Plasmin-tumour necrosis factor interaction in the ovulatory process

Collagen breakdown and apoptotic cell death within the apex of the preovula tory ovine follicle are hallmarks of impending ovarian rupture. An integrat ive mechanism is proposed whereby gonadotrophic stimulation of urokinase-ty pe plasminogen activator secretion by the follicular-contiguous ovarian sur face epithelium elicits a localized increase in tissue plasmin, which activ ates collagenolysis and tumour necrosis factor alpha-induced cell death wit hin the formative ovulatory stigma.