In vitro assessment of molybdenum-induced secretory activity, proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element and it plays an important role in cell functions. The mechanism of the action of molybdenum in connection with growth factor IGF-I, proliferation-related peptide cyclin B1 and apoptosis-related peptide caspase-3 has not been examined previously in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. The general objective of this in vitro study was to examine the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after experimental Mo administration and to outline the potential intracellular mediators of its effects. Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated with ammonium molybdate for 18 hours: 1.0 mg/mL; 0.5 mg/mL; 0.33 mg/mL; 0.17 mg/mL and 0.09 mg/mL, while the control group received no Mo. The secretion of IGF-I was assessed by RIA and expression of cyclin B1 and caspase-3 by immunocytochemistry. IGF-I release was decreased by Mo addition at the doses 1.0 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL. The expression of cyclin B1 was stimulated by Mo addition at all doses ranging from 1.0-0.09 mg/mL. Caspase-3 expression was also stimulated after experimental Mo addition at the doses 1.0 and 0.5 mg/mL. These data contribute to new insights regarding the mechanism of action of Mo on porcine ovarian functions, secretory activity, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells through hormonal and intracellular substances such as are cyclin B1 and caspase-3.