Abstract:
Prostaglandin E
2 (PGE
2) is mainly synthesized by granulosa cells and is a key intrafollicular mediator of ovulation in many mammalian species. In ovulation process, luteinizing hormone (LH) sharply increases and induces granulosa cells to synthesize PGE
2 via cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES). After released to extracellular space, PGE
2 combines to the receptor 2 (PTGER2) and PTGER4 on cumulus cells and induces mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, increases the intracellular cAMP level and activates the protein kinase B (PKB) and MAPK pathway, so as to promote the occurrence of ovulation. The abnormal regulation of PGE
2 is associated with a variety of ovulatory disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS).