Influence of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins-2 and -3 in the pathogenesis of cystic ovarian disease in cattle

Ovarian cysts are one of the major causes of infertility in dairy cows. The development is associated with an endocrine imbalance in the hypothalamo–hypophyseal–gonadal axis in which endocrine factors participate in follicular growth and differentiation and in the secretion of ovarian hormones. Insulin-like growth factor family are essential local regulators of ovarian follicle development and functionality and actions are mediated by binding protein activity. The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 in developing follicles of normal estrous cycling animals and with spontaneous and induced cystic ovarian disease (COD) to determine IGF bioavailability. The mRNA of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 in follicular walls was quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. Protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated reduced amounts of mRNA of both IGFBPs in the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles of animals with COD (P < 0.05). The present study suggests that the IGF system or imbalances between IGFs and IGFBPs may be involved in COD of cattle.