Expression and regulation of relaxin-like factor gene transcripts in the bovine ovary: Differentiation-dependent expression in theca cell cultures

Abstract

The relaxin-like factor (RLF) was recently discovered as a new member of the insulin-insulin-like growth factor-relaxin family of growth factors and hormones predominantly in the Leydig cells of the testis. In cattle, in contrast to other species, the RLF gene is also expressed to a high level in the ovary, where its expression pattern in the corpus luteum of the late cycle and pregnancy is similar to that of relaxin in the pig. The RLF gene was also transcribed to a high level in the theca cells of estrogen-rich, large antral follicles. Long-term primary cultures of bovine theca cells showed that expression was insulin dependent. After an initial decline in specific mRNA concentrations, the..