Expression of orexin receptors 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) in the porcine hypothalamus during the oestrous cycle.

Orexin A and B are hypothalamic peptides involved in the control of food intake, sleep patterns, autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. The biological actions of orexins are mediated via two G-protein coupled receptors, termed orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX2R). The present study analyzed mRNA and protein expressions of OX1R and OX2R in porcine hypothalamic structures engaged in GnRH production and secretion, preoptic area (POA), mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), and stalk median eminence (SME) on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16, and 17-19 of the oestrous cycle. The highest OX1R gene expression in POA was observed on days 17-19 of the cycle. Changes in the mRNA expression in MBH and SME throughout the cycle were negligible. The expression peak of OX2R gene in POA and SME occurred on days 17-19 as well. There were no changes in the gene expression in MBH. OX1R protein content in POA and SME also was the greatest on days 17-19 and OX2R protein expression was most pronounced in MBH and SME during the same phase of the cycle. In conclusion, fluctuation of OX1R and OX2R mRNAs and proteins content in pig hypothalamus dependently on the phase of the oestrous cycle suggests that orexins, through the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, may affect reproductive functions.