Phosphodiesterases and regulation of female reproductive function.
The function of the mammalian follicle is regulated by circulating gonadotropins and a myriad of local paracrine regulations functioning within the ovary. Cyclic nucleotide signaling plays an essential role in mediating both these endocrine and paracrine regulations. Given their role in controlling cyclic nucleotide levels, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are critical for ovarian function. PDEs modulate gonadotropin responses in the somatic compartment of the ovarian follicle. Specific PDEs are also essential for the oocyte entry and exit from the meiotic cell cycle. This review summarizes the function and regulation of PDEs in the somatic compartment and in the oocyte, and highlights the potential of PDEs as targets to improve assisted reproduction, as well as for fertility control.
Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1656, Box 0556, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, United States. contim@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Marco
M
Conti
D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009866:Oogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000502:physiology; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000187:drug effects
D006062:Gonadotropins; D007527:Isoenzymes; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D015105:3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases; D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases