Impacts of linseed meal and estradiol-17β on cellularity, angiogenic and vasoactive factor mRNA expression, and vascularity of the uterus in ovariectomized ewes

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to determine the estrogenic potential of the phytoestrogen secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in linseed meal (LSM) on uterine cell proliferation, vascularity, and angiogenic factor mRNA expression. Ovariectomized ewes (n=48) were fed a diet containing 12.5% LSM for 0, 1, 7, or 14 d and implanted with estradiol-17β(E2)for 0, 6, or 24 h before tissue collection. There was an interaction of LSM × E2 on uterine mass (grams; P=0.03; percentage change; P<0.003). Uterine mass increased (P ≤ 0.02) after 24 h of E2 exposure on days 1, 7, and 14 of LSM feeding, with the greatest mass occurring in ewes exposed to E2 for 24 h and 1 d LSM feeding. Regardless of days fed LSM, after 24 h of E2 exposure uterine mass was greatest. The greatest percentage increase in uterine mass occurred in ewes exposed to E2 for 24 h and fed 1 d of LSM. Cell proliferation within the uterine luminal epithelium was greatest (P<0.01) with 24 h of E2 exposure compared with 0 h and 6 h. When expressed as the percentage change in uterine cell proliferation, feeding LSM for 14 d negated these effects. Only length of E2 exposure impacted vascularity with capillary number density at 6 h of E2 exposure being greater (P=0.02) than at 24 h. While mRNA expression of several angiogenic factors was influenced by E2, there was a LSM × E2 interaction (P≤0.03) only on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2C. It appears that growth and angiogenesis of E2 sensitive tissues may be influenced by the duration of LSM feeding.