Expression of LGR7 in the primate corpus luteum implicates the corpus luteum as a relaxin target organ.

ABSTRACT: In women, the corpus luteum is the source of circulating relaxin. No previous studies have addressed whether the corpus luteum is also a relaxin target organ. We determined relaxin receptor LGR7 mRNA expression in human term pregnancy corpora lutea and nonhuman primate corpora lutea obtained during the menstrual cycle. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated the expression of LGR7 mRNA in both human and rhesus monkey corpora lutea. Rhesus monkey corpora lutea were obtained from naturally cycling animals following documented luteinizing hormone (LH) surges at early, mid-, mid-late, and late luteal phases. Luteal expression of LGR7 mRNA did not show temporal variation. Since the primate corpus luteum is LH dependent, we assessed LGR7 mRNA expression in corpora lutea from rhesus monk

SUBMITTER: Maseelall PB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3855330 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature