Current Research:
Research in our laboratory concerns the regulation of ovarian function, with emphasis upon the regulation of the maintenance and regression of the corpus luteum. Currently, our interest is the role of glucocorticoids in the control of the corpus luteum. We have found that the corpus luteum possesses glucocorticoid receptors, and that the corpus luteum can respond to glucocorticoids in the absence of pituitary hormones. The responses to glucocorticoids resemble certain classic "trophic" effects of pituitary gonadotrophins in the corpus luteum. We are investigating these actions of glucocorticoids, with respect to assessment of the potential physiological significance of glucocorticoids in overall function and regulation of the corpus luteum.
Representative Publications:
Port, C. B., Bowen, J. M., Keyes, P. L., and Townson, D. H. "Effects of a 3b-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitor on Monocyte-Macrophage Infiltration into the Rat Corpus Luteum and on Apoptosis: Relationship to the Luteolytic Action of Prolactin." Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 119:93-99, 2000.
Bowen, J. M., Telleria, C. M., Towns, R., and Keyes, P. L. "Downregulation of Long-Form Prolactin Receptor mRNA During Prolactin-Induced Luteal Regression." European Journal of Endocrinology, 143:285-292, 2000.
Bowen, J. M., and Keyes, P. L. "Repeated Exposure to Prolactin is Required to Induce Luteal Regression in the Hypophysectomized Rat." Biology of Reproduction, 63:1179-1184, 2000.
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