Gonadotropin regulation and role of ovarian osteopontin in the periovulatory period.

Osteopontin (OPN), a secreted glycoprotein, has multiple physiological functions. This study investigated the regulation and roles of OPN in the mouse ovary during the periovulatory stages. Immature female mice were treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to simulate follicle maturation and ovulation.

Rapid and transient upregulation of CCL11 (eotaxin-1) in mouse ovary during terminal stages of follicular development.

Problem: This study aimed to investigate the regulation of expression, localization and physiological role of the CCL11/CCR3 axis in mouse ovary during the periovulatory period.

Method Of Study: CCL11/CCR3 expression in the mouse ovary after treatment with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 hr later was assessed in vivo and in 3-dimensional cultures in vitro.

Results: Real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed transient CCL11 mRNA upregulation 6 hr after hCG treatment.