Ovarian cell @entity204 is an essential process for the homeostasis of ovarian function in @entity1 and other @entity1 species. It ensures the selection of the dominant follicle and the demise of excess follicles. In turn, this process minimizes the possibility of multiple embryo development during pregnancy and assures the development of few, but healthy embryos. @entity528 in each estrous/menstrual cycle by programmed cell @entity204 is essential to maintain the normal cyclicity of ovarian steroidogenesis. Although there are multiple pathways that can determine cell @entity204 or survival, crosstalk among endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors, as well as among protooncogenes, @entity5 suppressor genes, survival genes and @entity204 genes, plays an important role in determining the fate of ovarian somatic and germ cells. The establishment of immortalized @entity35 and @entity1 steroidogenic granulosa cell lines and the investigation of pure populations of primary granulosa cells allows systematic studies of the mechanisms that control steroidogenesis and apoptosis in granulosa cells. We have discovered that during initial stages of granulosa cell apoptosis @entity1420 production does not decrease. In contrast, we found that it is elevated up to 24h following the onset of the apoptotic stimuli exerted by starvation, @entity268 , @entity876 or @entity310 stimulation, before total cell collapse. These observations raise the possibility for an alternative unique apoptotic pathway, one not involving mitochondrial Cyt C release associated with the destruction of mitochondrial structure and steroidogenic function. Using mRNA from apoptotic cells and affymetrix DNA microarray technology we discovered that @entity10807 , a protease that normally resides in T cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells of the immune system is expressed and activated in granulosa cells. Thus, the apoptotic signals could bypass mitochondrial signals for apoptosis, which can preserve their steroidogenic activity until complete cell destruction. This unique apoptotic pathway assures cyclicity of @entity53 and @entity1420 release in the estrous/menstruous cycle even during the initial stages of apoptosis.

Steroidogenesis and apoptosis in the XXXX ovary.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['mammalian', 'human'] @entity268 :: ('CHEBI:17489', 'Chemical') :: ['cAMP'] @entity1420 :: ('MESH:D011374', 'Chemical') :: ['progesterone'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumor'] @entity310 :: ('7124', 'Gene') :: ['TNF-alpha'] @entity10807 :: ('3002', 'Gene') :: ['granzyme B'] @entity53 :: ('MESH:D004958', 'Chemical') :: ['estradiol'] @entity876 :: ('7157', 'Gene') :: ['p53'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['rat'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['death'] @entity528 :: ('MESH:D009410', 'Disease') :: ['Degeneration of the old corpora lutea']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['mammalian']
