Hormonal Regulation in Ovarian Function

The ovary is governed by a finely tuned hormonal network that orchestrates follicle development, ovulation and luteal maintenance. Signals originate in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, where pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH drives early folliculogenesis and oestrogen synthesis by granulosa cells, while the mid-cycle LH surge triggers oocyte release and subsequent luteinisation. The corpus luteum then secretes progesterone, preparing the endometrium for potential pregnancy and exerting negative feedback on GnRH and gonadotropins. Paracrine and autocrine factors such as activin, inhibin and local growth factors modulate steroidogenic enzyme expression and receptor sensitivity. Reactive oxygen species and antioxidative systems further influence luteal lifespan. Disruption of this axis underlies common reproductive disorders and informs therapeutic approaches in assisted conception, contraception and fertility preservation.

Research from Nature Portfolio

One recent investigation explored the role of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in the prolonged function of corpora lutea in Eurasian lynx. Unlike most mammals, lynx luteal structures remain active for years, and high SOD2 expression was found to detoxify superoxide anions, generating hydrogen peroxide that may act as a survival signal. This antioxidative mechanism appears essential for maintaining luteal cell integrity and preventing apoptosis. The study combines gene expression profiling with enzyme activity assays and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate how redox balance contributes to long-term progesterone production in a unique mammalian model.

Hormonal Regulation in Ovarian Function publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in hormonal regulation in ovarian function across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Corpus luteum: transient ovarian gland formed post-ovulation that secretes progesterone to regulate the menstrual or oestrous cycle.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): pituitary gonadotropin that triggers ovulation and supports luteal steroidogenesis.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): hypothalamic decapeptide driving pituitary release of FSH and LH.

Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2): mitochondrial enzyme that converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR): mitochondrial transporter essential for cholesterol delivery into mitochondria, initiating steroid hormone biosynthesis.

References

1. The antioxidative enzyme SOD2 is important for physiological persistence of corpora lutea in lynxes. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Luteinizing Hormone Effect on Luteal Cells Is Dependent on the Corpus Luteum Stage in Felids. Animals (2021).
3. Development of a 3D in vitro model to study corpus luteum of felids based on luteinized cells from antral follicles. Cell and Tissue Research (2024).
4. A Transcriptome Approach Evaluating the Effects of Atractylenolide I on the Secretion of Estradiol and Progesterone in Feline Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Veterinary Sciences (2024).