The health status alters the pituitary function and reproduction of mice in a Cxcr2-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Microbiota and chronic infections can affect not only immune status, but also the overall physiology of animals. Here, we report that chronic infections dramatically modify the phenotype of Cxcr2 KO mice, impairing in particular, their reproduction ability. We show that exposure of Cxcr2 KO females to multiple types of chronic infections prevents their ability to cycle, reduces the development of the mammary gland and alters the morphology of the uterus due to an impairment of ovary function. Mammary gland and ovary transplantation demonstrated that the hormonal contexture was playing a crucial role in this phenomenon. This was further evidenced by alterations to circulating levels of sex steroid and pituitary hormones. By analyzing at the molecular level the mechanisms of pi

SUBMITTER: Timaxian C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7010316 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature