Figure 4

PGD2 signaling regulates gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic genes expression. FshR and LhR (A) and Sf-1, Cyp11A1, StAR, Cyp19A1 (B) mRNA expression levels were assessed using real time RT-PCR in ovaries from adult cycling mice treated (n = 10) or not (n = 10) using H-Pgds inhibitor HQL-79 (1 mg/kg/day). The values of at least two repeats of two different RT reactions were averaged and normalized to Gapdh expression. Values represent mean +/- SEM and * represents significant differences P < 0.025 compared with untreated ovaries (control). (C), CYP11A1 protein expression was detected in untreated (control) or treated (+HQL-79) ovaries (in red). Upon HQL-79 treatment, a largely decreased expression is detected in antral and preovulatory follicles. Nuclei are labeled in blue (Hoescht dye, HST). GC: granulosa cells, c: cumulus cells. Scale bars = 50 μm.