Role of aquaporin 3 in reproductive performance of dairy goats after repeated estrus synchronization stimulation

Abstract This study explored the specific molecular mechanisms through which repeated estrus synchronization (ES) treatments reduce the reproductive performance of dairy goats. Ninety‐six goats ( n = 24/group) were randomly assigned to two groups receiving ES treatments thrice every fortnight (3‐equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG] and 3‐follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] groups) and two groups receiving one ES treatment (1‐eCG and 1‐FSH groups). ES treatments of 1‐ and 3‐eCG goats were performed via the intravaginal insertion of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device containing 300 mg progesterone (P4), followed by 300 IU eCG injections 48 h before CIDR withdrawal. The 1‐ and 3‐FSH goats received CIDR for 10 days, followed by 50 IU FSH and 100 μg PGF2α within 12 h of CIDR withdrawal. Ovaries of three goats in estrus from both groups were harvested for analysis. Subsequently, all the goats in estrus were artificially inseminated twice. Consequently, 3‐eCG and 3‐FSH goats showed a considerably reduced estrus rate and litter size than 1‐eCG and 1‐FSH goats. AQP3 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in the 3‐eCG and 3‐FSH groups than in the 1‐eCG and 1‐FSH groups. AQP3 overexpression led to cell apoptosis and decreased steroid hormone secretion ability of ovarian granulosa cells. Moreover, it resulted in a decrease in maturation and cleavage rates after parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization, respectively. AQP3 gene was involved in reducing the reproductive performance of repeated ES‐treated dairy goats. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the effective use of reproductive hormones in breeding techniques for livestock.