E-CADHERIN PLASMA LEVEL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EXPRESSION FOR ASSESSMENT OF OVARIAN RESERVE IN RABBIT

Abstract

Background: The primary reproductive organs in females are the ovaries, which produce hormones like estradiol and progestins as well as release mature ova. The ovaries are found at the extremities of the uterine tubes in the abdominal cavity, adjacent to the kidneys. The rabbit ovaries are so tiny. The ovary is made up of two layers; the outer layer, known as the cortex, houses the oocytes in various developmental stages within their follicles as well as muscle fibers, nerves, and blood vessels, the medulla is the inner layer of the consist of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. E-cadherin is a single-span transmembrane glycoprotein with five repetitions and a cytoplasmic domain. It plays a variety of roles as well, including ensuring tissue integrity and resistance to stretching, cell signaling, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, and carcinogenesis.

Aims of this study: Assessment of E-cadherin level and immunohistochemical expression as predicting parameter for ovarian reserve.

Material and methods:  female's rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of age (10 to more than108 weeks), weighting 600-3000 gm were randomized into two groups: group A (25 sample, young group), group B (25 sample, old group). All groups' animals prior to euthanasia, blood was collected from the heart for assessment of plasma level and then euthanized the animals. Specimens of ovaries were placed on positively charged slides of immunohistochemical staining.

Results: The current study showed significant differences of plasma E-cadherin levels (p=0.003), immune-histochemistry expression (p=0.024), primordial follicles count (p< 0.001) and antral follicles count (p<0.001); however, there was no significant difference of ovarian weight (p= 0.457) between group A and group B right ovaries respectively. Comparisons between group A and group B left ovaries were also showed significant differences of plasma E-cadherin levels (p=0.003), immune-histochemistry expression (p=0.01) primordial follicles count (p < 0.001), antral follicles count (p < 0.001) in addition to ovarian weight (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: E-cadherin expression (IHC) and plasma level are negatively correlated with animal age and ovarian weight. Higher E-cadherin (plasma level & IHC) associated with higher primordial follicles count. E-cadherin expression positive correlation with plasma level of E-cadherin.

Key words: E-cadherin, ovarian reserve, rabbit ovary and primordial follicles.