2018 Volume 33 Pages 26-34
Macrophages (MΦs) are involved in folliculogenesis. However, it is unknown which type of MΦ, M1 or M2, plays a more essential role in the ovary. To investigate the role of macrophage in subtype level in folliculogenesis, CD206 or CD11c diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic (DTR) mice, which enable depletion of CD206+ M2 MΦs and CD11c+ MΦ or CD11c+ Dendritic cells (DCs), respectively, were used. In wild type mice (WT), the proportion of CD206+ M2 MΦs was not increased in follicular induction, while that of CD11c+ M1 MΦs was increased. In CD206 DTR mice, folliculogenesis was normal. In CD11c DTR mice, folliculogenesis was impaired with ovarian hemorrhage and the staining of platelet derived growth factor-receptor β (PDGF-Rβ), a marker of pericytes, and CD34, a marker of endothelial cells, was reduced. CD11c+ cells, M1 MΦs or DCs, may be involved in folliculogenesis, while M2 MΦs are not involved in folliculogenesis.
