Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs): new modulators of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and release

Reproductive function requires the secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle -stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesized by the gonadotrope cells. A tight control of the production of these hormones is crucial, particularly in females, to coordinate the terminal follicular growth, the follicle selection as well as the timing and the number of ovulation. Synthesis and release of both gonadotropins are controlled by hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadal steroids (progesterone and oestradiol). Despite these common regulators, divergences in the circulating patterns of LH and FSH are often encountered. Such divergences have suggested that other factors are specifically implicated in the control of FSH production. Inhibins and activins, members of the Transforming Growth Factor -Beta (TGF -(3) superfamily, inhibit and stimulate respectively FSH synthesis and release. These gonadal factors are also produced in the pituitary where they act as paracrine factors. Other molecules of the TGF -13 superfamily, the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) have recently been involved for their action in reproduction at ovary level. Whether BMPs act at pituitary level and participate with other factors to regulate FSH production in females is not elucidated. In order to extend our knowledge of the differential regulation of FSH and LH synthesis, this question was addressed in this study and developed around three purposes:

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Edinburgh

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Faure, Marie-Odile

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1842/30189

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:era.ed.ac.uk:1842/30189