AN ANTIINFLAMMATORY ROLE FOR GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN THE OVARIES

Roles of glucocorticoids in the direct regulation of ovarian function are poorly understood. This opinion paper highlights: (1) the inflamma tory nature of the ovulatory process; (2) the contributions of cytokin es and prostaglandins thence inflammation) to ovulation; (3) the devel opment-related pattern of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid (11 beta HSD) isoform expression thence glucocorticoid metabolism) that occurs in ovarian f ollicles; and (4) the attribution of general anti-inflammatory propert ies of glucocorticoids to their interference with prostaglandin synthe sis. We interpret the evidence cited to hypothesise that corticosteroi ds serve an anti-inflammatory role during ovulation, thereby promoting rapid healing of the wound left by follicular rupture. Other possible levels of glucocorticoid action in the ovaries are also considered. ( C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.