Abstract
Following ovulation, the follicle undergoes a period of rapid cellular remodeling that results in major capillary invasion and formation of the corpus luteum (CL). The production of angiogenic factors is responsible for CL development. The biologically active form of angiotensin (Ang), Ang II, has been shown to induce neovascularization, and the objective of the present study was to observe Ang II production and its action on secretory functions in the process of luteinization of granulosa cells in culture. Bovine luteinized granulosa cells (LGC) in culture were treated with Ang I (10-11, 10-10, and 10-9 M) three times (Days 1-3, 3-5, and 5-7). None of these treatments resulted in a conversion of Ang I to Ang II. Ang II did not have any effect on the production of progesterone, prostaglandin E2 or oxytocin at any of the doses used (10-9, 10-8, and 10-7 M) at any time during the culture period. In addition, the effect of Ang II on cell proliferation was not significantly different from that of the control. These data indicate that Ang II may not be involved in regulating the secretory function of LGC or in regulating the rapid proliferation of LGC during development of the CL.
