The kappa-opioid receptor is present in porcine ovaries: localization in granulosa cells.
Opioid peptides derived from several genes are present in the reproductive system and are known to be involved in the regulation of reproduction. This work shows that the level of alpha-neoendorphin which derives from prodynorphin changes in folliculogenesis. The lowest level was observed in the small follicles, increased in the medium, and reached the highest level in the preovulatory follicles. The presence of the kappa-opioid receptor in granulosa cells, obtained from follicles of varying sizes was demonstrated. The monoclonal anti-kappa-opioid receptor antibody was used to reveal the expression of kappa-opioid receptor. The results obtained suggest changes in alpha-neoendorphin levels and kappa-opioid receptor density during maturation of the follicles.
Department of Animal Physiology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
M
M
Słomczyńska
K
K
Pierzchała-Koziec
E
E
Gregoraszczuk
K
K
Maderspach
E
E
Wierzchoś
D000818:Animals; D004723:Endorphins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000737:chemistry*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa / Q000032:analysis*; D013552:Swine
D004723:Endorphins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa; C025681:alpha-neoendorphin