Comparative analysis of luteotropic and luteolytic factors in CLs of domestic cats and Eurasian lynx

辅助生殖技术为保护濒危物种提供了巨大的潜力。伊比利亚山猫是唯一被列入世界自然保护联盟红色名录的极度濒危猫科动物物种。2000年，建立了一项科学的圈养繁殖计划，以配合伊比利亚山猫的就地保护。圈养繁殖计划的成功取决于繁殖和繁殖管理方面的知识。人工授精在人工繁殖项目中的应用受到山猫持续黄体(CLS)现象的影响，这种现象阻碍了繁殖季节外的排卵诱导。本项目的目的是比较分析家猫和欧亚山猫CLS中的促黄体和溶黄体因子，以了解这两种猫科动物CLS的功能生活史。涉及组织(排卵后)、功能(怀孕和假孕之间的比较)和退化的因素将从结构(组织学、免疫组织学)、内分泌(激素和激素受体)、分子(表达分析)和生化水平(蛋白质组分析)进行检查。在山猫中，卵巢将在全年获得，重点是繁殖季节。我们认为，山猫的持续性CLS是功能和结构黄体溶解脱钩的结果。

Assisted reproductive techniques offer a great potential for conservation of endangered species. The Iberian lynx is the only felid species which is listed a critically endangered on IUCN Red List. In 2000 a scientific captive breeding program was established to accompany the in-situ-conservation of Iberian lynx. The success of the captive breeding program depends on knowledge on reproduction and reproduction management. The application of artificial insemination within the captive breeding program is compromised by the phenomenon of persistent corpora lutea (CLs) in lynx which hamper ovulation induction outside breeding season. Aim of project is the comparative analysis of luteotropic and luteolytic factors in CLs of domestic cats and Eurasian lynx to investigate the functional life cycles of CLs in the two felid species. Factors involved in the organization (after ovulation), function (comparison between pregnancy and pseudopregnancy) and regression will be examined on structural (histology, immunohistology), endocrine (hormones and hormone receptors), molecular (expression analysis) and biochemical levels (proteome analysis). In lynx, ovaries will be obtained during the whole year with emphasis on breeding season. We suggest that persistent CLs in lynx are a result of the decoupling of functional and structural luteolysis.