Endocrine Abstracts

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play critical roles in embryonic development, morphogenesis, blastocyst implantation, ovulation, post-partum uterine involution, endometrial cycling, bone remodelling and wound healing, and in diseases such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, tissue ulceration and fibrosis. Currently, twenty-four vertebrate MMPs have been reported. An important feature of the MMPs is that many of these genes are inducible by growth factors, cytokines...

In arthritides, such as osteoarthritis (OA), there is considerable bone and cartilage remodelling associated with the disease progression. The destruction of these tissues is responsible for the pain and disability associated with the disease. Metalloproteinases (MPs) are thought to contribute to this process but as yet this remains unproven in the clinic.The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of the specific MPs, aggrecanase and collagen...

Growth hormone (GH) signals through the GH receptor (GHR), a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. The extracellular domain of the GHR exists as a soluble form known as the GH binding protein (GHBP). The GHBP is either derived from the GHR by proteolysis (man, rabbit) or from the GHR gene by alternative splicing (rodents). The GHBP circulates in blood and modulates GH action by i) altering GH kinetics, ii) competing with GHRs for ligand, and iii) unproductive GHR/GHBP h...

During each reproductive cycle, the ovary produces fertilizable ova in a cyclic manner. This involves growth and development of premature follicles as well as the maturation of oocytes to mature ova. The process culminates in the rupture of the follicular wall and the extrusion of the mature ovum into the periovarian space. After ovulation, a corpus luteum (CL) is formed from the remnants of an ovulated follicle. Follicular development, ovulation, formation and regression of C...