Changes in ovarian tissue structure and distribution of oestrogen receptors in Huanghuai goats at different ages

Abstract

To observe developmental changes in the ovarian tissue structure and distribution characteristics of oestrogen receptors (ERs) in the ovaries of Huanghuai goats at different ages, we selected healthy Huanghuai goats ewes and divided them into five groups (i.e. 3-, 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-day-old groups), with 10 animals in each group. The serum was separated after blood collection through the jugular vein, and the contents of oestrogen (E) and progesterone (P) in the serum of Huanghuai goats at each age were determined. Three goats were randomly selected from each group and sacrificed after anaesthesia, and the ovarian tissue was quickly obtained and placed in 4% paraformaldehyde fixative to prepare the tissue sections. Using HE, oestrogen receptors were immunohistochemically stained and observed. These results showed many primordial follicles and occasional secondary follicles in the ovaries of 3-day-old Huanghuai goats. Ovarian reticular structures were observed in 30-day-old ovarian medulla, with occasional near-mature growing follicles. Mature follicles and corpus luteum were occasionally detected in 60-day-old ovarian cortex. The 90–120-day-old ovarian cortices contained growing and mature follicles, and the number of mature follicles and corpora lutea increased, implying a significant luteal involution period. The E and P contents in the 120-day-old group were significantly higher than those in the 3-, 30-, 60- and 90-day-old groups. The levels of ERα and ERβ in the 3- and 30-day-old groups were mainly distributed in the granulosa cells of ovarian reproductive epithelial cells, primordial follicles, atretic follicles, and primary and secondary follicles. The ERα and ERβ levels of the 60-, 90- and 120-day-old groups were also distributed in the granulosa cells and luteal cells of mature follicles, especially in the 120-day-old endometrial cells of mature follicles, where ERβ was distributed significantly. The overall expression of ERβ in the ovary was higher than that of ERα. The results of this study provide basic data on the ovarian development and the specific expression of ERs and PRs in the ovaries of Huanghuai white goats, which play an important role in ovarian development and precocity.