Molecular cloning and expression of prostaglandin F2α receptor isoforms during ovulation in the ovarian follicles of Xenopus laevis

Prostaglandins F2α levels increase during ovulatory period in Xenopus laevis in response to stimulation by gonadotropins and progesterone. PGF2α exerts its effects on ovulation through interaction with its receptor (FP) in ovaries. Little is known about the characteristics of the FP receptor and its regulation during the ovulatory period in non-mammalian species. In the present study, two isoforms of prostaglandin F receptor (FP A and B) cDNAs were isolated from Xenopus laevis ovarian tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNAs of FP A and FP B were sequenced. In Xenopus laevis ovary, FP A and B mRNA levels were up-regulated during gonadotropin- and progresterone-induced ovulation in vitro. The mRNA level of FP B was higher than that of FP A. Moreover, FP A and FP B mRNA levels were measured in various tissues including eye, liver, lungs, heart, muscle, ovary, and skin. Overall, FP B mRNA level was approximately 10- to 100-fold higher than that of FP A, except in the muscle and skin where FP A mRNA level was comparable to that of FP B. The results suggest that in Xenopus ovarian follicles FP receptors play an important role during gonadotropin- and progesterone-induced ovulation.

Research highlights▶ Two isoforms of prostaglandin F receptor (FP A and FP B) cDNAs were isolated from Xenopus ovaries. ▶ The cDNAs were sequenced and the amino acid sequences were deduced. ▶ The mRNA levels of FP A and FP B were up-regulated during gonadotropin- and progesterone-induced ovulation in vitro, indicating that the receptors may play an important role in ovulation of Xenopus laevis.