Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors during development and regression of the bovine corpus luteum

There is evidence that fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in the regulation of growth and regression of the corpus luteum (CL). However, the expression pattern of most FGF receptors (FGFRs) during CL lifespan is still unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the pattern of expression of 'B' and 'C' splice variants of FGFRs in the bovine CL. Bovine CL were collected from an abattoir and classed as corpora hemorrhagica (Stage I), developing (Stage II), developed (Stage III) or regressed (Stage IV) CL. Expression of FGFR mRNA was measured by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and FGFR protein was localised by immunohistochemistry. Expression of mRNA encoding the 'B' and 'C' spliced forms of FGFR1 and FGFR2 was readily detectable in the bovine CL and was accompanied by protein localisation. FGFR1C and FGFR2C mRNA expression did not vary throughout CL lifespan, whereas FGFR1B was upregulated in the developed (Stage III) CL. FGFR3B, FGFR3C and FGFR4 expression was inconsistent in the bovine CL. The present data indicate that FGFR1 and FGFR2 splice variants are the main receptors for FGF action in the bovine CL.

Expression and Function of Fibroblast Growth Factor 18 in the Ovarian Follicle in Cattle

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on density and morphology of fibroblasts grown on root surfaces with or without conditioning with tetracycline or EDTA.

A study was conducted to evaluate in vitro the effect of root surface conditioning with basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) on morphology and proliferation of fibroblasts. Three experimental groups were used: non-treated, and treated with 50 microg or 125 microg b-FGF/ml. The dentin samples in each group were divided into subgroups according to the chemical treatment received before application of b-FGF: none, or conditioned with tetracycline-HCl or EDTA. After contact with b-FGF for 5 min, the samples were incubated for 24 h with 1 ml of culture medium containing 1 x 10(5) cells/ml plus 1 ml of culture medium alone. The samples were then subjected to routine preparation for SEM, and random fields were photographed. Three calibrated and blind examiners performed the assessment of morphology and density according to two index systems. Classification and regression trees indicated that the root surfaces treated with 125 microg b-FGF and previously conditioned with tetracycline-HCl or EDTA presented a morphology more suggestive of cellular adhesion and viability (P = 0.004). The density of fibroblasts on samples previously conditioned with EDTA, regardless of treatment with b-FGF, was significantly higher than in the other groups (P < 0.001). The present findings suggest that topical application of b-FGF has a positive influence on both the density and morphology of fibroblasts.

Zoledronic acid decreases gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor by human epithelial cells

Delayed wound healing in patients taking bisphosphonates could result from decreased expression of growth factors, which are directly related to cell proliferation and migration. In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by epithelial cells exposed to zoledronic acid 5 μmol for 48 h using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The gene expression of VEGF and bFGF by epithelial cells exposed to zoledronic acid decreased by 34% and 51%, respectively (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001). We conclude that zoledronic acid can decrease the expression of growth factors by epithelial cells. © 2013 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Fibroblast growth factor 17 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 enhance cumulus expansion and improve quality of in vitro-produced embryos in cattle

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influência da adição de fator de crescimento fibroblástico 10 (FGF10), durante a maturação oocitária, na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos

The Brazilian livestock stands out for having the world largest commercial herd of cattle and leads meat exportation and production of bovine embryos. The in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is considered an effective option to overcome problems such as infertility in cows with high economic value and also for genetic improvement of cattle. The in vitro oocyte maturation is an essential step to the success of IVP, but is still considered poor when compared to in vivo maturation. Recent studies have suggeested an important role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 (FGF10) on the in vitro maturation of oocytes, which favored the expression of genes related to oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion. Aware that maturity stage influences the final production of blastocysts, we aimed study to verify if the addition of FGF10 into the maturation medium is able to affect positively the IVP of bovine embryos. Hence, FGF10 was added to maturation in five different concentrations: 0.5 ng/mL (group 0.5), 2.5 ng/mL (group 2.5), 5 ng/mL (group 5), 10 ng/mL (group 10) and 50 ng/mL (group 50). Additionally, two other maturation groups were used, group BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin, 4 mg/mL) and group FCS (Fetal Calf Serum, 10%). The rates of cleavage, morula and blastocyst were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), differences of P<0.05 were considered significant. Cleavage rates did not differ between the seven groups. On the other hand, morula rate on FCS group was higher than groups BSA, 0.5, 10 and 50 (P<0.05), but did not differ among groups treated with intermediate doses of FGF10 (2.5 and 5). FCS group presented higher blastocyst rate compared to all other groups that were well below the FCS group (P<0.0001). Therefore, the use of FGF10 during oocyte maturation did not affect positively embryo development on the IVP of bovine embryos