| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2098380 | Theriogenology | 2006 | 8 Pages |
The objective was to determine whether expression of estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) of laying hens was altered after repeated artificial insemination (AI). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of mRNA of the two types of receptor, ERα and ERβ. Only ERα mRNA was expressed in all segments of the oviducts of both virgin and artificially inseminated birds, whereas ERβ mRNA was expressed in ovarian follicles but not in the oviduct. The expression of ERα mRNA in the UVJ was significantly decreased after repeated AI, whereas that in the uterus was not significantly different between virgin and inseminated birds. Since estrogen may be involved in maintaining the sperm storage function of sperm storage tubules, the decreased expression of ERα mRNA in the UVJ after repeated AI may contribute to reduced fertility in these birds.
