Neuromedin B Regulates Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Steroidogenesis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells via NMBR

Abstract

Simple Summary Neuromedin B is a naturally occurring signaling molecule that may be involved in the regulation of ovarian function, but its role in the pig ovary is not well understood. This study examined where the receptor for neuromedin B is located in the pig ovary and investigated how neuromedin B affects granulosa cells, which are cells surrounding the developing egg and are important for follicle growth and hormone production. We evaluated its effects on cell growth, cell death, and the production of steroid hormones, which are essential for normal reproductive function. We also used a compound that blocks the neuromedin B receptor to determine whether this receptor is involved in these effects. The results showed that an appropriate concentration of neuromedin B promoted granulosa cell growth, reduced cell death, and increased steroid hormone production, whereas blocking its receptor partly weakened these effects. These findings improve our understanding of how ovarian function is regulated in pigs and may provide useful information for future studies aimed at improving reproductive health and efficiency in pigs.