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The transcription factor C/EBP‐β and its role in ovarian function; evidence for direct involvement in the ovulatory process
Author(s) -
Pall Marita,
Hellberg Pär,
Brännström Mats,
Mikuni Masato,
Peterson C.Matthew,
Sundfeldt Karin,
Nordén Bengt,
Hedin Lars,
Enerbäck Sven
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the embo journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 7.484
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1460-2075
pISSN - 0261-4189
DOI - 10.1093/emboj/16.17.5273
Subject(s) - biology , transcription factor , function (biology) , medicine , genetics , gene
Gonadotropins are responsible for maturation of the ovarian follicle and the oocyte. Ovulation is the ultimate step in this process and involves disintegration of the follicular wall and subsequent release of an oocyte into the oviduct. These events are triggered by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Genes expressed in the ovary, that respond to LH, are likely to be involved in the biochemical pathways that regulate ovulation. The transcription factor C/EBP‐β is induced promptly in the ovary, as a response to an ovulatory dose of gonadotropins. We used an ex vivo perfusion system to demonstrate that a specific reduction in ovarian C/EBP‐β expression inhibits ovulation. In such ovaries the oocytes appeared to be entrapped within the follicle. We have found a correlation between the expression level of the activating isoform of C/EBP‐β and the number of oocytes ovulated in response to gonadotropins. Since a reduction in C/EBP‐β expression does not affect the level of the ovulatory mediator prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase‐2 (PGS‐2), these findings support the view of C/EBP‐β as an important factor in the ovulatory process and highlight a C/EBP‐β‐dependent and PGS‐2‐independent pathway that takes part in regulation of ovulation.