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Effects of l-arginine on endometrial microvessel density in nutrient-restricted Hu sheep.
- Source :
-
Theriogenology . Oct2018, Vol. 119, p252-258. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Nutrient deficiency in ruminants can lead to estrus cycle disorders, a decreased pregnancy rate, and reduce birth weight. l -arginine (L-Arg), an important amino acid, can improve uterine homeostasis in pregnant sheep and prevent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). However, most studies of L-Arg have been conducted on pregnant sheep and few have reported the effects of L-Arg on microvessel density (MVD) in the non-pregnant ovine endometrium. The processes of normal uterine cyclical development and implantation are dependent on a balanced of endometrial MVD. In this study, female Hu sheep were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 6), a nutrient-restricted group (n = 6), or an L-Arg supplemented nutrient-restricted group (n = 6). The effects of L-Arg on MVD in ovine endometrium were then studied. Our results showed that ovine endometrial MVD was significantly increased by nutrient restriction, but L-Arg counteracted the effect of nutrient restriction on MVD ( P < 0.05). Levels of angiogenic growth factors (including VEGFA, VEGFR2, and FGF2) had significant increases ( P < 0.05) in endometrium of nutrient restriction on sheep, but that L-Arg supplementation substantially decreased ( P < 0.05) their expressions in nutrient restriction sheep. Furthermore, oxidative stress caused by nutrient restriction was also alleviated by L-Arg supplementation in the ovine endometrium. Overall, the results suggested that L-Arg has crucial roles in maintaining the balance of endometrial MVD and angiogenic growth factors, and increasing anti-oxidation capability in the endometrium of nutrient-restricted sheep. This study will provide a theoretical basis and technical means for the normal development of endometrial microvessels in low nutrition level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *ESTRUS
*MAMMAL reproduction
*AMINO acids
*AMINO compounds
*ENDOMETRIUM
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0093691X
- Volume :
- 119
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Theriogenology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 131236450
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.017