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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Steroidogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells: role of tumour necrosis factor-α and its possible signalling mechanisms

G. Basini, G. L. Mainardi, S. Bussolati and C. Tamanini

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 14(3) 141 - 150
Published: 10 May 2002

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the presence of bioactive tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bovine fluid collected from small (<5 mm) and large (>8 mm) follicles, as well as the production of the cytokine by the granulosa cells collected from the same type of follicles. Moreover, the effectiveness of 10, 1 and 0.1 ng mL-1 of human TNF-α (hTNF-α) in affecting the main parameters of granulosa cell function, progesterone (P4) and oestradiol-17β (E2) production, cell proliferation and apoptosis, was tested. In addition, the study aimed to determine whether the signalling mechanisms of TNF-α in these cells involve cAMP, nitric oxide or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F (PGF). It emerged that bioactive TNF-α is present in follicular fluid from both types of follicles and can be measured in media conditioned by granulosa cells from large follicles. As for the effects of hTNF-α , it inhibits P4 production in cells from both types of follicles and stimulates E2 output in those from small follicles; it does not affect proliferation, but it stimulates granulosa cell apoptosis. Finally, the effects of hTNF-α on bovine granulosa cells are not mediated by nitric oxide or cAMP, as neither of these substances were affected by treatment with the cytokine; however, in some way, they could be mediated through PGE2 and PGF, the production of which was inhibited by TNF-α in cells from small follicles.

https://doi.org/10.1071/RD01049

© CSIRO 2002

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