Effects of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) on ovulation in the rat ovary

Abstract

The effects of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) on ovulation rate, ovarian secretion of steroids, and on tissue concentrations of the ovulatory mediators plasminogen activator (PA) and prostaglandins were examined in rat ovaries perfused in vitro for 20 h. Unstimulated control ovaries did not ovulate whereas luteinizing hormone (LH; 100 ng mL-1) induced ovulations in all ovaries (2.6 +/- 0.7). TNF alpha (40 ng mL-1) induced ovulations in 3 of 5 ovaries (0.8 +/- 0.4). When TNF alpha was added concomitantly with LH, the LH-induced ovulation rate was increased four-fold (10.6 +/- 1.3). This effect was not seen when TNF alpha was added 5 h after LH (3.2 +/- 0.6). More progesterone was released when TNF alpha was combined with LH by comparison with LH alone. Tissue concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and PGE were increased by the addition of TNF alpha when compared with the control group, but did not exceed those observed in the LH group, when TNF alpha was combined with LH. PA activity in the tissue was unaffected by TNF alpha and the LH-induced increase in PA activity was inhibited when TNF alpha was combined with LH. The results demonstrate that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF alpha promotes ovulations in the rat ovary.

Identification of a novel C1q family member in color crucian carp (Carassius auratus) ovary

“…Marcinkiewicz et al (2002) and Morrison and Marcinkiewicz (2002) demonstrated that TNF could decrease oocyte and primordial follicle number through stimulation of oocyte apoptosis in rat ovary. Brannstrom et al (1995) observed that TNFa could promote ovulations of rat ovary. In fish, Lister and Van Der Kraak (2002) found that recombinant murine TNF-a could inhibit in vitro production of testosterone by goldfish testicular tissue.…”

Relationships Between the First Ovulation Postpartum and Polymorphism in Genes Relating to Function of Immunity, Metabolism and Reproduction in High-producing Dairy Cows

“…Briefly, cows with the C/C genotypes of TNFα exon and the A/G genotypes of TNFα promoter are more likely to express early first ovulation after parturition. Brannstrom et al (1995) reported that injection of TNFα concomitantly with LH increases the LH-induced ovulation rate in the rat ovary [34]. Moreover, intrafollicular injection of TNFα antiserum blocks ovulation together with the decreased apoptosis in granulosa cells in ewes, suggesting that TNFα is an essential component of the ovulatory mechanisms [35].…”

Identification of a C1q family member associated with cortical granules and follicular cell apoptosis in Carassius auratus gibelio

“…and Morrison and Marcinkiewicz (2002) demonstrated that TNF could decrease oocyte and primordial follicle number through stimulation of oocyte apoptosis in rat ovary. Brannstrom et al (1995) observed that TNF-␣ could promote ovulation of rat ovary. In fish, Lister and Van Der Kraak (2002) found that recombinant murine TNF-␣ could inhibit in vitro production of testosterone by goldfish testicular tissue.…”