Purinergic signaling in the ovary.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released from the cell by multiple mechanisms. The extracellular form of this purine is processed by ectonucleotidases, resulting in a variety of dephosphorylated metabolites that can bind to specific receptors found in the membrane of target cells; such purinergic signaling is important as an autocrine-paracrine intercellular communication system that influences tissue physiology. In this review, we summarize the studies analyzing purinergic activity in the ovary, which can modulate cellular physiology-including sensitivity to gonadotropins-in several ovarian cell types, including the cumulus-cell complex, granulosa cells, theca cells, and the ovarian surface epithelium. These functions support a role for ATP as an important intra-ovarian messenger, and open new lines of research that can improve our understanding of mechanisms regulating ovarian function and the fine-tuning of folliculogenesis.
Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
Angélica S
AS
Martínez-Ramírez
Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
Francisco G
FG
Vázquez-Cuevas
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology*
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate