Expression of plexin-B1 in the mouse ovary and its possible role in follicular development.
OBJECTIVE
To study the expression of plexin-B1 in the mouse ovary and its possible role in follicular development.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Research laboratory, Ha'Emek Medical Center.


METHODS
ICR female mice (n = 36) were studied.


METHODS
Plexin-B1 expression by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Microscopic morphometric and morphologic analysis for the evaluation of mouse follicular growth and E2, P, and T secretion from the developed follicles.


RESULTS
Plexin-B1 was expressed in the mouse ovary mostly in the granulosa cells. Plexin-B1 gene expression increased significantly by 126.8% +/- 38% in the pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-treated group and increased by 98.7% +/- 15.2 and 262.2% +/- 65.4% in the hCG-treated group 6 h and 24 h after injection, respectively (ANOVA; P < .05). Comparison of the maximum diameters of the control and study groups on day 9 of the culture period revealed a significant difference between the two groups (P < .001). In the control group, the mean maximum diameter was 191 +/- 2.6 microm compared with 136 +/- 5.13 microm in the presence of neutralizing antibodies against plexin-B1. Neutralizing antibody against plexin-B1 decreases E2 and P secretion.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows for the first time the expression of plexin-B1 in the mouse ovary. A possible role for plexin-B1 in follicular growth and steroidogenesis, most likely via the granulosa cells, is suggested.
Regev
Avital
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
Goldman
Shlomit
S
Shalev
Eliezer
E
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*
D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C492119:PLXNB1 protein, human; C492118:Plxnb1 protein, mouse; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface