Application of protein kinase A stimulators for control and improvement of reproductive functions

Abstract

In our short review we present available data concerning the involvement of regulators of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in control of ovarian functions and its application in female reproduction. Activators of PKA are able to control proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian cells, as well as oocyte maturation. Changes in PKA induced alterations in mice and rat ovulation and fertility rate. Finally, administration of 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases and of dbcAMP, a cAMP analogue, led to increase of the rabbit ovarian mass, number of ovulations and corpora lutea, ovulated oocytes and developed embryos. These treatments changed the release of ovarian steroid hormones in vivo and in-vitro, as well as altered the expression of markers of proliferation and apoptosis in isolated ovarian and oviductal cells. These available data demonstrate that PKA is involved in control of basic ovarian and oviductal functions (proliferation, apoptosis, release of hormones, ovarian follicle development and ovulation and embryo production), and that pharmacological regulators of PKA can be practically used for stimulation of fecundity and for treatment of animal and human reproductive disorders.