Impact of heat stress during the follicular phase on porcine ovarian steroidogenic and phosphatidylinositol-3 signaling.

Environmental conditions that impede heat dissipation and increase body temperature cause heat stress (HS). The study objective was to evaluate impacts of HS on the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Postpubertal gilts (126.

Heat stress induces autophagy in pig ovaries during follicular development.

Hyperthermia or heat stress (HS) occurs when heat dissipation mechanisms are overwhelmed by external and internal heat production. Hyperthermia negatively affects reproduction and potentially compromises oocyte integrity and reduces developmental competence of ensuing embryos. Autophagy is the process by which cells recycle energy through the reutilization of cellular components and is activated by a variety of stressors.