Progesterone modulates HSD11B1-mediated cortisol production in luteinized bovine granulosa cells.

Progesterone (P4) and cortisol production increase in luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs) during the periovulatory period, but their interaction is not well established. Therefore, we investigated their interaction in cultured bovine LGCs. Granulosa cells were collected from follicles of 2-5 mm in diameter and cultured in DMEM/F-12 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum for up to 14 days.

Progesterone stimulates cortisol production in the maturing bovine cumulus-oocyte complex.

In the bovine cumulus oophorus, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1)-mediated cortisol production dramatically increases during the periovulatory period. This event is closely associated with increased progesterone (P4) production, implying a functional connection between these C21 steroids. In this study, we investigated the mutual regulation of P4 and cortisol production in the bovine cumulus oophorus.

Expression of genes encoding mineralocorticoid biosynthetic enzymes and the mineralocorticoid receptor, and levels of mineralocorticoids in the bovine follicle and corpus luteum.

Unlike sex steroids, mineralocorticoids have attracted limited attention in ovarian physiology. Recent studies on primates have indicated possible local synthesis and action of mineralocorticoids in the ovary. Here, we examined developmental changes in the levels of mineralocorticoids and expression of genes encoding their biosynthetic enzymes and receptor in the bovine ovary.