In this study, we analyzed expression patterns of apoptotic and autophagic gene products in culture follicular cells of normal and miniature pigs to assess the effect of hormones on the choice for programmed cell death. Autophagic activity progressively increased from control cultures to luteinizing hormone (LH)-treated cultures of follicular cells of normal pigs, but decreased from the LH to follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) +LH-treated cultures. Expression of Casp-3 protein in follicular cells was highest in LHtreated cultures, but the activity of Casp-3 decreased in the control, FSH-treated, and FSH+LH-treated cultures. The activity of the apoptosis protein was highly expressed in the control, LH-treated, and FSH+LH-treated follicular cells of miniature pigs, but autophagy- associated proteins were expressed at low levels in all treatments groups of the miniature pig. The expression of autophagy and apoptosis proteins appeared similar in control and rapamycin-treated cells. In addition, stimulation with FSH triggered the activation of autophagy in the follicular cells of normal pigs, but induced apoptosis in the follicular cells of miniature pigs. A similar effect was obtained when LH was applied. These results suggest that the autophagy process and FSH stimulation is more effective for stable and innovative follicular cell development.

• Sang-Hwan Kim(Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University)
• Dae-Seung Kim(Major in the Animal Biotechnology The Graduate School of Biology & Information Technology Hankyong National University)
• Hyun-Ah Kang(Major in the Animal Biotechnology The Graduate School of Biology & Information Technology Hankyong National University)
• Young-Ho Chung(Department of Companion Animal and Animal Resources Science, Joongbu University Korea.)
• Jong-Taek Yoon(Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, 3Department of Animal Life Research, Hankyong National University)