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.