Expression of Mullerian Inhibiting Substance Type II Receptor during Follicular Development in the Human Ovary

Kim, Jang Heub; Chung, Seo Ho; Hwang, Seong Jin; Jo, Hyun Hee; Kim, Mee Ran; Kwon, Dong Jin; Lew, Young Ok; Kim, Jin Hong; Lee, Jin Woo

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was aimed to obtain information on the ontogeny of the production profile of MIS type II receptor (MISR II) and the pattern of its localization according to follicular development
METHODS
Expression of MISR II were studied in 21 ovarian specimens from adult normal cycling women by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization of the MISR II mRNA and immunohistochemical staining of the MISR II.
RESULTS
The first staining for MISR II and MISR II mRNA were detected in the granulosa cells in primary follicles. The granulosa cells of multiple layered growing follicles showed strong specific staining for MISR II and MISR II mRNA. Among the growing follicles, large follicle stained more intensely than small one. Expression of the MISR II and MISR II mRNA were also seen in the granulosa cells and theca cells of antral follicles. The expression levels of MISR II and MISR II mRNA in mature follicles were lower than those in growing follicles and were even further reduced, but still detectable, in corpus luteum. There was a decreased level of MISR II and MISR II mRNA expression when follicles become atretic. Both expressions were eventually lost from atretic follicles. And the MISR II and MISR II mRNA staining were not found in primordial follicles, oocytes, interstitial cells, ovarian epithelium, and corpus albicans.
CONCLUSION
The production and localization of MISR II in granulosa cells, theca cells, and corpus luteum in normal reproductive ovary indicate that actions of MIS via MISR II are autocrine and paracrine in nature. The pattern of MISR II and MISR II mRNA expression according to follicular development indicate that MIS function in the ovary is turned on in primary follicles, increases to maximal levels in large growing follicles, and decreases just before ovulation. These experiments suggest that MIS may play an important role in follicle maturation and follicle selection during the adult reproductive cycle. And this study may yield important information to direct the development of newer contraceptive strategies.