Gonadotropin Surge-Induced Differential Upregulation of Collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) mRNA and Protein in Bovine Preovulatory Follicles

The ovulatory process is characterized by focalized extracellular matrix degradation at the apex of preovulatory follicles. Many studies have implicated the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as potential mediators of follicle rupture. Objectives of this study were to determine localization and effect of the gonadotropin surge on temporal expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 in bovine preovulatory follicles. Samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h (corpora lutea) after GnRH injection (n = 5–6 per time point) and amounts of MMP-1 and MMP-13 mRNA and protein determined using dot blot or semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Samples were also collected at 0 and 20 h after GnRH injection for immunohistochemical localization of MMP-1 and MMP-13. Results indicate that follicular expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 increased following the gonadotropin surge. Abundance of MMP-1 mRNA increased at 6, 12, and 48 h post-GnRH injection. Immunoreactive MMP-1 was localized to granulosal and thecal layers of preovulatory follicles. Amounts of MMP-1 protein increased in both the apex and the base of preovulatory follicles. Abundance of MMP-13 mRNA increased at 6, 24, and 48 h post GnRH injection. Amounts of MMP-13 protein also increased in the follicular apex and base. Immunoreactive MMP-13 was localized to granulosal and thecal layers of preovulatory follicles. Results indicate MMP-1 and MMP-13 are increased in bovine preovulatory follicles following the gonadotropin surge but do not support a requirement for differential up-regulation of MMP-1 and MMP-13 (follicular apex vs. base) for the preovulatory collagenolysis required for follicle rupture.