Cynomolgus macaque ovarian microvascular endothelial cells RNA sequencing after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin of neurotensin

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a natural ligand of hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) which is critical for pituitary control of ovulation. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is another natural ligand of LHCGR. In the ovary, when the preovulatory follicle is prepared for ovulation, the LH surge acts at LHCGR on granulosa and theca cells of the preovulatory follicle to initiate the ovulatory cascade which results in expulsion of a cumulous-oocyte-complex from the ovary. Recent studies have identified LHCGR expression in endothelial cells of various vascular niches including the ovarian vasculature. Neurotensin (NTS) is a 13-amino acid peptide which is a known vascular regulator and is highly expressed in the mammalian ovary in response to the luteinizing hormone surge. To investigate the effect of LHCGR activation or NTS on follicular vasculature, primary macaque ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (mOMECs) were enriched from follicle aspirates and subjected to RNA sequencing after treatment with hCG or NTS for either 3 or 12 hours. Time-matched, untreated mOMECs were also subjected to RNA sequencing.