apelin in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Different Species: A Critical Review. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2018: 9170480.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
