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Follicular Development and Expression of the Messenger Ribonucleic Acid for the Inhibin/Activin Subunits in Two Genetic Lines of Turkey Hens that Differ in Total Egg Production

J. B. Hoffman^*, A. P. Benson^*, V. L. Christensen, B. D. Fairchild^* and A. J. Davis^*,1

^* Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-2772; Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7608

¹ Corresponding author: ajdavis{at}uga.edu

The characterization of the follicular hierarchy and the expression of the mRNA for the inhibin/activin subunits was investigated in the follicles of 2 lines of turkey hens selected for over 40 generations for increased egg production (Egg line) or increased body weight (Growth line). The follicular hierarchies of 6 hens from the Egg and Growth lines were characterized in middle (45 wk of age) and late production (58 wk of age). Relative follicular weights for individual hierarchical follicles (>12 mm), pooled small yellow follicles (5 to 12 mm), and large white follicles (2 to 5 mm) were calculated. Total RNA was extracted for Northern blot analysis from individual granulosa cell layers of the F1 through F4 follicles, and from the combined granulosa and theca layers of small yellow follicles and large white follicles from an additional 6 hens from each genetic line. Egg line hens displayed a more distinct follicular size hierarchy than Growth line hens at 45 and 58 wk. Although total follicular weight relative to body size was greater at 45 and 58 wk of age for the Egg line hens than the Growth line hens, the total number of hierarchical follicles was greater in the Growth line hens at 45 and 58 wk of age. Expression of follistatin and the inhibin ß_B-subunit was highest in nonhierarchical follicles, whereas the expression of the inhibin - and ß_A-subunits was highest in the hierarchical follicles. The inhibin - and ß_A-subunit mRNA expression pattern in the 4 largest follicles of the Growth line hens was not similar to the Egg line hens or characteristic of laying hens that have a high rate of egg production. The unusual inhibin subunit mRNA expression in the largest hierarchical follicles of the Growth line hens may account for their development of an abnormal follicular size hierarchy and for their poor egg production.

Key Words: turkey • follicle • inhibin • activin