INTEGRIN ALPHA-6 IS INVOLVED IN FOLLICULAR-GROWTH IN MICE

We previously reported that integrin alpha 6 is expressed on granulosa cells in the inner layers of the human and porcine ovarian Follicles, where granulosa cells have no direct contact with basal lamina. In th is study, we examined the physiological role of integrin alpha 6 on fo llicular growth with an immature superovulated mice model using the an ti-integrin alpha 6 monoclonal antibody, GoH3. In the ovaries of 9- to 20-day-old mice, integrin alpha 6 was detected on all the layers of g ranulosa cells in the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles by immunohistochemistry. The 13-day-old female mice were superovulated by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin wit h the treatment of intraperitoneal administration of GoH3, or a contro l antibody, or PBS. In the group of GoH3 treatment, successful ovulati on was observed in 57+/-25.7% of the animals, whereas no ovulation was observed in the control groups (p<0.01). These findings indicate that integrin alpha 6 is involved in gonadotropin-induced follicular growt h. (C) 1997 Academic Press.