BMPRIB and BMPRII mRNA expression levels in goat ovarian follicles and the in vitro effects of BMP-15 on preantral follicle development

• DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1361-4
• Publication Date: 2012-02-29T21:43:43Z
• Authors: Isadora Machado T...; Ivina R. Brito; Rafael Rossetto; Ana Beatriz G. Du...; Giovanna Q. Rodri...; Márcia Viviane A....; José Jackson N. C...; Mariana Aragão M....; Christina A. Peixoto; José Roberto V. S...; José Ricardo de F...; Ana Paula R. Rodr...
• Keywords: Tissue Survival; 0301 basic medicine; Goats; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II; Tissue Culture Techniques; Meiosis; 03 medical and health sciences; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Ovarian Follicle; Oocytes; Animals; Humans; Female; RNA, Messenger; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I; Cell Proliferation

This study evaluated the levels of bone morphogenetic protein receptors BMPRIB and BMPRII mRNA in goat follicles and the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) on the in vitro development of cultured preantral follicles. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze the levels of BMPRIB and BMPRII mRNA in caprine preantral follicles and in small and large antral follicles. Preantral follicles (≥150 μm) were also isolated from goat ovaries and cultured for 18 days in α-MEM(+) supplemented with or without BMP-15 (10, 50, or 100 ng/ml). At the end of culture, some follicles were fixed for ultrastructural evaluation. Real-time PCR showed a reduction in BMPRII mRNA levels from the primary to secondary follicles. Higher levels of BMPRIB mRNA were observed in granulosa/theca cells from large antral follicles compared with small antral follicles. Moreover, BMPRII mRNA was expressed to a greater extent in cumulus-oocyte complexes from large antral follicles than in their respective granulosa/theca cells. In culture, 50 ng/ml BMP-15 positively influenced antral cavity formation and follicle growth after 18 days and also maintained follicular integrity. Thus, BMPRIB and BMPRII mRNAs are present in all follicular categories. BMP-15 (50 ng/ml) stimulates growth, antrum formation and the ultrastructural integrity of isolated caprine preantral follicles after 18 days of culture.