Expression and distribution of cyclooxygenase-2 in human ovary during follicular development

Prostaglandins play important roles for oocyte maturation and follicular rupture. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform of a prostaglandin metabolic enzyme, is essential for the timed production of prostaglandins in the ovary. The aim of the present study is to examine expression and distri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inOsaka City medical journal Vol. 49; no. 1; p. 39
Main Authors Tokuyama, Osamu, Nakamura, Yoshiro, Musoh, Ayako, Honda, Ken-ichi, Ozaki, Koji, Ishiko, Osamu
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Japan 01.06.2003
Subjects
Adult
Cyclooxygenase 2
Dinoprostone - physiology
Embryo Transfer
Female
Fertilization in Vitro
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Isoenzymes - analysis
Isoenzymes - physiology
Membrane Proteins
Ovarian Follicle - physiology
Ovary - enzymology
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases - analysis
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases - physiology
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Summary:Prostaglandins play important roles for oocyte maturation and follicular rupture. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform of a prostaglandin metabolic enzyme, is essential for the timed production of prostaglandins in the ovary. The aim of the present study is to examine expression and distribution of COX-2 in human ovarian follicles at each of the maturation stages. Immunohistochemical staining shows that COX-2 is expressed in the granulosa cell layer of secondary and developing follicles, but is not detected in primary and Graafian follicles. Western blotting analysis revealed the existence of COX-2 in periovulatory follicular fluid at a mean concentration of 5.6 +/- 0.6 ng/ml. COX-2 might begin to be produced at the secondary follicle stage, and once a follicle reaches the Graafian follicle stage, the production of this enzyme is stopped. After exposure to luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, follicles might resume production of COX-2, and this is secreted into the follicular fluid.
ISSN:0030-6096