Open Access
Research (Published online: 21-03-2023)
10. Transplantation of Aceh cattle ovary into the uterus of pseudopregnant local rabbits: Effect of post-transplant stress on uterine histopathology and ovarian follicle dynamics
Syafruddin Syafruddin, Tongku Nizwan Siregar, Sri Wahyuni, Gholib Gholib, Ilfa Liyandara Chairunnisa Pulungan, and Muchsalmina Muchsalmina
Veterinary World, 16(3): 500-508

Syafruddin Syafruddin: Study Program of Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia; Laboratory of Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
Tongku Nizwan Siregar: Laboratory of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
Sri Wahyuni: Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
Gholib Gholib: Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
Ilfa Liyandara Chairunnisa Pulungan: Study Program of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.
Muchsalmina Muchsalmina: Study Program of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Aceh, Indonesia.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.500-508

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Article history: Received: 04-12-2022, Accepted: 30-01-2023, Published online: 21-03-2023

Corresponding author: Sri Wahyuni

E-mail: sriwahyuni@unsyiah.ac.id

Citation: Syafruddin S, Siregar TN, Wahyuni S, Gholib G, Pulungan ILC, and Muchsalmina M (2023) Transplantation of Aceh cattle ovary into the uterus of pseudopregnant local rabbits: Effect of post-transplant stress on uterine histopathology and ovarian follicle dynamics, Veterinary World, 16(3): 500-508.
Abstract

Background and Aim: The increase in the levels of the cortisol hormone caused by the stress conditions generated by an ovary transplantation procedure can damage the uterus of the transplant recipient as well as the transplanted ovaries. This study aimed to analyze the histopathological changes that occur in the uterine horn of pseudopregnant local rabbits (recipients), as well as the ovarian follicular integrity of the donor Aceh cattle after transplantation.

Materials and Methods: After 30 days of adaptation, all rabbits were divided into three treatment groups: R1 (the group of rabbits that underwent ovarian transplantation for 3 days, n = 5), R2 (the group of rabbits that underwent ovarian transplantation for 5 days, n = 5), and R3 (the group of rabbits that underwent ovarian transplantation for 7 days, n = 5). Pseudopregnancy induction was performed using the pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) methods. The rabbits were injected with 100 IU of PMSG intramuscularly, followed by an injection of 75 IU of hCG intravenously 3 days later. Ovarian transplantation was performed on day 8 (day 0 was the day of hCG injection). The concentration of cortisol hormone metabolites was measured from fecal samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The uterus and ovaries were collected for histopathological and follicular dynamics examination after the transplantation process was completed.

Results: The mean cortisol levels (ng/g) recorded before versus after the transplant in the R1, R2, and R3 groups were 146.23 ± 17.60 versus 338.84 ± 302.79, 128.97 ± 81.56 versus 174.79 ± 101.70, and 124.88 ± 43.61 versus 321.91 ± 221.63 (p < 0.05), respectively. The examination of the histopathological appearance of the uterus revealed edema in the uterine lumen, hyperemia and hemorrhage in the endometrium, necrosis of the epithelium, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Hemorrhage and hyperemia were severe and filled the endometrium in the R1 compared with the R2 and R3 animals. Ovarian follicle development occurred in all treatment groups, although some histopathological features were observed. The number of tertiary follicles in R1, R2, and R3 animals was 24.67 ± 7.37, 20.67 ± 7.57, and 9.67 ± 3.79 (p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the transplantation of ovaries from Aceh cattle into pseudopregnant local rabbits triggered an increase in the levels of the cortisol hormone and uterine histological changes; however, follicles were still detected at various stages of development in the transplanted Aceh cattle ovaries. The results of this study are valuable for clinicians and researchers because they provide information regarding an alternative in vivo ovarian preservation technique using pseudopregnant rabbits.

Keywords: cortisol, ovarian, transplantation.