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Receptor Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Kenneth S. Korach, Receptor Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MD B3-02, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. E-mail: korach{at}niehs.nih.gov.
The process of granulosa cell differentiation that occurs in preovulatory follicles is dependent on FSH but requires augmentation by estradiol. To determine which estrogen receptor (ER) form mediates the effects of estradiol during gonadotropin-induced follicle growth, differentiation, and rupture, we characterized the response of ER
- and ERß-null mice to gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Immature mice were treated with an ovulatory regimen of exogenous gonadotropins and tissues were collected at distinct time points for morphological, biochemical, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analyses. Granulosa cells of ERß knockout (ERKO) preovulatory follicles exhibited an attenuated response to FSH-induced differentiation, as evident by reduced aromatase activity and estradiol synthesis, and insufficient expression of LH receptor. As a result, ßERKO ovaries were unable to fully respond to an ovulatory bolus of gonadotropin, leading to a reduced rate of follicle rupture; insufficient induction of prostaglandin-synthase 2 and progesterone receptor; an aberrant increase in aromatase activity and plasma estradiol; and incomplete expansion of the cumulus-oocyte complex. Parallel characterization of ERKO females indicated a minimal role for ER in granulosa cell differentiation, ovulation, and the concomitant changes in gene expression, although some abnormalities were revealed. These studies demonstrate that ERß-mediated estradiol actions are vital to FSH-induced granulosa cell differentiation; and in the absence of ERß, preovulatory follicles are deficient in the necessary cellular organization (i.e. antrum and cumulus oocyte complex), enzymatic activity (i.e. capacity to convert androgen precursor to estradiol), and receptor signaling pathways (i.e. LH receptor) to respond to a gonadotropin surge and expel a healthy oocyte.
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