Studies on the role of prostagalandins in the induction of ovulation in vertebrates

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In in vitro ovulation system using medaka ovarian preovulatory follicles, we confirmed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) played a role in the fish ovulation. Activity levels of cyclooxygenase-2, the enzyme responsible for PGE2 synthesis, and intrafollicular levels of PGE2 were both relatively constant, while the transcript levels of EP4b, a PGE2 receptor subtype, were drastically induced at ovulation, indicating the importance of induction of the receptor for PGE2's effect on medaka ovulation. Transcription of EP4b gene was demonstrated to be regulated by luteininzing hormone and nuclear progesterone receptor.