In vivo evidence for possible up-regulating roles of lysophosphatidic acid around fertilization in rats.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) produced by autotaxin (ATX) is recognized as a multi-functional mediator in mammalian reproduction. This study focused on possible effect(s) of LPA on ovulated cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) around fertilization in rats in vivo. Immunohistochemistry revealed the cell-type-dependent localization of candidates of synthetic enzymes, ATX and two phospholipases A isofroms, and LPA receptors LPA in ovulated COCs and in oviductal epithelium.