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Tankyrase inhibition regulates corpus luteum development and luteal function in gonadotropin‐treated rats
Author(s) -
Accialini Paula,
Irusta Griselda,
Bechis Andrés,
Bas Diana,
Parborell Fernanda,
Abramovich Dalhia,
Tesone Marta
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.22853
Subject(s) - corpus luteum , biology , luteal phase , wnt signaling pathway , medicine , endocrinology , follicular phase , steroidogenic acute regulatory protein , ovary , signal transduction , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , biochemistry , gene
Tankyrases are physiological regulators of Axin, a protein involved in several cellular processes, including Wnt signaling. Here, we investigated the effect of a specific Tankyrase inhibitor (XAV939) in follicular‐luteal dynamics, and its possible relationship with ovarian vascular development. Studies were designed to analyze the effect of intrabursa administration of XAV939 in gonadotropin‐treated prepubertal rats. In particular, we examined follicle and corpus luteum development, steroidogenesis, angiogenic markers, and apoptotic parameters. We found that in vivo inhibition of Wnt signaling impaired corpus luteum development, with a decrease in the number of corpora lutea balanced by a high number of cysts; decreased circulating progesterone levels, likely due to a decrease in Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein content in the corpus luteum; and increased pro‐apoptotic parameters. In addition, Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation, Vascular endothelium growth factor 120 content, and endothelial cell area were diminished in corpora lutea of inhibitor‐treated ovaries. Thus, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling appears to participate in the regulation of corpus luteum development and luteal cell function.