Growth Hormone Receptor, Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-1, and IGF-Binding Protein-2 Expression in the Reproductive Tissues of Early Postpartum Dairy Cows

The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays a critical endocrine role controlling nutrient metabolism in dairy cattle. In liver, growth hormone receptor (GHR) and IGF-1 are dynamically regulated by lactation and energy balance. Less is known about the regulation of GHR, IGF-1, and IGF-binding protein mRNA in reproductive tissues (uterus, ovarian follicle, and corpus luteum). The objective was to determine expression patterns...