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Evidence of a role for prolactin as regulators of ovarian follicular development in goose
Ma, Rong; Jiang, Dongmei; Chen, Ziyu & Kang, Bo
Abstract
Background:
Prolactin (PRL) regulates development and reproduction, and its effects are mediated by the
prolactin receptor (PRLR). In order to clarify the role of PRLR and PRL in the process of follicular development
in the goose ovary, the level of PRLR mRNA expression in the ovary and follicles of the Sichuan white goose
was determined, as well as the PRL concentration in ovarian follicles.
Results:
The level of PRLR mRNA in the hierarchical follicles (HFs) initially increased, and subsequently decreased,
whereas PRLR expressionwas initially lowand later increased in postovulatory follicles (POFs). The level of PRLR
mRNA expression was the highest in the F4 follicles, and lowest in the F1 follicles in all of the examined follicles.
Compared with the level of PRLR mRNA expression in the small white follicles (SWFs), the level of PRLR mRNA
was 2.86- and 1.44-fold higher in the F4 and small yellow follicles (SYFs), respectively (P < 0.05). The level of
PRLR mRNA expression in the F4 follicles was highest (P < 0.05) in HFs. The highest PRL concentration in all of
the examined samples was observed in SYFs and F1, with concentration of 6162 mLU/g and 6197 mLU/g,
respectively. The PRL concentration in SYFs was significantly higher compared with SWFs (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The change of PRL concentration was similar to the PRLR mRNA expression level in preovulatory
follicles. These results suggest that the PRL mediated by the PRLR plays a stimulatory role in the SWF to SYF
transition.
Keywords
Postovulatory follicle; Preovulatory follicle; Prolactin receptor; Prolactin; Sichuan white goose
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