The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition throughout a superovulation protocol in ewes

• Published in: Research in veterinary science Vol. 103; pp. 205 - 210
• Main Authors: Pereira, Alécio Matos, de Souza Júnior, Antônio, Machado, Fernanda Brandão, Gonçalves, Gleisy Kelly Neves, Feitosa, Lauro César Soares, Reis, Adelina Martha, Santos, Robson Augusto Souza, Honorato-Sampaio, Kinulpe, Costa, Amilton Raposo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2015; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Angiotensin I - metabolism; Angiotensin II - metabolism; Angiotensin-(1-7); Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Animals; Cattle; Embryo, Nonmammalian - drug effects; Embryo, Nonmammalian - embryology; Embryos; Enalapril; Enalapril - pharmacology; Enzymes; Estradiol - metabolism; Ewes; Female; Females; Hogs; Kinases; Localization; Ovulation; Ovulation - drug effects; Peptide Fragments - metabolism; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A - metabolism; Progesterone - metabolism; Quality; Rodents; Sheep - physiology; Steroidogenesis; Studies; Superovulation - drug effects; Veterinary medicine; Brazil; Ewes; Steroidogenesis; Enalapril; Angiotensin-(1-7); Ovulation
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.10.013

Many studies identified new components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), such as Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1–7)] and Angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2), in mammalian ovaries. We previously showed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition, which increases the level of Ang-(1–7), stimulated ovarian estradiol output in ewe after estrous synchronization. Considering that Ang-(1–7) stimulates ovarian function and elevated estradiol before ovulation is associated with increased chance of achieving pregnancy, the present study investigated whether ACE inhibition throughout a superovulation protocol in ewe might improve ovulation outcome. At first, immunohistochemistry in ovaries of nonpregnant ewes revealed localization of Angiotensin II (Ang II), Ang-(1–7) and ACE2 in theca cells of antral follicles and in corpus luteum. Ang II and Ang-(1–7) were also detected in follicular fluid (FF) by Radioimmunoassay (RIA). Enalapril treatment throughout the superovulation protocol decreased 17β-estradiol (E2) output and raised progesterone:estradiol (P4:E2) ratio without a direct influence on ovulation and quality of embryos. •Specific immunolocalization of Ang II, Ang-(1–7) and ACE2 in ewe ovary.•Enalapril throughout a superovulation protocol reduced E2 and raised P:E2 ratio.•Enalapril did not affect ovulation and quality of embryos.