title: Immunohistochemical localization of CD31, NOTCH1 and JAGGED1 proteins in experimentally induced polycystic ovaries of immature rats.
abstract: We analyzed histomorphometrical changes and blood vessel immunohistochemical staining of CD31, NOTCH1 and JAGGED1 in induced polycystic ovaries of immature female Wistar rats, as well as serum hormone levels. The rats were randomly divided into control (n=18) and treated (n=18) groups. Treated animals received intramuscularly testosteronenantat weekly (0.1mg/g). Controls received the same amount of ricinus oil. Rats were weighed daily. Control and treated subgroups (6 rats per subgroup) were subsequently sacrificed after 21, 28 and 35 days of treatment. In ovaries of treated rats we found large cystic follicles, thick stromal tissue, many atretic preantral follicles, no ovulation and a thinner granulosa cell layer. CD31 stained blood vessels in the theca layer were reduced, with reduced JAGGED1 and NOTCH1 immunostaining. In controls, preantral and antral follicles were larger than in the treated group. Treated animals showed statistically significant lower progesterone and higher testosterone levels. They gained more weight than controls. Reduced immunostaining for NOTCH1 and JAGGED1 of reduced blood vessels of the theca layer was found in all stages of folliculogenesis with a distinct reduction in cystic and atretic follicles. Our results provide evidence of intrinsic abnormality during all stages of folliculogenesis in polycystic ovaries and this may result from crosstalk between circulating gonadotropins and follicular angiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecological Pathology and GY & OB, University Hospital Merkur, Zajceva 19, Zagreb, Croatia. skrtic.anita@gmail.com
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skrtic
authors.forename: Lea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sokolic
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borovecki
authors.forename: Jagoda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.forename: Vanja
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fenzl
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000072100:Jagged-1 Protein; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000098:blood supply / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D051881:Receptor, Notch1 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000072099:Serrate-Jagged Proteins
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C000606273:JAG1 protein, human; C000606275:Jag1 protein, rat; D000072100:Jagged-1 Protein; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C497763:Notch1 protein, rat; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D051881:Receptor, Notch1; D000072099:Serrate-Jagged Proteins