title: The effects of proteolytic enzymes on in vitro ovulation in the rabbit.
abstract: The involvement of proteolytic enzymes in follicle rupture was assessed by use of the in vitro perfused rabbit ovary. Streptokinase (10 and 100 units/ml) induced ovulation in the absence of gonadotropin. Ovulation failed to occur in contralateral control ovaries. The time of ovulation in streptokinase- and human chorionic gonadotropin--treated ovaries was similar, but significantly more ova from streptokinase-treated ovaries were immature (p less than 0.001). Other ovaries were pretreated with trans-4-(aminomethyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid, an inhibitor of the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, and then perfused with human chorionic gonadotropin (50 IU). Ovulatory efficiency was significantly reduced by trans-4-(aminomethyl)-cyclohexane-carboxylic acid at 10 or 1 mmol/L (p less than 0.001), but ovum maturity was unaffected. Aprotinin (100 or 10 micrograms/ml), a potent inhibitor of plasmin, significantly inhibited human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation (p less than 0.001) but did not affect oocyte maturation. Scanning electron microscopy of detergent-treated streptokinase-perfused ovaries revealed loosening and decomposition of collagen in the tunica albuginea. These results suggest proteolytic enzyme involvement in follicle rupture.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007611:Aprotinin / Q000494:pharmacology; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000494:pharmacology; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D014148:Tranexamic Acid; D007611:Aprotinin; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D013300:Streptokinase