Angiotensin-(1-7): a novel peptide in the ovary.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] in the ovary and a possible role for it. Cycling female rats were killed in each phase of the estrous cycle, and ovarian Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were separated by HPLC and measured by RIA. The mean levels of Ang-(1-7) in proestrus and estrus were significantly higher than those in metestrus and diestrus (P < 0.05). Ang-(1-7) was also significantly higher in equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-treated immature rats. Ang-(1-7) induced a significant increase in estradiol and progesterone production (P < 0.05) in the ovary of immature rats (24-25 d old) pretreated with eCG and perfused in a closed circuit system. This effect was blocked by A-779, a specific Ang-(1-7) antagonist (P < 0.05). The present data demonstrate the presence and physiological role of a novel renin-Ang system peptide in the ovary. The higher level of Ang-(1-7) in proestrus and estrus as well as in eCG-treated rats suggests the involvement of this renin-Ang system peptide in pre- and postovulatory events.