The ovarian endothelin network: an evolving story.
The endothelin (ET) system consists of three ET isopeptides, several converting enzyme isoforms and two G-protein-coupled receptors, ETA and ETB, which are linked to multiple signaling pathways. Less than 20 years after the initial detection of ET-1 in granulosa cells, the ovarian ET network continues to expand with the discovery of new members and functions. ETs influence a broad range of essential reproductive processes, such as ovulation, steroidogenesis and luteolysis. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the ovarian ET network might provide new strategies for controlling reproduction. This review presents up-to-date findings on the ET network in the ovary.
Meidan
Rina
R
Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel. rina.meidan@huji.ac.il
Levy
Nitzan
N
D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D019333:Endothelin-2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D000072396:Endothelin-Converting Enzymes; D016232:Endothelins / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms; D010053:Ovary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D019332:Endothelin-1; D019333:Endothelin-2; D016232:Endothelins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin; D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D000072396:Endothelin-Converting Enzymes