256. Ovarian lymphatic vascular development is hormonally regulated and Adamts1-dependent

Abstract

The lymphatic system is important for return of extra-vascular fluid to the blood circulation, conductance of hormones and immune cell trafficking. Delicate hormonal control of fluid conductance during reproductive cycles is exemplified by the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a dangerous condition of hypovolemia caused by fluid accumulation in the abdomen and reproductive tissues, in response to hormonal hyperstimulation. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between ovarian lymphatic development and follicle growth. Quantitative morphometric analysis of vessel size and number in mouse ovary revealed, for the first time, that the ovarian lymphatic vasculature develops postnatally and in synchrony with the induction of ovarian CYP19a1 (Aromatase); the time when secondary follicles become FSH-responsive and estrogenic. Mechanistically, we found that the FSH-analogue eCG mediates induction of lymphatic vascular endothelial growth factor Vegfd and the receptor Vegfr3 (Flt4) in granulosa cells. Importantly, stimulation with eCG also enhanced ovarian lymphatic vessel number and size. However, formation of ovarian lymphatics also required the matrix-remodelling protease Adamts1, since ovaries from Adamts1^−/− mice failed to undergo normal lymphatic vascular development. Treatment of Adamts1 null mice with eCG significantly increased the number and size of ovarian lymphatic vessels, however, the vessels were still smaller and fewer in number than wildtypes. These combined results indicate that the ovarian lymphatic system develops in response to hormonal signals, which promote folliculogenesis, through induction of lymphangiogenic factors in granulosa cells; as well as involving Adamts1-dependent mechanisms. This study is the first demonstration of the novel principle of hormonal regulation of lymphangiogenesis in any tissue and suggests a requirement for functional lymphatics during normal folliculogenesis. In addition our results inform the elucidation of the tightly regulated processes that control fluid dynamics and immune cell surveillance within reproductive tissues.