Angiotensin II directly induces follicle rupture and oocyte maturation in the rabbit.

To investigate the possible direct involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) in ovulation and oocyte maturation, Ang II at 100 or 10 micrograms was administered at 2-h intervals in the in-vitro perfused rabbit ovaries. The addition of Ang II in the perfusate induced ovulation in vitro in the absence of gonadotropin, while ovulation did not occur in any contralateral control ovaries. However, the ovulatory efficiency in the Ang II-treated ovaries was significantly lower than in hCG-treated ovaries. Ang II significantly stimulated the meiotic maturation of ovulated ova and follicular oocytes. Concomitant addition of the specific receptor antagonist of Ang II, saralasin, 30 min before the onset of Ang II administration blocked Ang II-induced ovulation in a complete manner. Although saralasin did not inhibit completely hCG-induced ovulation and oocyte maturation, these results suggest that Ang II produced in the ovary may act locally in the process of ovulation.