Korean J Anat.  2005 Dec;38(6):553-559.

TNFalpha and TNFR2 Immunohistochemistry During Ovarian Follicular Development and Atresia in the Rat

• Han SR
• Son SK
• Yang YS
• Kim WS

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is an intraovarian cytokine that may play a role in ovarian development and function. Identification of ovarian TNFalpha receptors provides support for establishing a role of TNFalpha in ovarian development and function. TNFalpha exerts its effects by binding to either TNF receptor 1 or 2 (TNFR1 or TNFR2). When TNFalpha binds with TNFR2, expression of survival genes is up-regulated, resulting in proliferation of granulosa cells. In the present study, the authors identified the changes in localization of TNFalpha and the expression of TNFR2 in granulosa cells during follicular atresia in rat ovaries. In healthy follicles, intense signals for TNFalpha and TNFR2 were found in the outer surface of the granulosa layer, where many proliferating cells and no apoptotic cells were observed. In atretic follicles, decreased expression of TNFalpha and TNFR2 was observed in the granulosa layer, where many apoptotic cells were seen. These findings suggested that TNFalpha acts as a survival factor in granulosa cells during follicular atresia in rat ovaries.

Keyword

Follicular atresia; Apoptosis; TNFalpha; TNFR2

MeSH Terms

Animals
Apoptosis
Female
Follicular Atresia
Granulosa Cells
Immunohistochemistry*
Ovarian Follicle
Ovary
Rats*
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II*
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha*
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha