Current status of the role of endothelins in regulating ovarian follicular function: A review

Endothelins (EDN) are a group of vasoactive 21 amino acid peptides reported to play roles in steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and ovulation. EDN1, EDN2 and EDN3 have all been shown to affect granulosa cell (GC) function in a variety of mammalians species. Herewithin, the role of EDN in regulating steroidogenesis and ovarian follicular development is reviewed, focusing on the localization and function of EDN and their receptors in ovarian follicular function emphasizing species differences. For example, in single ovulating species such as humans and cattle, in the presence of trophic hormones such as FSH and IGF1, EDN1 and EDN2 significantly inhibited GC estradiol production in 2 of 4 studies, while no effect was observed for GC progesterone production in 2 of 4 studies. In contrast, EDN1 exhibited inhibitory effects on progesterone production by GC in 3 of 3 studies in pigs and 3 of 4 studies in rats. Also, EDN1 inhibited GC estradiol production in 4 of 5 studies in rats. Altogether, these results indicate that EDN are produced by ovarian follicles and are involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis of GC of several mammalian species including humans, cattle, pigs and rats, but that these effects may vary with species and culture condition.