Luteinizing hormone induces prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 and luteinization in vitro by A-kinase and C-kinase pathways.

The LH surge induces ovulation [prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2)] and luteinization (progesterone synthesis) of preovulatory follicles by cAMP-dependent mechanisms. Peptides, such as GnRH and angiotensin-II, that activate other cellular signaling pathways have been shown to mimic some of the effects of LH. Therefore, the relative functional importance of different cellular signaling pathways in mediating the induction of PGS-2 and luteinization was analyzed using the agonists (LH, GnRH, and angiotensin-II) and selective inhibitors of A-kinase (H-89), C-kinase (calphostin-C), and calmodulin kinase-II (KN93). LH or GnRH, but not angiotensin-II, markedly induced PGS-2 protein in preovulatory follicles. H-89 and calphostin-C, but not KN93 inhibited LH induction of PGS-2, whereas calphostin-C selectively blocked induction by GnRH. In contrast, the A- and C-kinase inhibitors prevented both LH and GnRH induction of granulosa cell luteinization. Taken together, these results provide biological evidence that the response of granulosa cells to the LH surge appears to involve the activation of A- and C-kinase pathways.