Immune-like mechanisms in ovulation

JAS Richards, Z Liu, M Shimada - Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2008 - cell.com
JAS Richards, Z Liu, M Shimada
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2008cell.com
Ovulation is the unique biological process by which a mature oocyte (egg) and surrounding
somatic cells, the cumulus cell–oocyte complex (COC), are released from the surface of the
ovary into the oviduct for transport and fertilization. Ovulation is similar to an inflammatory
response: the follicles become hyperemic, produce prostaglandins and synthesize a
hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix. However, this view of ovulation might be too restrictive
and needs to be broadened to encompass the innate immune cell surveillance-response …
Ovulation is the unique biological process by which a mature oocyte (egg) and surrounding somatic cells, the cumulus cell–oocyte complex (COC), are released from the surface of the ovary into the oviduct for transport and fertilization. Ovulation is similar to an inflammatory response: the follicles become hyperemic, produce prostaglandins and synthesize a hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix. However, this view of ovulation might be too restrictive and needs to be broadened to encompass the innate immune cell surveillance-response system. This hypothesis is being proposed because ovarian granulosa cells and cumulus cells express and respond to innate immune cell-related surveillance proteins (Toll-like receptors 2 and 4) and cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), during ovulation.
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