We investigated the mechanism of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling in ovarian theca cells and observed that stimulation with this bioactive lipid markedly enhanced Thr/Tyr phosphorylation of the MAPK ERK1/2. Activation of ERK was transient, showing a peak at 5 min that declined thereafter, and was not associated with a concomitant nuclear translocation of the enzyme, suggesting that a cytos...

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which expression of avian β-defensins (AvBD) in the follicular theca tissue was regulated. It was examined whether their expression was stimulated directly by LPS or indirectly through proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) induced by LPS. Theca tissues of ovarian follicles were collected from White Leghorn hens. The specimens of those...

Ovarian theca/interstitial cells produce androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation and apolipoprotein (apo) E exerts a selective effect on the type of steroid product made by these cells. We have identified an apoE synthetic peptide containing the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor binding domain, acetyl-Y(LRK LRKRLLRDADDL)2C, that mimics the activity of native apoE. Dep...

To delineate the scope of the human intraovarian IL-1 system we used a solution hybridization/RNase protection assay to test for expression of the genes encoding IL-1, its type I receptor (IL-1R), and its receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). IL-1 transcripts were not detected in whole ovarian material from days 4 or 12 of an unstimulated menstrual cycle but transcripts (IL-1 beta much greater than IL-...

Ovulation constitutes an inflammatory-like process, with macrophages migrating into the follicle. This study evaluates the production of two macrophage-specific chemokines, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), in the human follicle at ovulation. Blood samples, follicular fluids and follicular cells were collected during menstrual and IV...

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a chemotactic cytokine involved in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils as well as in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Because these events are essential components of folliculogenesis, ovulation, and subsequent repair of the ruptured follicle, the presence and regulation of IL-8 in the human follicle of the menstrual cycle was investigated. The concentratio...

Abstract Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has unique and well-known functions in female fertility, according to documents reporting improved yield of oocytes, reinforced quality the embryo, enhanced live births with simultaneous reduction miscarriage. However, there is no detailed information on bio-mechanisms linking such clinical differences. Main body IGF its receptors are express...

For the present study, and follow-up of histochemical changes in estradiol valerate-induced polycysticovary syndrome (PCOS), 48 virgin 90-day-old female rats were used. The rats were divided into thetreatment and control groups. For each rat of the treatment group, 4 mg estradiol valerate was injectedthrough intramuscular route for the induction of PCOS. The control group was taken the same amo...

To examine timed changes in the morphology of theca interna and granulosa cells of rabbit preovulatory follicles, mature female rabbits were injected with100 IU per kg of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and follicles larger than1mn in diameter were excised for light and electron microscopic studies before and3, 6, 9and 12hr after hCG injection. Spindle-shaped theca interna cells had been tra...