Expression pattern of endothelin system components and localization of smooth muscle cells in the human pre-ovulatory follicle.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Whether ovarian follicular rupture involves contractile activity or not has been debated for decades. Recently, study in the rodents has indicated that an endogenously produced potent vasoconstrictive peptide, endothelin-2 (EDN2), may induce follicular constriction immediately prior to ovulation. This study was aimed to systematically characterize the human ovarian endothelin system and localize smooth muscle cells to assess the possible involvement of contractile activity in human ovulation.

Methods

This is a prospective experimental study. Study subjects were 20 women aged 20-38 years who underwent IVF owing to tubal or male factors. Expression patterns of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for EDN1, EDN2, EDN3, endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE1 and ECE2), endothelin rec

SUBMITTER: Choi DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3079471 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature