Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Hypoxia and Endothelin-2 (EDN2) peak simultaneously during early corpus luteum (CL) formation, suggesting causal relationship. Indeed, hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) is a strong stimulator of EDN2 in granulosa–lutein cells (GLCs). Knockout of EDN2 resulted in un-ruptured follicles that failed to develop into CL, suggesting that EDN2 plays essential roles during ovulation. In agreement, EDN2 was low in GLCs of women with PCOS, characterized by ovula...