The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system consists of a proteolytic component, the metalloproteinases, and an associated class of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We investigated the cellular localization of the TIMPs and the gelatinase family of MMPs throughout the latter stages of follicular growth and during the periovulatory period. Immature female @entity35 were injected with eCG, and ovaries were collected at the time of eCG administration (0 h) and at 6, 12, 24, or 36 h after eCG injection (i.e., follicular development group). A second group of animals (periovulatory) was injected with eCG followed by hCG 48 h later, and ovaries were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h after hCG. Ovaries were processed for the cellular localization of gelatinase or @entity6930 mRNA or gelatinolytic activity. Gelatinase mRNA ( @entity11017 and @entity6929 ) was localized to the theca of developing follicles and to the stroma. Following a hCG stimulus, @entity11017 mRNA increased as the granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles underwent luteinization during formation of the corpus luteum (CL). @entity6929 mRNA remained predominantly in the theca during this period. In situ zymography for gelatinolytic activity demonstrated a pattern of activity that corresponded with the localization of @entity11017 and @entity6929 mRNA around developing follicles. Gelatinolytic activity was observed at the apex of preovulatory follicles and throughout the forming CL. The mRNA for @entity69992 was localized to the stroma and theca of developing follicles. @entity11019 mRNA was present in the granulosa cells of certain follicles but was absent in granulosa cells of adjacent follicles. At 12 h after hCG, luteinizing granulosa cells expressed @entity6930 and @entity11019 mRNA, but @entity11018 mRNA was at levels equivalent to the background. In the newly forming CL at 24 h after hCG administration, the luteal cells expressed @entity69992 mRNA, although the pattern of cellular expression was unique for each of the TIMPs. These findings demonstrate that the MMPs and TIMPs are in the cellular compartments appropriate for impacting the remodeling of the extracellular matrix as the follicle grows, ovulates, and forms the CL.

Cellular localization of gelatinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases during follicular growth, ovulation, and early luteal formation in the XXXX .

@entity6930 :: ('116510(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['TIMP', 'TIMP-1'] @entity69992 :: ('116510;29543;25358', 'Gene') :: ['TIMP-1, -2, and -3'] @entity11018 :: ('29543(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['TIMP-2'] @entity6929 :: ('81687(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['MMP-9'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['rats'] @entity11017 :: ('81686(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['MMP-2'] @entity11019 :: ('25358(Tax:10116)', 'Gene') :: ['TIMP-3']
@entity35 :: (10116,Species) :: ['rat']
