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.