The aim of the present study was to define the role of protein kinase A (PKA)-, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-, and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-dependent pathways in the control of ovarian cell functions. The effects of PKA, MAPK, and CDK blockers (KT 5720, PD 98059, and olomoucine, respectively), given at doses of 0.001-10.0 μg/ml medium on functions of cultured rabbit granulosa cells were examined. Expression of PKA, MAPK/ERK1,2, secretory activity (IGF-I output), and proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) in these cells were determined by RIA, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. A PKA inhibitor, KT 5720 suppressed the expression of PKA and MAPK/ERK1,2, the IGF-I release, and the ratio of PCNA-positive cells in granulosa cells. A MAPK blocker, PD 98059 reduced the expression of MAPK/ERK1,2 (but not PKA), the IGF-I release, and percentage of PCNA-positive cells. A CDK blocker, olomoucine, increased the PKA expression, decreased the expression of MAPK/ERK1,2 and PCNA, but did not affect the IGF-I release. These observations confirm the involvement of PKs in control of basic ovarian functions and demonstrate the involvement of PKA in stimulation of ovarian cell proliferation and MAPK (but not CDK) and in promotion of ovarian IGF-I release. Different activity and specificity of the PKA, MAPK, and CDK blockers in their effects on PCNA and IGF-I suggests different biological role of these PKs in control of proliferative and secretory functions of rabbit ovarian cells.
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