Phosphodiesterase inhibitor Theophylline in the aged laying hens: investigation of the ovarian and fallopian inflammatory mediators, hormones, and functions

Inflammatory-dependent events in the aged commercial laying hens reduce production rate and egg quality. Our study was aimed to evaluate the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor Theophylline on the ovarian and fallopian-inflammatory traits in the commercial laying hens at the late stage of the production period. Twenty-four White Leghorn hens aged 92 weeks were used for four weeks to be orally supplemented by Theophylline (3 mg/kg/Body weight, BW). Ovulation rate and follicular growth were measured by laying frequency and, visual evaluation after euthanizing, respectively. The mRNA expressions of follicular and fallopian cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1,-2), and cytokines were detected by real-time PCR. Plasma concentrations of ovarian hormones (Two hours after lighting) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The results showed that the mRNA expression of the IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the ovary and IL-1β and TNF-α in the infundibulum were significantly decreased (P<0.01) by Theophylline treatment; however, the mRNA abundance of COX-2 and IL-10 in both of ovary and infundibulum were increased (P<0.01). Plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were elevated (P<0.05) in the hens treated with Theophylline. Ovulation rate and follicular size were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by Theophylline. As a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Theophylline retained the laying frequency in addition to enhancing its anti-inflammatory capability in the late stage of production period in laying hens.