Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) in Ovulatory Follicles

Authors

• Renee M. McFee, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Robin A. Artac, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• William E. Pohlmeier Pohlmeier, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Jill G. Kerl, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Vanessa M. Brauer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Robert A. Cushman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Andrea S. Cupp, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Comments

Published in 2012 Beef Cattle Report (2012) p. 26-27. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Granulosa cells express vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and VEGFA mRNA levels increase as bovine follicles reach preovulatory status. To further evaluate the role of VEGFA isoforms in follicular development, cows were either synchronized with a modified Co- Synch protocol (CIDR) or treated with melengestrol acetate (MGA) with subsequent aspiration of the dominant follicles. Higher mRNA levels for the antiangiogenic isoform, VEGFA_164B, along with AMH and CARTPT in E2-inactive follicles suggest that these factors are markers for unhealthy, atretic follicles. In contrast, higher mRNA levels for the proangiogenic isoform, VEGFA_164, in E2-active follicles indicate that this isoform may help predict healthy ovulatory follicles.