Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-Pgds) is expressed in the early embryonic gonad and participates to the initial nuclear translocation of the SOX9 protein.

In mammals, the Prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2) ) signaling pathway is involved in male gonadal development, regulating Sox9 gene expression and SOX9 protein subcellular localization through lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase (L-Pgds) activity. Nevertheless, because L-Pgds is downstream of Sox9, its expression cannot explain the initial nuclear translocation of the SOX9 protein. Here, we show that another source of PGD(2) , hematopoietic-Pgds (H-Pgds) enzyme is expressed in somatic and germ cells of the embryonic gonad of both sexes, as early as embryonic day (E) 10.

Hematopoietic-Prostaglandin D2 synthase through PGD2 production is involved in the adult ovarian physiology.

Background: The prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) pathway is involved in numerous biological processes and while it has been identified as a partner of the embryonic sex determining male cascade, the roles it plays in ovarian function remain largely unknown. PGD2 is secreted by two prostaglandin D synthases (Pgds); the male-specific lipocalin (L)-Pgds and the hematopoietic (H)-Pgds.

Methods: To study the expression of the Pgds in the adult ovary, in situ hybridization were performed.

[Prostaglandin D2: new roles in the embryonic and pathological gonad].

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) belongs to the superfamily of ubiquitous signalling molecules, the prostaglandins ; these bind to specific G-coupled transmembrane receptors, inducing various transduction pathways. Prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2alpha have several identified functions during ovulation, fecondation and embryo implantation. However, the roles of PGD2 within the male or female reproductive organs are still largely unknown, even though the PGD2-producing enzyme, prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS), is detected in these organs.