The role of oxytocin, protein kinase A, and ERK-related MAP-kinase in the control of porcine ovarian follicle functions

The aim of our in vitro experiments was to study the role of oxytocin (OT), cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERKs MAP-kinase) in the control of ovarian cell functions as well as the role of PKA and MAPK in mediating OT effects on these processes. The whole porcine ovarian follicles were cultured in the presence or absence of OT (1, 10, 100ng/ml), PKA inhibitor Rp-cAMPS (10nM), MAP-kinase inhibitor PD98059 (1 mug/ml), or their combination. The release of prostaglandins F (PGF) and E (PGE) were determined by RIA, PKA (alpha-cat subunit), the proliferation-associated peptide PCNA and ERK-1, -2 expression in cell lyzates were analysed by Western-blotting. OT stimulated the release of PGF and PGE, and accumulation of PKA, ERK-1/-2, and PCNA in cell lysate. PD98059 decreased the basal PGF and PGE output, as well as reduced both ERK-1 and ERK-2 accumulation in cell lysates. Rp-cAMPS decreased PKA accumulation in cell lysates. Rp-cAMPS prevented the OT-induced stimulation of PKA, ERK-1, ERK-2, PGF, and PGE, PD98059 did so for PKA, PGF, and PGE. However, PD98059 reduced either basal or OT-induced p-ERK level. OT-stimulated PCNA accumulation was only slightly modified by these blockers. These observations suggest that OT, PKA, and ERKs MAPK can be involved in the control of PGs release and proliferation of ovarian cells. The influence of OT on both PKA and MAPK, and the ability of PKA and MAPK blockers to prevent completely or partially OT effects suggest, that effects of OT on PGF and PGE can be mediated by both PKA and MAPK. The role of MAPK and PKA in mediating the proliferative effects of OT seems to be minor assuming the involvement of other intracellular messengers.