Coordination of Ovulation and Oocyte Maturation: A Good Egg at the Right Time

• Published in: Endocrinology (Philadelphia) Vol. 159; no. 9; pp. 3209 - 3218
• Main Authors: Robker, Rebecca L, Hennebold, Jon D, Russell, Darryl L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Endocrine Society 01.09.2018; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Animal models; Animals; Cell signaling; Communication; Communication networks; Coordination; Cumulus Cells - physiology; DNA damage; Embryos; Endocrinology; Enzymes; Epidermal growth factor; Extracellular matrix; Female; Fertility; Fertilization; Follicle Stimulating Hormone - metabolism; Follicle Stimulating Hormone - physiology; Gametocytes; Gene expression; Gonadotropins; Granulosa cells; Humans; Hyaluronic acid; Kinases; Ligands; Luteinizing Hormone - metabolism; Luteinizing Hormone - physiology; Maturation; Menopause; Mice; Mini-Review; Muscle contraction; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Smooth; Muscles; Muscular function; Neovascularization, Physiologic - physiology; Oocytes - growth & development; Oocytes - metabolism; Ovarian Follicle - physiology; Ovaries; Oviduct; Ovulation; Ovulation - metabolism; Ovulation - physiology; Paracrine signalling; Pituitary; Pituitary (anterior); Primates; Proteins; Proteolysis; Smooth muscle; Theca; Theca Cells - physiology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1945-7170; 0013-7227; 1945-7170
• DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00485

Abstract Ovulation is the appropriately timed release of a mature, developmentally competent oocyte from the ovary into the oviduct, where fertilization occurs. Importantly, ovulation is tightly linked with oocyte maturation, demonstrating the interdependency of these two parallel processes, both essential for female fertility. Initiated by pituitary gonadotropins, the ovulatory process is mediated by intrafollicular paracrine factors from the theca, mural, and cumulus granulosa cells, as well as the oocyte itself. The result is the induction of cumulus expansion, proteolysis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction, which are each required for follicular rupture. These complex intercellular communication networks and the essential ovulatory genes have been well defined in mouse models and are highly conserved in primates, including humans. Importantly, recent discoveries in regulation of ovulation highlight new areas of investigation. A review of cellular events within the ovary that mediate ovulation, with a particular focus on those processes that also influence oocyte maturation and/or acquisition of developmental competence.