The Involvement of Platelet Activating Factor in Ovulation

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 243; no. 4889; pp. 381 - 383
• Main Authors: Abisogun, Akinwunmi O., Braquet, Pierre, Tsafriri, Alex
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC The American Association for the Advancement of Science 20.01.1989; American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: Animals; Biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Birth control; Capillary Permeability - drug effects; Collagen - metabolism; Diterpenes; Eicosanoids; Estrus; Female; Follicles; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Ginkgolides; Gonadotropins; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Inflammation; Intravenous injections; Lactones - pharmacology; Mammalian female genital system; Ova; Ovaries; Ovary - blood supply; Oviducts; Ovulation; Platelet activating factor; Platelet Activating Factor - physiology; Platelets; Rats; Reproductive system; Vertebrates: reproduction; Vertebrata; Reproduction; Mammalia; Rat; Rodentia; Ovulation; Biological activity; Platelet activating factor
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.2911750

Follicle rupture during ovulation is associated with inflammation-like changes. Because platelet activating factor (PAF) participates in the inflammatory process, the effect of a PAF-specific antagonist, BN52021, on the ovulatory response was tested in rats. BN52021, administered locally, inhibited follicle rupture in rats stimulated to ovulate with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In addition to suppressing rupture of the follicles, this antagonist suppressed the hCG-stimulated increase in ovarian collagenolysis and vascular permeability. The inhibition of ovulation of BN52021 could be reversed by simultaneous administration of PAF. Furthermore, PAF partially reversed the blockage of ovulation by inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis. Collectively, these results suggest the involvement of PAF in ovulation. Its role seems to be closely related to the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Thus, modulation of PAF action may serve as an additional target for regulation of reproduction via its action on ovulation.