J Vet Sci.  2005 Jun;6(2):97-101.

Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in the porcine ovary during follicular development

• Kim H
• Moon C
• Ahn M
• Lee Y
• Kim H
• Kim S
• Ha T
• Jee Y
• Shin T

Abstract

The expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in the ovaries of pigs was examined to study the involvement of nitric oxide, a product of NOS activity, in the function of the ovary. Western blot analysis detected three types of NOS in the ovary, including constitutive neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS); eNOS immunoreactivity was more intense compared with that of iNOS or nNOS. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of nNOS and eNOS in the surface epithelium, stroma, oocytes, thecal cells, and endothelial cells of blood vessels. Positive immunoreactions for nNOS and iNOS were detected in the granulosa cells from multilaminar and antral follicles, but not in those of unilaminar follicles. iNOS was detected in the surface epithelium, oocytes, and theca of multilaminar and antral follicles. Taking all of the findings into consideration, the observed differential expression of the three NOS isoforms in the ovary suggests a role for nitric oxide in modulating reproduction in pigs.

Keyword

granulosa cell; nitric oxide synthase; oocyte; ovary; pig

MeSH Terms

Animals
Blotting, Western/veterinary
Female
Immunohistochemistry/veterinary
Nerve Tissue Proteins/*biosynthesis
Nitric Oxide/metabolism
Nitric Oxide Synthase/*biosynthesis
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
Ovarian Follicle/*enzymology/growth&development
Swine/*physiology