EGF-like growth factors as mediators of LH action in the ovulatory follicle

Journal:Science

Place of Publication:USA

Abstract:Before ovulation in mammals, a cascade of events resembling an inflammatory and/or tissue remodeling process is triggered by luteinizing hormone (LH) in the ovarian follicle. Many LH effects, however, are thought to be indirect because of the restricted expression of its receptor. Here, we demonstrate that LH stimulation induces the transient and sequential expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family members amphiregulin, epiregulin, and beta-cellulin. Incubation of follicles with these growth factors recapitulates the morphological and biochemical events triggered by LH, including cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. Thus, these EGF-related growth factors are paracrine mediators that propagate the LH signal throughout the follicle.

All the Authors:You-Qiang Su, Miyako Ariga, Evelyn Law, S-L Catherine Jin

First Author:Jy-Young Park

Indexed by:Reports

Correspondence Author:Marco Conti

Document Code:10.1126/science.1092463

Volume:303

Issue:5658

Page Number:682-684

ISSN No.:1095-9203

Translation or Not:no

Date of Publication:2004-01-30

Date of Publication:2004-01-30