IGF system and ovarian folliculogenesis in dog breeds of various sizes: is there a link?

The IGF system plays a crucial role in ovarian folliculogenesis, and changes in IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) levels modulate IGF bioavailability. Data from various mammalian models suggest a link between body size, IGF1 in serum and female reproduction parameters. Among the vertebrate species, the dog exhibits the widest span in body height. Height is known to be positively correlated with the concentration of serum IGF1. In this work, the ovarian physiology of 40 bitches exhibiting a wide span of height, and breed type was investigated. IGF1, IGF2, IGFBP3, estradiol (E(2)), and progesterone concentrations in plasma and preovulatory follicular fluid were quantified. A total of 455 follicles, 2-8 mm in diameter, were recovered at the preovulatory stage, measured, and punctured. Intrafollicular levels of IGF1 were positively correlated with plasma levels, and plasma IGF1 levels were positively correlated with both bitch height and weight. The concentrations were threefold higher in large dogs compared with small dogs. A positive correlation between intrafollicular and plasmatic IGFBP3 levels and a positive correlation between plasmatic IGFBP3 levels, and both height and weight of the bitches were observed. The number of preovulatory follicles and the diameter of the three largest follicles were positively correlated with bitch height. E(2) intrafollicular concentrations were higher in preovulatory follicles from small animals than in those from large animals. In conclusion, the strong variability in height between dogs appeared to be associated with dramatic differences in IGF1, and IGFBP3 levels, in both plasma and follicular fluid. These differences were associated with significant differences in some functional aspects of ovarian follicles.