Localization of angiotensin II, the AT1 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme, aminopeptidase A, adipocyte-derived leucine aminopeptidase, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the human ovary throughout the menstrual cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the expression and cellular distribution of angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), aminopeptidase A (APA), adipocyte-derived leucine aminopeptidase (A-LAP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human ovarian tissue during the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
Ovarian tissues (n = 52) and corpora lutea (n = 34) were obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy/oophorectomy, and tissue sections were immunostained for each antigen.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Patients undergoing hysterectomy or oophorectomy for benign conditions.


METHODS
Immunostaining of tissue sections using antibodies to each antigen.


METHODS
Microscopic evaluation to assess the presence, distribution, and cellular localization.


RESULTS
The luteal tissue is the major site of Ang II, ACE, AT1R, and VEGF, with highest staining intensity found during the midluteal phase and at pregnancy. The AT1R was found in theca cells. The APA was strongly immunolocalized in pericytes. Immunolocalization of AT1R was almost similar to that of VEGF including oocytes in the primordial and intermediate follicles.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression and distinct pattern of the cellular localization of Ang II and its related proteins in human ovarian tissue during folliculogenesis and in the luteal tissue suggest their roles in the growth and differentiation of theca, granulose, and luteal cells.
Harata
Toko
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Ando
Hisao
H
Iwase
Akira
A
Nagasaka
Tetsuro
T
Mizutani
Shigehiko
S
Kikkawa
Fumitaka
F
D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000378:metabolism*; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D043384:Glutamyl Aminopeptidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000378:metabolism; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D015778:Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000804:Angiotensin II; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D000626:Aminopeptidases; C464841:ERAP1 protein, human; D043384:Glutamyl Aminopeptidase; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A