277. Is the high level of circulating FSH in Booroola ewes due to the Bmp R1b mutation?
J. Young A , S. Edwards B , P. Dearden A and T. Wilson BA Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
B Molecular Biology Unit, AgResearch, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 17(9) 114-114 https://doi.org/10.1071/SRB05Abs277
Submitted: 26 July 2005 Accepted: 26 July 2005 Published: 5 September 2005
Abstract
Booroola ewes are characterised by having high ovulation rate and litter size caused by the action of the Booroola fecundity gene (FecB), which encodes the bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) type 1b mutation (Q249R). The product of the FecB gene influences both pituitary and ovarian activity. In both neonatal and adult Booroola ewes carrying a double copy of the FecB allele, plasma concentrations of the pituitary-derived follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are higher than in non-carrier females. BMPR-1b is expressed in the sheep pituitary gland and recent reports have shown that in addition to GnRH, TGF-β family members such as BMP 6, 7, and 15 induce pituitary FSHβ expression. Thus BMPs may function in regulating FSH synthesis in the pituitary. We are investigating whether we can detect induction/secretion of FSH in response to BMP treatment of ovine primary pituitary cell cultures, with the aim of elucidating whether the Booroola mutation is the cause of the increased FSH secretion. Due to the high variance between cultures from different animals, and between replicates from the same animal, we are attempting to determine the best method for approaching the question. Some results from these investigations will be presented.
