Endocrine Abstracts

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been recognized as crucial molecules as a luteinizing factor but BMPs have differential actions in FSH-induced estradiol production in a ligand-dependent manner. We recently reported the presence of oocyte–granulosa cell communication through BMP actions by regulating MAPK. To approach the oocyte factors that modulate steroidogenesis controlled by BMPs, we here investigated the effects of FGF-8 in rat granulosa/oocyte co-cultures. F...

Primary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease that has prevalence of 1 to 2 occurrences per one million individuals. This disease is characterized by excessive proliferation of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, causing thickening the walls of pulmonary arterioles. Recent studies have uncovered a link between familial and idiopathic PAH to BMPRII mutations. The pathology of PAH is characterized by the remodeling of pulmonary arteries due to pulmo...