Granulosa Cells Of Periovulatory Follicles Research Articles

The PGE2/Ptger4b pathway regulates ovulation by inducing intracellular actin cytoskeleton rearrangement via the Rho/Rock pathway in the granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles in the teleost medaka

We have previously shown that the prostaglandin E2/Ptger4b receptor system is involved in ovulation in teleost medaka and induces intracellular actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in the granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways through which prostaglandin E2 induces a change in the actin cytoskeleton. Treating preovulatory follicles with GW627368X (Ptger4b antagonist), a Rho inhibitor, or Y-27632 [Rho-associated protein kinase (Rock) inhibitor] inhibited not only in vitro follicle ovulation but also intracellular actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Active Rhoa-c and Rock1 were detected in follicles immediately before ovulation. GW627368X also inhibited Rhoa-c activation and cytoskeleton rearrangement. PGE2-induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement was not observed in the Ptger4b-, Rhoa-c-, or Rock1-deficient OLHNI-2 cells. These results indicate that the PGE2/Ptger4b pathway regulates intracellular actin cytoskeleton rearrangement via the Rho/Rock pathway in the granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles during medaka ovulation.

Core Binding Factor β Expression in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Is Essential for Female Fertility.

Core binding factor β (CBFβ) is a non-DNA-binding partner of all RUNX proteins and critical for transcription activity of CBF transcription factors (RUNXs/CBFβ). In the ovary, the expression of Runx1 and Runx2 is highly induced by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in ovulatory follicles, whereas Cbfb is constitutively expressed. To investigate the physiological significance of CBFs in the ovary, the current study generated two different conditional mutant mouse models in which granulosa cell expression of Cbfb and Runx2 was reduced by Cre recombinase driven by an Esr2 promoter. Cbfbgc-/- and Cbfbgc-/- × Runx2gc+/- mice exhibited severe subfertility and infertility, respectively. In the ovaries of both mutant mice, follicles develop normally, but the majority of preovulatory follicles failed to ovulate either in response to human chorionic gonadotropin administration in pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-primed immature animals or after the LH surge at 5 months of age. Morphological and physiological changes in the corpus luteum of these mutant mice revealed the reduced size, progesterone production, and vascularization, as well as excessive lipid accumulation. In granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles and corpora lutea of these mice, the expression of Edn2, Ptgs1, Lhcgr, Sfrp4, Wnt4, Ccrl2, Lipg, Saa3, and Ptgfr was also drastically reduced. In conclusion, the current study provided in vivo evidence that CBFβ plays an essential role in female fertility by acting as a critical cofactor of CBF transcription factor complexes, which regulate the expression of specific key ovulatory and luteal genes, thus coordinating the ovulatory process and luteal development/function in mice.

Granulosa cell endothelin-2 expression is fundamental for ovulatory follicle rupture

Ovulation is dependent upon numerous factors mediating follicular growth, vascularization, and ultimately oocyte release via follicle rupture. Endothelin-2 (EDN2) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is transiently produced prior to follicle rupture by granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles and induces ovarian contraction. To determine the role of Edn2 expression, surgical transplant and novel conditional knockout mice were super-ovulated and analyzed. Conditional knockout mice utilized a new iCre driven by the Esr2 promoter to selectively remove Edn2. Follicle rupture and fertility were significantly impaired in the absence of ovarian Edn2 expression. When ovaries of Edn2KO mice were transplanted in wild type recipients, significantly more corpora lutea containing un-ovulated oocytes were present after hormonal stimulation (1.0 vs. 5.4, p = 0.010). Following selective ablation of Edn2 in granulosa cells, Esr2-Edn2KO dams had reduced oocytes ovulated (3.8 vs. 16.4 oocytes/ovary) and smaller litters (4.29 ± l.02 vs. 8.50 pups/dam). However, the number of pregnancies per pairing was not different and the reproductive axis remained intact. Esr2-Edn2KO ovaries had a higher percentage of antral follicles and fewer corpora lutea; follicles progressed to the antral stage but many were unable to rupture. Conditional loss of endothelin receptor A in granulosa cells also decreased ovulation but did not affect fecundity. These data demonstrate that EDN2-induced intraovarian contraction is a critical trigger of normal ovulation and subsequent fecundity.

X-linked lymphocyte regulated gene 5c-like (Xlr5c-like) is a novel target of progesterone action in granulosa cells of periovulatory rat ovaries

Progesterone (P4), acting through its nuclear receptor (PGR), plays an essential role in ovulation by mediating the expression of genes involved in ovulation and/or luteal formation. To identify ovulatory specific PGR-regulated genes, a preliminary microarray analysis was performed using rat granulosa cells treated with hCG ± RU486 (PGR antagonist). The transcript most highly down-regulated by RU486 was an EST (expressed sequence tag) sequence (gb: BI289578.1) that matches with predicted sequence for Xlr5c-like mRNA. Since nothing is known about Xlr5c-like, we first characterized the expression pattern of Xlr5c-like mRNA in the rat ovary. The level of mRNA for Xlr5c-like is transiently up-regulated in granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles after hCG stimulation in PMSG-primed rat ovaries. The transient induction of Xlr5c-like mRNA was mimicked by hCG treatment in cultured granulosa cells from preovulatory ovaries. We further demonstrated that the LH-activated PKA, MEK, PI3K, and p38 signaling is involved in the increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA. The increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA was abolished by RU486. The inhibitory effect of RU486 was reversed by MPA (synthetic progestin), but not by dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoid). Furthermore, mutation of SP1/SP3 and PGR response element sites in the promoter region of Xlr5c-like decreased Xlr5c-like reporter activity. RU486 also inhibited Xlr5c-like reporter activity. ChIP assay verified the binding of PGR and SP3 to the Xlr5c-like promoter in periovulatory granulosa cells. Functionally, siRNA-mediated Xlr5c-like knockdown in granulosa cell cultures resulted in reduced levels of mRNA for Snap25, Cxcr4, and Adamts1. Recombinant Xlr5c-like protein expressed using an adenoviral approach was localized predominantly to the nucleus and to a lesser extent to the cytoplasm of rat granulosa cells. In conclusion, this is the first report showing the spatiotemporally regulated expression of Xlr5c-like mRNA by hCG in rat periovulatory ovaries. P4/PGR mediates the LH-induced increase in Xlr5c-like mRNA. In turn, Xlr5c-like is involved in regulating the expression of specific ovulatory genes such as Snap25, Cxcr4, and Adamts1, possibly acting in the nucleus of periovulatory granulosa cells.

Role of hypoxia in the regulation of periovulatory EDN2 expression in the mouseThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the special issue (part 1 of 2) on Forefronts in Endothelin.

We have previously proposed endothelin-2 (EDN2) as a granulosa cell-derived contractile signal that facilitates ovulation. Spatially, Edn2 mRNA expression is restricted to granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles. Temporally, mRNA for this contractile peptide is expressed immediately before follicle rupture. The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that hypoxia mediates EDN2 expression in granulosa cells at ovulation, and if it does, to determine the region within the promoter responsible for this effect. To determine the effect of hypoxia on mRNA expression, immature mice were treated with 5 IU of PMSG followed 48 h later by 5 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Granulosa cells were isolated at 9 h after hCG, cultured under normal or hypoxic conditions, and the expression level of mRNA was compared. mRNA expression was increased when granulosa cells were cultured in a hypoxic environment (p < 0.05). Subsequent promoter analysis found that the 5′ upstream region of the EDN2 promoter (between –1894 bp and –1407 bp) was responsible for hypoxia-mediated changes in EDN2 expression. This promoter region contains multiple sites for potential transcriptional regulation, including that by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1, ACGTG) at –1297 bp. The second objective of this study was to determine whether the progesterone receptor (PR) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), two key regulators of periovulatory events, controlled EDN2 expression. To accomplish this, gonadotropin-primed mice were treated with RU-486 or indomethacin and expression of mRNA for Edn2 was determined in ovaries collected at 12 h after hCG. Treatment with RU-486 or indomethacin did not affect expression of mRNA for Edn2 (p > 0.05). Taken together, we believe that hypoxia, but not the PR or COX-2, regulate gonadotropin-induced EDN2 expression in the periovulatory follicle.

Role of Hypoxia in the Regulation of Periovulatory Endothelin-2 (EDN2) Expression in the Mouse Ovary.

Endothelin-2 (EDN2) was recently proposed as a final contractile facilitator of ovulation (Ko et al., Endocrinology 147(4):1770-1779, 2006). Spatially, expression of mRNA for EDN2 is restricted to granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles. Temporally, mRNA for this contractile peptide is expressed immediately prior to follicular rupture. Evidence suggests the induction of hypoxic stress within the periovulatory follicle prior to ovulation and the primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that hypoxia mediates END2 expression in granulosa cells at ovulation. Immature mice were treated with 5 IU PMSG followed 48 h later by 5 IU hCG. Granulosa cells were isolated at 9 h after hCG, cultured under normal or hypoxic conditions and the expression level of mRNA for EDN2 was compared. After 3 and 6 h of culture, expression of mRNA for EDN2 was increased when granulosa cells were cultured in a hypoxic environment (p < 0.05). Subsequent promoter analysis found that the 5 upstream region of the EDN2 promoter was responsible for hypoxia-mediated changes in EDN2 expression. This promoter region contains multiple sites for potential transcriptional regulation including that by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1; ACGTG) at -1297 bp. The second objective of this study was to examine the potential regulation of EDN2 expression by the progesterone receptor (PR) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), two key mediators of periovulatory events. Gonadotropin-primed mice were treated with vehicle, a PR antagonist (RU-486) or COX inhibitor (indomethacin) and expression of mRNA for EDN2 was determined in ovaries collected at 12 h after hCG. Treatment with RU-486 or indomethacin did not affect expression of mRNA for EDN2 (p > 0.05). Taken together, it is believed that hypoxia, but not the PR or COX-2, regulates gonadotropin-induced expression of EDN2 in the periovulatory follicle.

An Ovulatory Gonadotropin Stimulus Increases Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 Expression and Activity in Granulosa Cells of Primate Periovulatory Follicles

Prostaglandins (PGs) produced within ovarian follicles in response to the ovulatory gonadotropin surge are essential for follicle rupture and oocyte release. Arachidonic acid, the common precursor for PG synthesis, is cleaved from membrane phospholipids via the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The purpose of this study was to determine which PLA2 form(s) is involved in PG production by primate periovulatory follicles. Gonadotropins were administered to cynomolgus monkeys to stimulate multiple follicular development; human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) initiated periovulatory events. Granulosa cells and whole ovaries were obtained before (0 h), and 12, 24, and 36 h after hCG administration. Granulosa-lutein cells were also obtained from women undergoing infertility treatment. mRNA for cytosolic (c)PLA2 and secretory (s)PLA2V, but not sPLA2IIA, was expressed by granulosa cells. cPLA2 mRNA levels were low at 0 h, elevated by 12 h, and remained high 24-36 h after hCG administration. sPLA2V mRNA levels were low at 0 h and did not change in response to hCG. cPLA2 and sPLA2V were detected by immunocytochemistry in granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles before and at all times after hCG administration. PLA2 activity was low in lysates of granulosa cells obtained 0-24 h after hCG and was elevated in granulosa cells obtained 36 h after hCG administration. A cPLA2-selective inhibitor decreased both PLA2 activity in monkey granulosa cell lysates and PGE2 accumulation in cultures of human granulosa-lutein cells. cPLA2 is primarily or exclusively responsible for the gonadotropin-stimulated mobilization of arachidonic acid necessary for PG production by primate periovulatory follicles.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is the primary form of PGES expressed by the primate periovulatory follicle

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been identified as the key ovulatory PG in the primate follicle. Follicular PGE2 levels increase just before the expected time of ovulation, suggesting that the midcycle LH surge induces the expression of enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis. To identify the specific form(s) of prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) expressed by the primate periovulatory follicle, we examined granulosa and theca cell expression of the three microsomal (m) and cytosolic (c) forms of PGES (mPGES-1, mPGES-2 and cPGES) identified to date. Monkey granulosa cells and whole monkey ovaries were obtained from animals receiving exogenous gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development; monkeys then received an ovulatory dose of HCG to initiate periovulatory events. Expression of mPGES-1 mRNA and protein by granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles increased in response to HCG administration, peaking just before the expected time of ovulation. Immunocytochemistry showed that mPGES-1 protein was present in both granulosa and theca cells of monkey periovulatory follicles. Monkey granulosa cells also expressed mPGES-2 and cPGES mRNA, but mRNA levels did not change in response to HCG administration. Isolated monkey theca cells expressed both mPGES-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA, and produced PGE2 in vitro. Human granulosa-lutein cells obtained from women undergoing treatment for infertility expressed mRNAs for mPGES-1, mPGES-2 and cPGES. These data indicate that mPGES-1 is a gonadotropin-regulated PG synthesis enzyme expressed by granulosa cells of primate periovulatory follicles and suggest that mPGES-1 may be the primary PGES responsible for the increased follicular PGE2 levels necessary for primate ovulation.

Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein: A Gonadotropin- and Prostaglandin-Regulated Protein in Primate Periovulatory Follicles1

The midcycle LH surge stimulates a rise in follicular fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is necessary for normal ovulation. To examine PGE2-regulated processes in primate follicles, monkey granulosa cells were cultured with hCG alone or with hCG and PGE2, and the resulting total RNA was subjected to microarray analysis. Twenty PGE2-regulated mRNAs were identified, and we selected a lipid droplet protein, adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), for further study. To determine whether hCG and PGE2 regulate ADRP expression in vivo, monkeys received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development. Human chorionic gonadotropin was then administered alone or with the PG synthesis inhibitor celecoxib, and follicular aspirates or whole ovaries were obtained at times that span the 40-h periovulatory interval. Administration of hCG increased granulosa cell ADRP mRNA and protein, with peak levels measured just before the expected time of ovulation. Treatment with hCG and celecoxib decreased granulosa cell ADRP mRNA levels compared with those of animals treated with hCG only. ADRP was detected by immunocytochemistry in many monkey tissues that synthesize prostaglandins but was not consistently expressed by steroidogenic tissues. Granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles immunostained for ADRP after, but not before, hCG administration; ADRP colocalized with large lipid droplets within the granulosa cell cytoplasm. These studies identify ADRP as a novel gonadotropin- and PGE2-regulated protein in the granulosa cells of primate periovulatory follicles. Because ADRP facilitates arachidonic acid uptake in non-ovarian cells, ADRP-associated lipid droplets may enhance arachidonic acid uptake by granulosa cells to provide a precursor for periovulatory prostaglandin production.

Processing and Localization of ADAMTS-1 and Proteolytic Cleavage of Versican during Cumulus Matrix Expansion and Ovulation

ADAMTS-1 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs-1) is a member of the ADAMTS family of metalloproteases which, together with ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5, has been shown to degrade members of the lectican family of proteoglycans. ADAMTS-1 mRNA is induced in granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles by the luteinizing hormone surge through a progesterone receptor-dependent mechanism. Female progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mice are infertile primarily due to ovulatory failure and lack the normal periovulatory induction of ADAMTS-1 mRNA. We therefore investigated the protein localization and function of ADAMTS-1 in ovulating ovaries. Antibodies against two specific peptide regions, the pro-domain and the metalloprotease domain of ADAMTS-1, were generated. Pro-ADAMTS-1 of 110 kDa was identified in mural granulosa cells and appears localized to cytoplasmic secretory vesicles. The mature (85-kDa pro-domain truncated) form accumulated in the extracellular matrix of the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) during the process of matrix expansion. Each form of ADAMTS-1 protein increased >10-fold after the ovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in wild-type but not PRKO mice. Versican is also localized selectively to the ovulating COC matrix and was found to be cleaved yielding a 70-kDa N-terminal fragment immunopositive for the neoepitope DPEAAE generated by ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-4 protease activity. This extracellular processing of versican was reduced in ADAMTS-1-deficient PRKO mouse ovaries. These observations suggest that one function of ADAMTS-1 in ovulation is to cleave versican in the expanded COC matrix and that the anovulatory phenotype of PRKO mice is at least partially due to loss of this function.

Expression of progesterone receptor (PR) A and B isoforms in mouse granulosa cells: stage-dependent PR-mediated regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation.

The intracellular progesterone receptor (PR) in the mammalian ovary is a part of the physiological pathway that facilitates ovulation. Two PR isoforms (A and B) exist, with different molecular and biological functions. Previous studies have revealed that the cellular ratio of the PR isoforms is important for progesterone-responsive tissues and is under developmental control in different species. However, the relative expression of PR isoforms in the ovary is unknown. In this study we have demonstrated first that the expression of both PR isoforms in mouse granulosa cells was rapidly up-regulated by hCG treatment and dramatically down-regulated when the granulosa cells were undergoing luteinization. The relative level of protein expression of the A and B forms was 2:1 and the highest total PR protein expression was found after hCG stimulation. Second, we demonstrated that the expression of PR protein was specific to granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles and was absent in undifferentiated granulosa cells of growing follicles. It was not detected in other cell types (i.e., corpora lutea or any stage of follicles with features of apoptosis). Third, we demonstrated that treatment with the PR antagonist RU 486 in vivo resulted in down-regulation of both isoforms in parallel with increased activation of caspase-3, a decreased level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and a reduced rate of ovulation. Fourth, we demonstrated, in vitro, that the PR antagonists RU 486 and Org 31710 increased internucleosomal DNA fragmentation parallel with a decrease in DNA synthesis in granulosa cells, which express PR. These results indicate that PR and its isoforms participate in regulation of ovulation, along with suppression of granulosa cell apoptosis and promotion of cell survival in the mouse ovary.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin regulation by gonadotrophin and steroids in macaque granulosa cells during the peri-ovulatory interval.

The role of endothelial cell-specific growth factors in the vascularization of the primate peri-ovulatory follicle was examined. Experiments were designed firstly to detect expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in granulosa cells and secondly, to determine whether gonadotrophins and/or steroids regulate their expression during the peri-ovulatory interval. Granulosa cells and follicular fluid were collected from rhesus macaques undergoing ovarian stimulation before (0 h), 12, or 36 h after a bolus of ovulatory human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), with or without steroid ablation and progestin replacement. VEGF, Ang-1 and Ang-2 mRNA were all detected prior to the ovulatory stimulus. Whereas follicular fluid VEGF concentrations increased 6-fold (P < 0.05) between 0 and 12 h, VEGF mRNA values were unchanged and were unaffected by steroid ablation. Ang-1 mRNA decreased from 0 to 12 h (P < 0.05), followed by a 30-fold increase (P < 0.05) at 36 h, while Ang-2 mRNA values were unchanged between 0, 12 and 36 h. Steroid ablation decreased (P < 0.05) Ang-1 mRNA at 36 h, and Ang-2 mRNA at 12 h, while only Ang-1 was restored by progestin replacement. These data suggest a dynamic expression of vascular-specific growth factors in a gonadotrophin-dependent, steroid-independent (VEGF) or steroid-dependent (Ang-1) manner in granulosa cells of peri-ovulatory follicles of primates.

Microtubular dynamics in granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles and granulosa-derived (large) lutein cells of sheep: relationships to the steroidogenic folliculo-luteal shift and functional luteolysis.

Indirect immunofluorescence light microscopy was used to monitor temporal perturbations in the microtubular (tubulin) system of granulosa/lutein cells in paraffin-embedded sections of periovulatory follicles and corpora lutea of sheep. Estrogen-active granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles not yet exposed to the gonadotropin surge immunostained intensely for tubulin. Immunostaining of the microtubular matrix diminished after the onset of the surge and coincident with an abrupt fall in follicular estradiol production. A transient period of microtubular retraction was characterized by low-level steroid hormone output. Microtubules reappeared with the approach of ovulation and increase in follicular progesterone biosynthesis (luteinization). Treatment of animals during the preovulatory period with colchicine, a drug that binds specifically with tubulin and interferes with microtubular assembly, obstructed the follicular shift toward progesterone. Microtubular dynamics (polymerization<->depolymerization) evidently underpin fundamental mechanisms of follicular steroidogenesis. Finally, corpora lutea were isolated from ewes on Day 10 of the estrous cycle before (0 h) and after administration of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha. There was a small augmentation in luteal concentrations of progesterone at 2 h, followed by a sharp decrease from 4 to 16 h. Luteal weights were reduced (structural regression) at 24 h. Sections of large (PG-sensitive) steroidogenic cells of control corpora lutea typically displayed a radiating microtubular network. After administration of PGF2 alpha, tubular matrices of large cells were scant; mitochondrial clustering was evident in transmission electron micrographs. Affixed disassembly of the cytoskeleton of large luteal cells may be a heretofore unrecognized event in the biomechanics of functional luteolysis--perhaps uncoupling cholesterol translocation to mitochondrial cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage.

Kallikrein gene family expression in the rat ovary: localization to the granulosa cell

The glandular or tissue kallikreins are a multigene family of serine proteases, of which 13 genes (rKLK1-13) have been identified in the rat and are expressed in a wide variety of tissues. Kallikrein-like enzyme activity has been detected during the periovulatory period in the gonadotropin-primed immature female rat ovary and suggested to play a role in the inflammatory-like response at ovulation. In this study, we examined whether this enzyme activity was due to local expression of a rat KLK gene family member. Ovarian RNA, prepared from gonadotropin-treated animals, was assessed for rKLK gene expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with universal rKLK primers derived from highly conserved regions in the rat KLK genes. Southern blot analysis of the RT-PCR products, using oligonucleotide probes specific for the individual genes, indicated that five rKLK gene family members, rKLK1 (encoding true kallikrein), rKLK3, rKLK7, rKLK8, and rKLK9, were expressed at varying levels in the ovaries of both untreated control and gonadotropin-treated immature female rats. The identities of these five rKLK messenger RNAs were further confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. In situ hybridization of gonadotropin-treated ovaries localized rKLK3 and rKLK7 gene expression to the luteinizing granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles. In an enriched population of nonluteinizing granulosa cells prepared from estrogen-primed animals, we also demonstrated rKLK3, rKLK7, rKLK9, and rKLK12 (but not rKLK1 or rKLK8) expression, whereas all six genes were expressed in the ovaries of these animals. In summary, we have reported the expression of six KLK gene family members in the rat ovary and localized this expression primarily to the granulosa cell. The potential roles of these enzymes in ovulation or other aspects of ovarian, particularly granulosa cell, function are yet to be elucidated.

Kallikrein gene family expression in the rat ovary: localization to the granulosa cell.

The glandular or tissue kallikreins are a multigene family of serine proteases, of which 13 genes (rKLK1-13) have been identified in the rat and are expressed in a wide variety of tissues. Kallikrein-like enzyme activity has been detected during the periovulatory period in the gonadotropin-primed immature female rat ovary and suggested to play a role in the inflammatory-like response at ovulation. In this study, we examined whether this enzyme activity was due to local expression of a rat KLK gene family member. Ovarian RNA, prepared from gonadotropin-treated animals, was assessed for rKLK gene expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with universal rKLK primers derived from highly conserved regions in the rat KLK genes. Southern blot analysis of the RT-PCR products, using oligonucleotide probes specific for the individual genes, indicated that five rKLK gene family members, rKLK1 (encoding true kallikrein), rKLK3, rKLK7, rKLK8, and rKLK9, were expressed at varying levels in the ovaries of both untreated control and gonadotropin-treated immature female rats. The identities of these five rKLK messenger RNAs were further confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. In situ hybridization of gonadotropin-treated ovaries localized rKLK3 and rKLK7 gene expression to the luteinizing granulosa cells of periovulatory follicles. In an enriched population of nonluteinizing granulosa cells prepared from estrogen-primed animals, we also demonstrated rKLK3, rKLK7, rKLK9, and rKLK12 (but not rKLK1 or rKLK8) expression, whereas all six genes were expressed in the ovaries of these animals. In summary, we have reported the expression of six KLK gene family members in the rat ovary and localized this expression primarily to the granulosa cell. The potential roles of these enzymes in ovulation or other aspects of ovarian, particularly granulosa cell, function are yet to be elucidated.