Journal of Reproduction and Development
Online ISSN : 1348-4400
Print ISSN : 0916-8818
ISSN-L : 0916-8818
Original Article
Long-term Estradiol-17β Administration Decreases the Number of Neurons in the Caudal Mesenteric Ganglion Innervating the Ovary in Sexually Mature Gilts
Marlena KOSZYKOWSKAJaroslaw CALKAPiotr SZWAJCABarbara JANA
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2011 Volume 57 Issue 1 Pages 62-71

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Abstract

The effect of estradiol-17β (E2) on the number and distribution of neurons in the caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) supplying the ovary of adult pigs was investigated. Also, the numbers of ovarian dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH-), neuropeptide Y (NPY-), somatostatin (SOM-), galanin (GAL-) and estrogen receptor (ER)-immunoreactive perikarya as well as the density of the intraganglionic nerve fibers containing DβH and/or NPY, SOM, GAL were determined. E2 was administered i.m. from day 4 of the first studied estrous cycle to the expected day 20 of the second studied cycle. Injections of E2 (1) increased the E2 level in the peripheral blood approximately 4-5 fold, (2) decreased the number of small-sized Fast Blue-positive postganglionic neurons in the CaMG, (3) decreased the number of small perikarya in the ventral, dorsal and central regions of the CaMG, (4) decreased the number of large perikarya in the dorsal and central regions, (5) decreased the number of small and large perikarya in the CaMG that were DβH+/NPY+, (6) decreased the number of small DβH+ but NPY- perikarya, (7) decreased the number of small perikarya coded DβH+/SOM+ and DβH+/SOM-, (8) decreased the number of small DβH+/GAL- perikarya, (9) decreased the number of small and large perikarya expressing ER subtypes α and β and (10) decreased the total number of nerve fibers in the CaMG containing DβH and/or NPY and DβH and/or GAL. These results show that long-term E2 treatment of adult gilts downregulates the populations of both noradrenergic and ERs expressing ovarian neurons in the CaMG. Our findings suggest also that elevated E2 levels that occur during pathological states may regulate gonadal function(s) by affecting ovary supplying neurons.

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© 2011 Society for Reproduction and Development

この記事はクリエイティブ・コモンズ [表示 - 非営利 - 改変禁止 4.0 国際]ライセンスの下に提供されています。
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.ja
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