title: BMP-2 and -6 modulate porcine theca cell function alone and co-cultured with granulosa cells.
abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are emerging as a family of proteins crucial in the regulation of fertility and ovulation rate. We have shown that porcine theca cells express BMP receptors, however, there is a paucity of information regarding the effect(s) of BMPs on theca cell function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of BMP-2 and -6 on theca cells cultured under serum-free conditions in terms of steroidogenesis, cAMP release and proliferation. The study was further extended to determine whether BMP responses in theca cells are affected by the addition of granulosa cells to the culture system. Both BMPs suppressed progesterone and androstenedione synthesis by theca cells (P < 0.05) after 144 h in culture. Oestradiol synthesis was suppressed (P < 0.05) by BMP-2, but not BMP-6, and theca cell proliferation was stimulated (P < 0.05) by BMP-6, but not BMP-2, after 144 h in culture. Both BMP-2 and -6 inhibited cAMP release (P < 0.05) by theca cells. Furthermore, progesterone and androstenedione synthesis by co-cultured theca and granulosa cells were suppressed (P < 0.05) whereas cell proliferation was stimulated (P < 0.05). These results provide strong evidence for a functional BMP system in the porcine ovary and that theca cells are responsive to BMPs in terms of steroidogenesis and proliferation. BMP-2 and -6 may have a role as luteinisation inhibitors in this polyovular species.
authors.affiliation: Division of Animal Physiology, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brankin
authors.forename: Ruth L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Morag G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000735:Androstenedione / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D055418:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D013552:Swine; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: C525718:BMP2 protein, human; C525816:BMP6 protein, human; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D055418:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D000735:Androstenedione; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D000242:Cyclic AMP