@article{aa855f5830294519bbec62d7b652eaef,
title = "EGF-like growth factors as LH mediators in the human corpus luteum",
abstract = "BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the role of epidermal growth factor-like ligands, amphiregulin (Ar) and epiregulin (Ep), in regulation of apoptosis in luteinized human granulosa cells. METHODS: Luteinized human granulosa cells were obtained from women undergoing IVF treatment. Ar and Ep mRNA levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The rate of apoptosis was measured by TUNEL. Progesterone levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. Ar- and Ep-induced activation of signaling cascades and Ar protein levels were detected by western blotting. RESULTS: LH stimulation of luteinized human granulosa cells induced biosynthesis of Ar and Ep mRNA in a time-dependent manner. The blockade of MEK (by U0126) reduced the expression of LH-induced Ar and Ep biosynthesis. Incubation of the cells with Ar and Ep completely abolished the increase in apoptosis rate induced by serum starvation, and concomitantly caused a pronounced increase in progesterone production. Stimulation of the cells with Ar and Ep also activated the ERK and AKT signaling cascades. Finally, we demonstrated that the pro-survival effect of Ar and Ep is partially dependent on their ability to induce progesterone production. CONCLUSIONS: Ar and Ep serve as pro-survival LH mediators in the human corpus luteum.",
keywords = "Amphiregulin, Apoptosis, Corpus luteum, Epiregulin, Luteinized granulosa cells",
author = "I. Ben-Ami and L. Armon and S. Freimann and D. Strassburger and R. Ron-El and A. Amsterdam",
note = "Funding Information: This study was supported by the Women Health Research Center at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.",
year = "2009",
month = jan,
doi = "10.1093/humrep/den359",
language = "אנגלית",
volume = "24",
pages = "176--184",
journal = "Human Reproduction",
issn = "0268-1161",
publisher = "Oxford University Press",
number = "1",
}