Evidence for the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha receptors during ovarian development in the rat

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is an intraovarian cytokine that may play a role in ovarian development and function. Effects of TNF alpha are mediated by binding to at least one of two TNF alpha receptor subtypes (with molecular masses of approximately 60 and 80 kDa); therefore, the overall goal of this study was to determine whether rat ovaries have TNFa receptors during critical times in development. Two approaches were used: 1) demonstration of specific binding of radiolabeled TNF alpha to ovarian cells and 2) semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for each of the two TNFa receptors. Ovarian cells were obtained on Embryonic Day 19, day of birth (Day 0), and Days 2, 5, 10, and 20. TNF alpha binding was present on all days, with significantly greater binding on Day 20. Messenger RNA for both receptor subtypes was detected on all days using RT-PCR analysis but was significantly greater for the 60-kDa receptor on Day 20. In conclusion, rat ovaries contained receptors capable of binding TNF alpha and mRNA for both receptor subtypes, identification of ovarian TNF alpha receptors provides support for a role of TNF alpha in ovarian development and function.