Endocrine- and autocrine-mediated regulation of rat ovarian (theca-interstitial) interleukin-1 beta gene expression: gonadotropin-dependent preovulatory acquisition.
We, and others have recently demonstrated the ovary to be a site of interleukin-1 (IL-1) reception and action. Since IL-1 is an established mediator of inflammation and since ovulation may constitute an inflammatory-like reaction, consideration was given to the possibility that IL-1 may play an intermediary role in the ovulatory process. To begin to evaluate the above hypothesis, we have set out to evaluate rat ovarian IL-1 beta gene expression, to determine its cellular localization, and to study its modulation by key endocrine and autocrine regulatory signals. To this end, use was made of a solution hybridization/RNase protection assay in which rat ovarian total RNA (20 micrograms) was hybridized with a [32P]-labeled 272 base rat IL-1 beta antisense riboprobe. To assess rat ovarian IL-1 beta gene expression under in vivo circumstances, use was made of an established experimental model capable of simulating naturally-occurring follicular maturation, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. Specifically, a single subcutaneous injection of PMSG (15IU/rat) was followed (48h) later by an ovulatory dose (15IU) of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A faint protected fragment 222 bases long corresponding to the IL-1 beta message was detectable in whole ovarian material prior to gonadotropic stimulation. Treatment with PMSG for 48h resulted in a modest, albeit measurable increase in the densitometrically-quantified steady state levels of the ovarian IL-1 beta message. Most striking, however, were the increments noted in the relative abundance of ovarian IL-1 beta transcripts following a 6h exposure to hCG producing a 4 to 5-fold increase (P less than 0.05) over the untreated state at a time point approximately 6h prior to projected follicular rupture. Subsequent evaluation of ovarian IL-1 beta transcripts, 24 and 48h following hCG administration, revealed significant (P less than 0.05) decrements (relative to the 6h peak) to a level comparable to that seen at the conclusion of 48h of treatment with PMSG. Cellular localization studies revealed the gonadotropin-dependent IL-1 beta mRNA to be theca-interstitial cell-exclusive. To assess rat ovarian IL-1 beta gene expression under in vitro circumstances, we have set out to determine whether IL-1 itself may influence the relative level of its own message. Treatment of whole ovarian dispersates with rhIL-1 beta (10ng/ml) for 4 and 24h resulted in a marked (P less than 0.05) time-dependent increase (up to 12-fold) in the relative abundance of IL-1 beta transcripts when compared with untreated controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Hurwitz
A
A
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Ricciarelli
E
E
Botero
L
L
Rohan
R M
RM
Hernandez
E R
ER
Adashi
E Y
EY
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D010053:Ovary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine; D007375:Interleukin-1; D012333:RNA, Messenger