In vitro study on the effects of lead and mercury on porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

The heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) pose potential risks to sustainability of environment and thus to our future generations. General objective of this in vitro study was to examine the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after Pb and Hg administration and to outline the potential intracellular mediators of its effects. For this purpose, release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormone progesterone (P(4)), expression of proliferation- related (cyclin B1) and apoptosis-related (caspase-3) peptides was examined in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after heavy metals administration. Obtained data indicate Pb-induced inhibition of IGF-I release at lower doses (0.063 mg/mL and 0.046 mg/mL) by ovarian granulosa cells. However, P(4) release was not influenced by Pb addition, while the expression of cyclin B1 and caspase-3 was induced by Pb addition. These results indicate that Pb can affect the pathway of proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells through intracellular substances such as cyclin B1 and caspase-3. On the other hand, the P(4) release by ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was stimulated by experimental Pb administration at doses of 0.25 mg/mL and 0.063 mg/mL and experimental Hg administration at doses 0.25 mg/mL and 0.083 mg/mL. P(4) release by ovarian cells of pregnant gilts was not influenced by a combinatory dose of FSH (1.0 ng/mL) + Pb (0.083 mg/mL) + Hg (0.083 mg/mL) but it was inhibited by experimental administration of FSH (10 ng/mL) + Pb (0.25 ng/mL) + Hg (0.25 ng/mL). Possible involvement of heavy metals - Pb and Hg and pituitary hormone FSH, in the regulation of P(4) release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was noted. Data obtained from in vitro studies suggest the dose dependent association of heavy metals administration with the hormonal release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. This association also depended on pregnancy of the gilts.