Phosphodiesterase inhibitor Theophylline in the aged laying hens: investigation of the ovarian and fallopian inflammatory mediators, hormones, and functions

Inflammatory-dependent events in the aged commercial laying hens reduce production rate and egg quality. Our study was aimed to evaluate the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor Theophylline on the ovarian and fallopian-inflammatory traits in the commercial laying hens at the late stage of the production period. Twenty-four White Leghorn hens aged ۹۲ weeks were used for four weeks to be orally supplemented by Theophylline (۳ mg/kg/Body weight, BW). Ovulation rate and follicular growth were measured by laying frequency and, visual evaluation after euthanizing, respectively. The mRNA expressions of follicular and fallopian cyclooxygenases ۱ and ۲ (COX-۱,-۲), and cytokines were detected by real-time PCR. Plasma concentrations of ovarian hormones (Two hours after lighting) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The results showed that the mRNA expression of the IL-۱β, IL-۶ and TNF-α in the ovary and IL-۱β and TNF-α in the infundibulum were significantly decreased (P<۰.۰۱) by Theophylline treatment; however, the mRNA abundance of COX-۲ and IL-۱۰ in both of ovary and infundibulum were increased (P<۰.۰۱). Plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were elevated (P<۰.۰۵) in the hens treated with Theophylline. Ovulation rate and follicular size were not significantly (P>۰.۰۵) influenced by Theophylline. As a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Theophylline retained the laying frequency in addition to enhancing its anti-inflammatory capability in the late stage of production period in laying hens.

کلیدواژه ها:

aged commercial flock ، inflammation ، ovarian hormones ، ovulation ، theophylline