The effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide and tumour necrosis factor alpha on ovarian function.
OBJECTIVE
Pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are important causes of infertility in humans and domestic animals. Uterine infection with Escherichia coli in cattle is associated with reduced ovarian follicle growth and decreased estradiol secretion. We hypothesized that this effect could be mediated by the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha).


METHODS
In vitro, bovine ovarian theca and granulosa cells were treated with LPS or TNFalpha and steroid secretion measured. In vivo, the effect of LPS or TNFalpha intrauterine infusion was determined by ovarian ultrasonography and measurement of hormones in cattle.


RESULTS
Lipopolysaccharide reduced granulosa cell estradiol secretion, whilst TNFalpha decreased theca and granulosa cell androstenedione and estradiol production, respectively. In vivo, fewer animals ovulated following intrauterine infusion with LPS or TNFalpha.


CONCLUSIONS
Lipopolysaccharide and TNFalpha suppress ovarian cell function, supporting the concept that pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are detrimental for bovine ovarian health.
Williams
Erin J
EJ
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. erin.williams@ucd.ie
Sibley
Kelly
K
Miller
Aleisha N
AN
Lane
Elizabeth A
EA
Fishwick
John
J
Nash
Deborah M
DM
Herath
Shan
S
England
Gary C W
GC
Dobson
Hilary
H
Sheldon
I Martin
IM
D000735:Androstenedione / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology
D004967:Estrogens; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000735:Androstenedione; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone