Expression of enzymes related with the metabolism of the glucocorticoids in bovine ovarian tissue

Objective. Identify the expression of enzymes related to metabolism of glucocorticoids in bovine ovarian tissue. Materials and methods. Samples of tissues of healthy ovaries (n=10) and ovaries with Cystic Ovarian Disease (COD) (n=10) were obtained and then preserved in paraffin after their histological processing. By applying the indirect inmunohistochemistry technique and using specific antibodies it was possible to identify in situ the 1 and 2 isoforms of the 11β-hidroxiesteroide dehydrogenase (11βHSD) enzyme in primary, secondary, tertiary, atretic and cystic follicles. Results. The expression of the 11βHSD-1 enzyme showed significant differences only in the granulosa cells of the different follicular groups. The 11βHSD-2 enzyme showed significant differences with respect to its expression in the granulosa cells of primary follicles compared to the secondary and cystic follicles. In the cells of the theca interna this difference was observed between the tertiary and the atretic and cystic follicles. In the external theca cells, the tertiary follicles showed significant differences in its expression with respect to the atretic follicles. Conclusions. The presence of isoforms I type and II type of 11βHSD was observed in ovarian bovine tissues, obtained in slaughterhouses. This allows for concluding the existence of an endocrine mechanism, which regulates glucocorticoid activity. This mechanism allows for the alteration of the normal level of follicular development by generating follicular anovulatory structures and/or follicular cysts and at the same time generating anestrus and others reproductive alterations in cattle.