ERK 1/2 and PI-3 kinase pathways as a potential mechanism of ghrelin action on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the porcine ovarian follicular cells.

Recently, we reported the stimulatory effect of ghrelin on ovarian cell proliferation in parallel with the inhibitory action of ghrelin on cell apoptosis. The aim of the presented data propose local activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2) and phosphoinositide-3 (PI-3) kinase pathways as a mechanism of ghrelin effect in the porcine ovary. To test this hypothesis, action of ghrelin on levels of ERK 1/2 with PI-3 kinase activity and protein expression using ELISA and western blot analysis, respectively, was examined. Additionally, to determine which pathways (ERK 1/2 or PI-3 kinase) are the potential signals of ghrelin-mediated cell proliferation and apoptosis in ovarian cells, we used PD098059 (50 microM) and wortmannin (200 microM), well-known inhibitors of these kinases. Treatment of ovarian coculture cells with ghrelin (100, 250, 500 and 1000 pg/ml) showed stimulation of phospho-ERK 1/2 levels and PI-3 kinase activity, with the maximum effect observed after 15 min of cell incubation. Additionally, western blot analysis indicated that ghrelin increased expression of both kinases. Moreover, ghrelin used in combination with PD098059 or wortmannin significantly decreased cell proliferation, which was measured by the Alamar Blue assay and increased apoptosis, which was measured by caspase - 3 activity and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, these results suggest that the ERK 1/2 and PI-3 kinase pathways may be potential signals of ghrelin mediate the cell proliferation and apoptosis of ovary cells.