2001 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Studies on the mechanism of follicle rupture upon ovulation in vertebrates
| Project/Area Number |
11440240
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
生物形態・構造
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| Research Institution | HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY |
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Principal Investigator |
TAKAHASHI Takayuki Hokkaido Univ., Grad., School of Sci., Prof., 大学院・理学研究科, 教授 (80197152)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
OHNISHI Junji Hokkaido Univ., Grad., School of Sci., Inst., 大学院・理学研究科, 助手 (40261276)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1999 – 2001
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| Keywords | vertebrate / ovary / ovulation / follicle rapture |
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| Research Abstract |
In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of follicle rupture upon ovulation in vertebrate species. Using the medaka fish Oryzias latipes and mammals, such as pig, mouse and rat, we obtained following results:
(1) We showed the occurrence of all components for the bradykinin-producing system as well as final product bradykinin in the porcine ovarian follicles. Furthermore, the localization bradykinin B2 receptor in both granulosa and theca cells of all growing follicles was demonstrated. Treatment of porcine ovarian granulosa cells with bradykinin resulted in the enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-20, suggesting its involvement in the bradykinin-induced ovulation.
(2) We discovered a novel type of matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-23, in the mammalian ovary, and human MMP-23 cDNA were cloned in this study. Molecular biological and biochemical characterizations strongly suggest that this MMP is involved in the process of follicular development rather than ovulation.
(3) Using the medaka fish ovary, 8 MMP cDNA clones were isolated. Studies using in situ hybridization and in vitro ovulation experiments indicated that MT2-MMP is probably involved in the ovulation of this species.
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