Do prostaglandins lead to ovulation in the rabbit by stimulating proteolytic enzyme activity?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if prostaglandins (PGs) have a direct effect on the ovarian proteolytic enzyme system by examining ultrastructure of the follicle wall and the microvasculature in the presence and absence of indomethacin and by using the isolated perfused rabbit ovary.


METHODS
Nine hours after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or hCG plus indomethacin, follicles were removed and processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Isolated perfused rabbit ovaries were induced to ovulate with PGF2 alpha (100 ng/mL) in the presence and absence of tranexamic acid (0.1, 1.0, or 10 mM), a plasminogen activator inhibitor.


RESULTS
The addition of indomethacin to hCG inhibited ovulation and production of PGs without affecting the follicular microvasculature. However, the changes in follicle wall architecture were less pronounced after treatment with indomethacin. Ovulatory efficiency in response to PGF2 alpha (the percent of follicles greater than 1.5 mm that ovulate) was significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) by 10 mM tranexamic acid.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that PGs induce follicular rupture by activation of proteolytic enzymes located in the follicle wall.
Miyazaki
T
T
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Dharmarajan
A M
AM
Atlas
S J
SJ
Katz
E
E
Wallach
E E
EE
D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011817:Rabbits; D012016:Reference Values; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011374:Progesterone; D014148:Tranexamic Acid; D015237:Dinoprost; D010450:Endopeptidases; D007213:Indomethacin