Seminal plasma regulates ovarian progesterone production, leukocyte recruitment and follicular cell responses in the pig

Abstract

Seminal plasma (SP) acts to influence the uterine endometrium after mating, activating synthesis of embryotrophic cytokines and inflammatory changes that condition the tract for embryo implantation and establishing pregnancy. The objective of this study was to investigate in pigs whether the ovary might also be responsive to SP exposure. Prepubertal gilts were synchronised with exogenous gonadotrophins and received transcervical treatment with pooled boar SP or PBS; then the ovarian tissue was recovered at 34 h (preovulation) and on days 5 and 9 after treatment. The ovarian response was assessed by measuring ovulation rate, number and size of corpora lutea, ovarian leukocyte populations, progesterone production in vivo, as well as responses of retrieved granulosa cells cultured in vitro. In SP-treated gilts, leukocyte recruitment into the ovarian tissues was increased fourfold at 34 h, with macrophages comprising the most abundant cell lineage. There was no effect of SP on the number of oocytes ovulated; however, the weight of corpora lutea was increased in SP-treated gilts. SP also induced an increase in plasma progesterone content seen from day 5 to at least day 9 after treatment. In addition, granulosa cells and thecal tissue retrieved from preovulatory follicles of SP-treated gilts were more responsive in vitro to growth factor-and gonadotrophin-stimulated cell proliferation and progesterone synthesis. These results suggest that uterine exposure to SP influences immune cell trafficking in the ovary and enhances steroidogenesis in early pregnancy. The effects of SP on ovarian function potentially contribute to reproductive success in the pig.

Spermadhesin PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer induces migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils into the uterine cavity of the sow

“…Likewise, use of several protein doses would require a rather large number of specimens. Studies could be done in vitro, of course, but this would lead to the paradoxical results of SP experiments present in the literature (Veselsky et al, 1991; Bischof et al, 1994; Rozeboom et al, 2001a-b;O'Leary et al, 2004O'Leary et al, , 2006 Taylor et al, 2008 Taylor et al, , 2009b Alghamdi et al, 2009), regarding the pro-inflammatory respectively the attenuating effects of the SP.…”

“…Likewise, use of several protein doses would require a rather large number of specimens. Studies could be done in vitro, of course, but this would lead to the paradoxical results of SP experiments present in the literature (Veselsky et al, 1991; Bischof et al, 1994; Rozeboom et al, 2001a-b;O'Leary et al, 2004O'Leary et al, , 2006 Taylor et al, 2008 Taylor et al, , 2009b Alghamdi et al, 2009), regarding the pro-inflammatory respectively the attenuating effects of the SP.For how long does the inflammation persist? Few studies have been done to determine the exact duration of the inflammation itself, and they focused on the presence of invading PMNs (Lovell and Getty, 1968; Rodriguez-Martinez et al, 1990; Bischof et al, 1994; Alghamdi et al., 2009).…”

Cellular Regulation of the Uterine Microenvironment That Enables Embryo Implantation

“…Immediately after copulation, the presence of seminal fluid attracts innate and adaptive immune cells due to the fact that seminal fluid can rapidly activate cytokine secretion (20). This is true for several animal species and has been most studied in mouse models.…”

Immunological determinants of implantation success

“…In both mice and pigs, seminal plasma exposure is associated with increased numbers of macrophages in corpora lutea (Gangnuss et al, 2004) and these cells have essential roles in the remodelling events required to sustain steroidogenic function (Care et al, 2013, O'Leary et al, 2006.…”