Endocrine Abstracts

The aim of our study was to examine the role of mTOR-dependent intracellular signalling pathway in tle control of ovarian functions. For this purpose we have examine the effect of two mTOR inhibitors (resveratrol and rapamycin) on the release of hormones by cultured rabbit ovarian fragments. The secretion of hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and prolactin) by fragments of rabbit ovaries cultured during 48 h with and without addition of resveratrol or rapamycine (at the doses 0, 1, 10, 100 μg.ml⁻¹) was evaluated by RIA. Additions of resveratrol inhibited prolactin release (at 10 and 100 μg.ml⁻¹ but not at 1 μg.ml⁻¹) and stimulated progesterone, testosterone and estradiol output (at 1 μg.ml⁻¹ but not at 10 and 100 μg.ml⁻¹). Additions of rapamycin inhibited testosterone (at 1 and 10 μg.ml-1 but not at 100 μg.ml⁻¹) and estradiol (at 1, 10 and 100 μg.ml⁻¹) release, but they did not influence progesterone and prolactin output (at 1, 10 and 100 μg.ml⁻¹). Tle dose-dependent effects of two mTOR inhibitors on the release of progestagen, androgen , estrogen and prolactin by cultured rabbit ovarian cells suggest the involvement of mTOR-dependent intracellular signalling mechanism in control of ovarian secretory activity.

Declaration of interest: There is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.

Funding: No specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.