title: Roles of cyclic GMP in modulating ovarian functions.
abstract: The production of a viable oocyte is dependent upon the critical influences of gonadotrophins on follicular development, granulosa cell maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. While the effects of LH and FSH are due in large part to cyclic AMP-dependent signalling mechanisms, it is clear that a number of other factors modulate the actions of gonadotrophins on the ovary via activation of alternative signalling pathways. In this regard, recent studies indicate that the second messenger guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) mediates a wide range of influences on the ovary. Nitric oxide (NO) is a major regulator of cGMP production via its action on soluble guanylyl cyclase, while natriuretic peptides activate receptors with intrinsic guanylyl cyclase activities. In addition, other factors known to influence ovarian functions are now recognized to act via NO/cGMP pathways. This report will review these previous findings and present new data demonstrating the inhibitory influence of cGMP on cAMP-stimulated LH receptor expression in cultured granulosa cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, 5151 State University Drive, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA. plapolt@exchange.calstatela.edu
authors.forename: Philip S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: LaPolt
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ishimaru
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tafoya
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: You-hsin Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005496:Follicular Atresia / Q000502:physiology; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D036361:Peptide Hormones; D011974:Receptors, LH; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D004958:Estradiol; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase; D006152:Cyclic GMP