Abstract:

Ovulation and inflammation share common attributes, including immune cells invasion into the ovary. The present study aims at deciphering the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Using a CD11c-EYFP transgenic mouse model, ovarian transplantation experiments, and FACS analyses, we demonstrate that CD11c-positive, F4/80-negative-cells, representing DCs, are recruited to the ovary under gonadotropins regulation. By conditional ablation of these cells in CD11c-DTR transgenic mice, we revealed that they are essential for expansion of cumulus oocytes complex, release of ovum from ovarian follicle, formation of a functional corpus luteum and enhanced lymphangiogenesis. These experiments were complemented by allogeneic DCs transplantation following conditional ablation of CD11c-positive cells that rescued ovulation. The pro-ovulatory effects of these cells were mediated by upregulation of ovulation-essential genes. Interestingly, we detected a remarkable anti-inflammatory capacity of ovarian DCs, which seemingly serves to restrict the ovulatory-associated inflammation. On top of discovering the role of DCs in ovulation, this study implies the extended capabilities of these cells, beyond their classical immunologic role, which is relevant also to other biological systems.