Ovary

Expression of Basigin, an Inducer of Matrix Metalloproteinases, in the Rat Ovary

Abstract
The extensive tissue remodeling that occurs during follicular development, ovulatory rupture, and the formation and regression of the corpus luteum (CL) requires local degradation of the extracellular environment by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This report characterizes the expression pattern of basigin (Bsg), a putative regulator of MMP induction, in the rat ovary. An induced superovulation model (eCG/hCG) was employed in immature rats to evaluate Bsg expression profiles in ovaries collected during the follicular phase, the pre-ovulatory period, and the luteal lifespan. Levels of Bsg mRNA were unchanged through follicular growth (0 - 48 h post-eCG) and increased during post-ovulatory luteinization (24 and 48 h post-hCG; P < 0.01). Bsg expression persisted into pseudopregnancy (4 - 8 d post-hCG) and after functional luteal regression (12 d post-hCG). The profile of Bsg expression during regression of the CL was examined utilizing a model of induced luteolysis. Both functional and structural regression were associated with a decline in Bsg expression levels. Bsg mRNA and protein localized to the theca of preovulatory follicles (12 h post-hCG) and formative and functional CL (24 h - 8 d post-hCG). Bsg expression profiles in the induced-ovulation/CL regression models were similar to observations made in naturally cycling mature rats. In the cycling ovary, Bsg signaling localized to newly forming CL, the theca of preovulatory follicles, and appeared to be lower in CL from previous estrous cycles. A putative regulatory mechanism of Bsg expression was identified utilizing an in vitro model; treatment of cultured granulosa cells with hCG significantly augmented Bsg mRNA expression levels. The processes of ovulation and luteogenesis may be facilitated by Bsg expression and its induction/regulation of the MMPs.

Key words: Ovary • Corpus luteum • Follicular development • Ovulation • Theca cells

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