Evidence for the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha receptors during ovarian development in the rat.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is an intraovarian cytokine that may play a role in ovarian development and function. Effects of TNFalpha are mediated by binding to at least one of two TNFalpha receptor subtypes (with molecular masses of approximately 60 and 80 kDa); therefore, the overall goal of this study was to determine whether rat ovaries have TNFalpha receptors during critical times in development. Two approaches were used: 1) demonstration of specific binding of radiolabeled TNFalpha to ovarian cells and 2) semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for each of the two TNFalpha receptors. Ovarian cells were obtained on Embryonic Day 19, day of birth (Day 0), and Days 2, 5, 10, and 20. TNFalpha binding was present on all days, with significantly greater binding on Day 20. Messenger RNA for both receptor subtypes was detected on all days using RT-PCR analysis but was significantly greater for the 60-kDa receptor on Day 20. In conclusion, rat ovaries contained receptors capable of binding TNFalpha and mRNA for both receptor subtypes. Identification of ovarian TNFalpha receptors provides support for a role of TNFalpha in ovarian development and function.