Macrophage contributions to ovarian function

Abstract

Macrophages are multifunctional cells that play key roles in the immune response and are abundant throughout female reproductive tissues. Macrophages are identified in tissues by their expression of cell surface receptors and can execute diverse functional activities, including phagocytosis and degradation of foreign antigens, matrix dissolution and tissue remodelling, and production and secretion of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Their specific localization and variations in distribution in the ovary during different stages of the cycle, as well as their presence in peri-ovulatory human follicular fluid, suggest that macrophages play diverse roles in intra-ovarian events including folliculogenesis, tissue restructuring at ovulation and corpus luteum formation and regression. This review presents the existing evidence for the regulation of ovarian function by macrophages and macrophage-derived products, highlighting the implications of these cells in ovarian diseases, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and premature ovarian failure.

Morphologic observation and classification criteria of atretic follicles in guinea pigs

“…The large macrophages had diameters of 20-60 μm, and contained many dead cells and apoptotic bodies. This illustrates that the macrophages are important regulators in the ovaries, and that they can regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis (van der Hoek et al, 2000;Wu et al, 2004). Therefore, the large phagocytes are important regulators in Stage II atretic follicles, and play an important role in the elimination of dead cells.…”

“…In Stage I, some pyknotic cells and apoptotic bodies were interspersed among the healthy cells. It was accepted that these dead cells or apoptotic bodies were eliminated by macrophages or neighboring intact cells (Kasuya, 1997;Wu et al, 2004). Stages III and IV showed the course of apoptosis in its mildest form.…”

Impact of Some Cytokines to Efficiency of Infertility Treatment by Means of in Vitro Fertilization

“…IL-10 и IL-4 могут рассматри-ваться в качестве антагонистов действия ТNFα, IFNγ, обладающих провоспалительным действи-ем. Так, IL-10 ингибирует апоптоз клеток, инду- 11]. Синтезируемые макрофагами хемокины об-ладают хемоаттрактивным эффектом и обеспе-чивают привлечение и активацию в ткани яич-ника лейкоцитов [12].…”

The Local Immune Mechanisms Involved in the Formation of Endometriotic Lesions

“…It is well known that macrophages are ubiquitous immune cells that play important role in both innate and acquired immunity (Wu et al, 2004). In addition to protection the body from foreign organisms and antigens, macrophages maintain homeostasis in many tissues and in peritoneal cavity as well through their cytokine production and remodeling capabilities.…”