Preovulatory changes in the synthesis of cyclic AMP by rabbit graafian follicles (original) (raw)

The in vitro synthesis of cyclic AMP in rabbit Graafian follicles and the effect of luteinizing hormone on the accumulation of this cyclic nucleotide, has been studied at different time intervals after the in vh~o injection of an ovulating dose of human chorionic gonadotropin and after mating. A decrease in the ability of the follicles to respond to luteinizing hormone in vitro was observed 30 min after human chorionic gonadotropin injection and this decline continued up to the time of ovulation. This steady decline of the accumulation of cyclic AMP in the Graafian follicle between the ovulatory stimulus and the actual rupture of the follicle, precedes similar changes in steroidogenesis observed by others. These data suggest that the decline in cyclic AMP accumulation is causally related to the process of ovulation.