Effects of Macrophages on the Follicular Development and Ovulation
ZHAO Jiuhua1,2, GONG Li1, LIN Fengping1, WANG Zhengchao1*
In mammals, macrophages are a kind of multifunctional cells, which are abundant in the reproductive tissues and play a key role in immune response. Macrophages in the ovary can be identified by their surface receptors expression. Their special localization and distribution changes in the ovary at different stages of the estrus cycle indicate that macrophages have different roles in ovarian follicular development, ovulation and tissue remodeling during luteal formation and degeneration. Macrophages participate in follicular development and ovulation, such as phagocytosis and degradation of foreign antigens, matrix dissolution and tissue remodeling, production and secretion of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Therefore, on the basis of previous studies, this paper reviews the function of mammalian ovarian macrophages and their role in the process of follicular development and ovulation, and preliminarily analyzes the role of these macrophages in ovarian diseases. It is helpful to further understand the biological content of mammalian ovary, and provide important reference materials for the early diagnosis and treatment for ovarian diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure.
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