Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Natural Mating Differentially Triggers Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1)-Related Genes in the Preovulatory Porcine Female Reproductive Tract
oleh: Mateo Ruiz-Conca, Jaume Gardela, Cristina Alicia Martínez, Dominic Wright, Manel López-Bejar, Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez, Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2020-06-01 |
Deskripsi
Mating initiates dynamic modifications of gene transcription in the female reproductive tract, preparing the female for fertilization and pregnancy. Glucocorticoid signaling is essential for the homeostasis of mammalian physiological functions. This complex glucocorticoid regulation is mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor, also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1/GR) and related genes, like 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11Bs) and the FK506-binding immunophilins, FKBP5 and FKBP4. This study tested the transcriptome changes in NR3C1/GR regulation in response to natural mating and/or cervical deposition of the sperm-peak ejaculate fraction collected using the gloved-hand method (semen or only its seminal plasma), in the preovulatory pig reproductive tract (cervix to infundibulum, 24 h after mating/insemination/infusion treatments). Porcine cDNA microarrays revealed 22 <i>NR3C1</i>-related transcripts, and changes in gene expression were triggered by all treatments, with natural mating showing the largest differences, including <i>NR3C1</i>, <i>FKBP5, FKBP4,</i> hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (<i>HSD11B1, HSD11B2),</i> and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (<i>STAT5A</i>). Our data suggest that natural mating induces expression changes that might promote a reduction of the cortisol action in the oviductal sperm reservoir. Together with the STAT-mediated downregulation of cytokine immune actions, this reduction may prevent harmful effects by promoting tolerance towards the spermatozoa stored in the oviduct and perhaps elicit spermatozoa activation and detachment after ovulation.