This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nemeth, G. Articles by Naftolin, F. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Nemeth, G. Articles by Pepperell, J. R. Articles by Yamada, Y. Articles by Palumbo, A. Articles by Naftolin, F. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Basis and Evidence of a Role for the Ovarian Renin-Angiotensin System in Health and Disease

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research in Reproductive Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

John R. Pepperell, PhD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research in Reproductive Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Yuji Yamada, MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research in Reproductive Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Angela Palumbo, MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research in Reproductive Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Frederick Naftolin, MD, DPhil

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research in Reproductive Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the evidence for an intrinsic ovarian renin-angiotensin system (OVRAS), highlighting potential diverse signaling in this system through different bioactive angiotensin peptides, their specific receptors, and second messengers. In addition, sites of action for O VRAS in the regulation of ovarian function in health and disease were reviewed.

DATA SOURCES : We used published journals and abstracts from national scientific meetings. Current developments in the renin-angiotensin field are historically set.

STUDY SELECTION: One hundred referenced articles provided studies on renin-angiotensin systems in mammalian species, including humans.

DATA ABSTRACTION: Interpretation of the reviewed publications was in line with the orig inal authors' conclusions and statistical analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunohistochemis try have identified an O VRAS in mammalian species. Ovarian tissues contain all the elements for the production of angiotensin, including prorenin/renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin- converting enzyme. In addition, angiotensin II is present in ovarian compartments, and receptors for angiotensin II are demonstrated on specific ovarian cells. Angiotensin II is implicated to play a role in ovulation, steroidogenesis, follicular atresia, and hyperandrogenic syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS: The newly identified O VRAS may have important actions in the ovary that range from regulation of ovulation to ovarian dysfunction, such as hyperandrogenic syndromes in women. In this respect, the O VRAS is a putative paracrine/autocrine regulator in the ovary, and pharmacologic regulation of the OVRAS may provide new methods for the management of fertility and reproduction. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1994;1:118-27)

Key Words: Ovary • angiotensin peptides • ovulation • hyperandrogenic syndromes.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?