The basic functions of rabbit ovarian granulosa cell are regulated by adipokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

•Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) can directly regulate of rabbit ovarian functions.•MCP-1 and PAI-1 can increase rabbit ovarian cell viability and proliferation and inhibite their apoptosis.•These effects of MCP-1 and PAI-1 can be mediated by changes in ovarian steroidogenesis. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on ovarian cell functions. Rabbit ovarian granulosa cells were cultured with or without MCP-1 or PAI-1 (at 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml). Cell viability, proliferation, cytoplasmic apoptosis and release of progesterone and estradiol were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), BrdU incorporation, and cell death detection assays and ELISA. The addition of either MCP-1 or PAI-1 increased cell viability and proliferation and decreased apoptosis. MCP-1 promoted, while PAI-1 suppressed, progesterone release. Both MCP-1 and PAI-1 reduced estradiol output. The present results suggest that MCP-1 or PAI-1 can be physiological promoters of rabbit ovarian cell viability and proliferation, inhibitors of apoptosis and regulators of ovarian steroidogenesis.