The ovarian renin-angiotensin system: Renin-like activity and angiotensin II/III immunoreactivity in gonadotropin-stimulated and unstimulated human follicular fluid

High levels of mineralocorticoids in preovulatory follicular fluid could contribute to oocyte development

“…Our observations are novel findings in ovarian biology and add to prior knowledge of an OvRAS. Previously published studies revealed the presence of an OvRAS that is most active during the preovulatory time period (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8), mimicking the elevations in mineralocorticoids described here. Outside of the ovary, aldosterone is an active component of the renin-angiotensin system system and is tightly regulated by angiotensin II (35).…”

“…One example is the ovarian reninangiotensin system (OvRAS). Extensive research has described high follicular fluid content (1)(2)(3)(4)(5) and peak levels in the periovulatory time period (6)(7)(8) of several OvRAS components. Evidence for local action includes the presence of angiotensin II receptors in bovine ovarian follicles (9) and the in vitro production of renin and prorenin from human theca cells cultures (10,11).…”

Intravenous calcium infusion as a novel preventive therapy of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

“…The possible contributing factors in the pathophysiology of OHSS are increased secretion or exudation of protein-rich fluid from enlarged ovaries or peritoneal surfaces, increased follicular fluid levels of prorenin and renin (21), increased angiotensin-mediated changes in capillary permeability (22), and finally increased vascular endothelial growth factor, which is an angiogenic cytokine known to be a potent stimulator of the vascular endothelium (23). Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to play an integral role in follicular growth, corpus luteum function, and ovarian angiogenesis (12,23).…”

Angiotensins stimulate in vitro ovulation and contraction of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) follicles

“…In the past few years, studies have demonstrated that various proteins involved in angiotensin production, including prorenin, renin, angiotensinogen and angiotensin I converting enzymes (Brentjens et al 1986;Culler et al 1986;Sealy et al 1986;Lightman et al 1987;Do et al 1988;Lipke and Olson 1988;Brameld et al 1990), are present in ovarian tissue of several vertebrate species. Further, ovarian angiotensin receptors have also been demonstrated in vertebrate ovaries (Speth et al 1986;Husain et al 1987;Pucell et al 1987;Daud et al 1988;Lightman et al 1988;Lacy et al 1989;Fluharty et al 1991).…”