The specific binding of [125I] hCG to ovarian membrane preparations as well as membrane fluidity have been investigated in immature rats during hormonally-induced pseudopregnancy. Membrane fluidity was monitored either by fluorescence polarization analysis of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene or by electron spin resonance of 16-, 12-, 5-doxyl stearic acid and CAT 16. A significant positive correlat...

The constituent cell types of the ovary of the porcupine were similar to those of New World hystricomorph rodents and accessory corpora lutea and luteal bodies were formed through the luteinization of the membrana granulosa or theca interna of antral follicles. All luteal bodies were histologically similar. The total volume of luteal tissue per female was not affected by fetal age and was unrel...

Hypokalemia produced different effects on steroid sex hormone concentrations in plasma and ovary in the mouse. Estradiol levels were slightly increased, whereas circulating progesterone was markedly decreased in all estrous periods. The preovulatory surge of gonadotropins and the secondary surge of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at estrus were also decreased, but basal levels of both gonado...

RIP140 is a ligand-dependent corepressor for most, if not all, nuclear receptors. It is expressed widely in many different tissues, but the phenotype of mice devoid of RIP140 indicates that it plays a crucial role in the ovary and in adipose biology. Ovarian expression of RIP140 is cell-type-specific during follicular development and it is essential for oocyte release during ovulation, but not ...

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide, first isolated from hypothalamic extracts, but later shown in peripheral organs, such as endocrine glands, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive organs. PACAP plays a role in fertility and reproduction. Numerous studies report on the gonadal regulatory effects of PACAP at hypotha...

During ovulation and luteinization in mammals a portion of the ovarian tissue undergoes extensive remodeling. The thecal framework of a mature follicle is degraded and disrupted as the ovum is released. Immediately following ovulation the fibroblasts rapidly undergo functional reorientation (a) to initiate healing at the point of rupture and (b) to meet the changing requirements for support of ...

Corpus luteum (CL) is a small, transient endocrine gland formed following ovulation from the secretory cells of the ovarian follicles. The main function of CL is the production of progesterone, a hormone which regulates various reproductive functions. Progesterone plays a key role in the regulation of the length of estrous cycle and in the implantation of the blastocysts. Preovulatory surge of ...

The synthesis of progesterone by the corpus luteum is essential for the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. Regulation of luteal steroidogenesis can be broken down into three major events; luteinization (i.e., conversion of an ovulatory follicle), luteal regression, and pregnancy induced luteal maintenance/rescue. While the factors that control these events and dictate the final s...