Cloning and sequencing of the sheep pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor and changes in expression of its mRNA during the estrous cycle.

We have isolated a full length cDNA clone coding for the sheep GnRH receptor (GnRH-R). The amino acid sequence shows greater homology to the human GnRH-R sequence than the two rodent receptors published so far. We have also carried out physiological studies investigating the pattern of expression of the GnRH-R mRNA throughout the estrous cycle. GnRH receptor mRNA and GnRH binding levels were both significantly (P < 0.05) increased over luteal levels up until the time of the preovulatory LH surge, whilst post-surge, a significant (P < 0.05) decline was seen. These changes were related to increased follicle estradiol production in the follicular phase. In contrast, no changes in the abundance of LH beta mRNA were seen throughout the estrous cycle, but the pituitary content of LH significantly (P < 0.05) decreased after the preovulatory LH surge. These results suggest that there is a close relationship between the abundance of GnRH-R mRNA and translation of the GnRH-R in sheep.