Expression of endothelin-1 gene and protein in human granulosa cells.
Previous studies in animal models indicated an autocrine/paracrine action of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the ovary. We now report evidence on the presence of ET-1 in human ovary during reproductive life. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies demonstrated a positive signal into cytoplasm of granulosa cells (GC) of follicles at different growth stages. The concentration of ET-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) was also measured by a specific RIA in human follicular fluid (FF). FF samples were obtained from women in an in vitro fertilization program undergoing gonadotropin stimulation (group A; n = 24) or no treatment (group B; n = 7). The mean (+/-SD) ET-1-LI FF level in group A (4.85 +/- 2.06 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in group B (1.29 +/- 0.43 pg/mL; P < 0.01), whereas the corresponding mean plasma levels were not significantly different and were not correlated to respective FF values. Our results indicate for the first time the presence of ET-1 and its messenger ribonucleic acid in the GC of the human ovary. The higher ET-1-LI levels found in the FF from women undergoing gonadotropin treatment suggest a modulation by gonadotropins and/or ovarian steroids of ET-1 production by GC.
Magini
A
A
Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy.
Granchi
S
S
Orlando
C
C
Vannelli
G B
GB
Pellegrini
S
S
Milani
S
S
Grappone
C
C
De Franco
R
R
Susini
T
T
Forti
G
G
Maggi
M
M
D000328:Adult; D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D016232:Endothelins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000378:metabolism; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D016232:Endothelins; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D008596:Menotropins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone