The effects of luteotrophic and luteolytic factors on feline luteal cells (functional characterization)

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The majority of felids are considered as endangered. In order to contribute to the conservation of species, the biological basis of reproduction must also be elucidated. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) has therefore been studying the reproductive biology of various felids for many years. We were able to show that in lynxes, corpora lutea (CL) are still active after (pseudo-)pregnancy, which is a reproductive peculiarity. In the project, we are testing luteotropic and luteolytic factors on luteal cells of feline species. In the first part of this project on this topic, we recognized that the limitation and heterogeneity of the starting material led to a limited feasibility of experiments. Therefore, in the second part (continuation project) we would like to use the progenitor cells of the luteal cells for the development of long-term cell cultures and would like to use these characterized cells for luteinization in 3D models. We will then use the models to test the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant substances on luteal cell viability. Should we gain a better understanding of the control of CL viability through these studies, this will not only have relevance for felids, but could also be relevant for the treatment of CL insufficiencies in other species.