Endocrine Abstracts

Approximately 90% of ovarian cancers are derived from ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells and are believed to result from repeated episodes of ovulation-associated injury and repair. A knowledge of the control of OSE cell survival is therefore of major interest regarding our understanding of ovarian cancers. We have previously demonstrated that CREB protein is activated in OSE cells around pre-ovulatory follicles and suggested that this activation may play a role to promote...

Cytochrome P450arom (aromatase), a marker of granulosa cell differentiation, and CTGF mRNA expression are inversely related in the developing rat follicle, but the cause/effect nature of the relationship is not known. Here, we used semi-quantitative in situ hybridization to analyze the expression of these genes during follicular development in the rat. The effect of CTGF on aromatase enzyme activity in isolated granulosa cells was determined by conversion of ...

Introduction:The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) covers the surface of the ovary, and is subjected to rupture and repair during ovulation. Ovulation bears hallmarks of a wound / heal event, including inflammation. Though integral to ovulation, inflammation may cause cellular damage leading to ovarian tumours, of which >90% are OSE derived. Progesterone, produced in large amounts at ovulation, has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study wa...

IntroductionThe process of ovulation is believed to contribute to the majority of ovarian cancers that derive from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The OSE is known to be important for successful ovulation and more recently was shown to be sensitive to inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha; Human Reproduction: 17:2300-2306).MethodsNormal OSE cells were obtained, with informed conse...

Introduction Tissue remodelling, and deposition of extracellular matrix and basement membrane are critical processes in the formation and development of ovarian follicles. Collagen is a major component of the ECM. Though there is substantial literature concerning the breakdown of collagen in the ovary, little attention has been given to the processes of collagen formation and deposition. Lysyl oxidase (LO) is critical in this process, being the enzyme responsible for the final...

IntroductionBased upon epidemiological evidence linking hyperthyroidism, inflammation of the ovarian surface and increased risk of ovarian cancer development, we have studied thyroid receptor expression in human ovarian surface epithelial cells (hOSE), and examined the possibility that triiodothyronine (T3) may have direct effects on hOSE cells, the origin of the vast majority of ovarian tumours.MethodsHuman ...

IntroductionOvulation involves rupture of the ovarian surface, and thus the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) is subjected to serial injury and repair with each ovulatory cycle. Inflammation is integral to the process of ovulation, but importantly, inflammatory damage is also thought to be a potential mechanism of ovarian tumour development. We have examined OSE responses to an inflammatory stimulus associated with ovulation, Interleukin-1alpha (IL1alpha)...