Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone stimulates plasminogen activator production by rat granulosa cells

We studied the effects of LHRH and a potent agonist on plasminogen activator production by granulosa cells obtained from immature rats. Both LHRH and the agonist produced a dose-related increase in plasminogen activator production. Concomitant addition of LHRH or its agonist together with FSH to the granulosa cell cultures enhanced the stimulatory effects of FSH on plasminogen activator production. These in vitro findings suggest that LHRH exerts a direct stimulatory effect on plasminogen activator secretion by rat granulosa cells which may explain the acute stimulating effects of LHRH and its agonist on ovulation in hypophysectomized rats.