Expression of ovarian prolactin receptor in relation to hormonal changes during induction of ovulation in the rat

We examined the relationships between the expression of the short and long forms of the prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) mRNA in the ovary and changes in the levels of serum hormones such as sex steroid hormones and PRL during induction of ovulation in the rat. The expression of both forms of PRLR mRNA in the ovary was examined by Northern blot analysis in immature female rats treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Ovarian tissues and blood samples were obtained before treatment, 24 and 48 h after PMSG injection and 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after hCG treatment. Serum levels of 17beta-estradiol, progesterone and PRL were determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum levels of 17beta-estradiol rapidly increased to a maximal level 48 h after PMSG injection and then rapidly declined until 4 h after hCG injection. Serum levels of progesterone gradually increased after PMSG treatment, markedly increased to 114.2 nmol/l 8 h after hCG treatment and remained high until 48 h after hCG treatment. The serum level of PRL peaked at 66.2 microg/l (p < 0.01) 48 h after PMSG injection, and a temporary decrease after hCG treatment was followed by a continuously high level from 8 to 48 h. The expression of the long form of PRLR mRNA increased significantly (p < 0.01) to 688% of the control level after PMSG treatment, while that of the short form increased to only 184% of the control level. The expression of the long form of PRLR-mRNA rapidly declined until 6 h and then gradually increased until 48 h after hCG treatment. On the other hand, the expression of the short form of PRLR mRNA decreased to a nadir 12 h after hCG injection and then increased significantly (p < 0.01) to 142% of the control level. Our results showed that the changes in the short and long forms of PRLR mRNA differed in a time-specific manner and that these two forms are involved in different functions in the rat ovary during induction of ovulation. It is thought that the long form of PRLR mRNA is involved in folliculogenesis, while the short form of PRLR mRNA may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of the corpus luteum in the rat ovulatory cycle.