Endothelins enhance prostaglandin (PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha)) biosynthesis and release by human luteal cells: Evidence of a new paracrine/autocrine regulation of luteal function
F. Miceli et al., Endothelins enhance prostaglandin (PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha)) biosynthesis and release by human luteal cells: Evidence of a new paracrine/autocrine regulation of luteal function, J CLIN END, 86(2), 2001, pp. 811-817
We have previously shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) is normally found in huma
n luteal cells, where it is able to significantly inhibit both basal and hC
G-induced progesterone production. To further expand our comprehension of t
he possible roles of endothelins (ETs) in luteal physiology, in this study
we used primary cultures of luteal cells exposed to graded doses of ET-1 an
d ET-3; PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) were assayed in the culture medium to inves
tigate whether ETs also influence cyclooxygenase activity in these cells. W
e found that both ETs are able to significantly stimulate PGF(2 alpha) and
PGE(2) release in a dose- and time-dependent manner. ET-1 was always more e
ffective than ET-3. Experiments with two endothelin receptor antagonists (t
he BQ485 and BQ788 compounds, which block the ET-A and ET-B receptors, resp
ectively) showed that the two endothelins induce PG production through diff
erent receptors and signaling pathways. In conclusion, here we demonstrate
the ability of ETs to influence PG synthesis and release from human luteal
cells. As PGs are deeply involved in corpus luteum activity, and ETs were a
lso able to influence progesterone production, the present new data suggest
an interesting interplay among progesterone, PGs, and ETs in the control o
f corpus luteum physiology.