Protective effect of oestradiol in the coeliac ganglion against ovarian apoptotic mechanism on dioestrus.

Abstract

The aims of this work were to investigate if oestradiol 10−8M in the incubation media of either the ovary alone (OV) or the ganglion compartment of an ex vivo coeliac ganglion–superior ovarian nerve–ovary system (a) modifies the release of ovarian progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) on dioestrus II, and (b) modifies the ovarian gene expression of 3-HSD and 20-HSD enzymes and markers of apoptosis. The concentration of ovarian P4 release was measured in both experimental schemes, and ovarian P4 and E2 in the ex vivo system by RIA at different times. The expression of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and antiapoptotic bcl-2 and proapoptotic bax by RT-PCR were determined. E2 added in the coeliac ganglion caused an increase in the ovarian release of the P4, E2 and 3-HSD, while in the ovary incubation alone it decreased P4 and 3-HSD but increased and 20-HSD and bax/bcl-2 ratio. It is concluded that through a direct effect on the ovary, E2 promotes luteal regression in DII rats, but the addition of E2 in the coeliac ganglion does not have the same effect. The peripheral nervous system, through the superior ovarian nerve, has a protective effect against the apoptotic mechanism on DII.