Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: FGF2 and thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) expression in corpus luteum (CL) exhibited the most divergent profile of induction by prostaglandin F2a (PGF2α). FGF2, a potent angiogenic pro-survival factor was increased in the Day 4 CL. In contrast, the anti-angiogenic, apoptotic factors, THBS1, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were upregulated specifically on Day 11, PGF2α-responsive CL. Functionally, THBS1 rev...

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...