The recruitment of macrophages to the pre-ovulatory ovary (CAM4P.146)

Abstract

Abstract Ovulation requires the chemotaxis of leukocytes from the spleen to the ovary. Hormonal signals that are released during the peri-ovulatory period initiate the release of specific leukocyte populations that infiltrate the ovary and facilitate the release of oocytes. We identified a specific population of monocyte that infiltrates the ovary during a specific period of time, as well as M1 and M2-like macrophage populations. Before ovulation occurs, a Ly-6hi monocyte is likely promoting inflammation and follicular rupture. The Ly-6c high monocyte infiltration will start to diminish as they differentiate into M1 macrophages to further promote inflammation. These studies will utilize a super-ovulation protocol to initiate ovulation in immature balb/c mice. Ovaries will be collected at several times post hCG injection and analyzed by multi-color flow cytometry. Oviducts will be collected from mice 20 hours after hCG administration and cumulous oocyte complexes will be collected, counted and averaged to determine ovulation rate. Studies should establish that without these subsets of monocytes and macrophages, the rate of ovulation is reduced. In this regard, in the ovary, the Ly-6c high monocytes may function as a source of M1 macrophages to initiate the inflammatory process.