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Li H, Guo Y, Zhang G, Deng J, Fischer H, Craig LB, Yu X, Kem DC. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor autoantibodies induce polycystic ovary syndrome-like features in a rat model. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:902-912. [PMID: 33576068 DOI: 10.1113/ep089109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Is there a causal relationship between gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor-activating autoantibodies and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? What is the main finding and its importance? Induction of GnRH receptor-activating autoantibodies in rats resulted in increased luteinizing hormone pulsatility and testosterone concentrations, disrupted oestrous cycles, increased atretic follicles, and activation of insulin signalling in the pituitary and ovary. These changes replicate those seen in humans with PCOS, suggesting that GnRH receptor-activating autoantibodies might be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. ABSTRACT Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor-activating autoantibodies (GnRHR-AAb) are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the present study, we examined the impact of GnRHR-AAb on reproductive function in GnRHR-immunized female rats. All immunized rats produced high titres of GnRHR-AAb targeting a dominant epitope located in the central region of the second extracellular loop of the GnRHR. Increased pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion and testosterone concentrations were found in immunized rats. These rats exhibited disrupted oestrous cycles, increased ovarian follicular atresia, and activation of insulin signalling in the pituitary and ovary, as indicated by increased mRNA expressions of insulin receptor substrate, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and glucose transporter 1. No significant changes in inflammatory cytokines were detected in the ovarian tissue. These features mimic those observed in humans with PCOS. Our findings support the concept that chronic stimulation of the GnRHR by GnRHR-AAb, with an associated increase in pituitary luteinizing hormone secretion and ovarian androgen overproduction, might represent a new aetiological mechanism for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Li
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yankai Guo
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.,Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Gege Zhang
- Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jielin Deng
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hayley Fischer
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - LaTasha B Craig
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Xichun Yu
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - David C Kem
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Section and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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