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

• Published in: Cell and tissue research 2012-04, Vol.348 (1), p.225-238
• Main Authors: Lima, Isadora Machado T., Brito, Ivina R., Rossetto, Rafael, Duarte, Ana Beatriz G., Rodrigues, Giovanna Q., Saraiva, Márcia Viviane A., Costa, José Jackson N., Donato, Mariana Aragão M., Peixoto, Christina A., Silva, José Roberto V., de Figueiredo, José Ricardo, Rodrigues, Ana Paula R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 - pharmacology; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I - genetics; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I - metabolism; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II - genetics; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II - metabolism; Cell culture; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Female; Gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - drug effects; Goats - genetics; Human Genetics; Humans; Meiosis - drug effects; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Molecular Medicine; Neurons; Oocytes - cytology; Oocytes - drug effects; Oocytes - metabolism; Ovarian Follicle - cytology; Ovarian Follicle - growth & development; Ovarian Follicle - metabolism; Ovarian Follicle - ultrastructure; Proteins; Proteomics; Regular Article; Ribonucleic acid; RNA; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Tissue Culture Techniques; Tissue Survival - drug effects
• ISSN: 0302-766X; 1432-0878
• DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1361-4

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.