A Proposal of Ovarian ERAANPS (Endothelin-Renin-Angiotensin-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide System) and Effects of Tokishakuyakusan, Keishibukuryogan, Shakuyakukanzoto and Unkeito on the ERAANPS

We have previously shown the presence in a high concentration of endothelin-l (ET) in the corpus luteum and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and binding sites for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the ovarian follicle. The present study was undertaken to identify the existence of ET, renin, angiotensin II and the binding site for ANP in the ovary at proestrus and examine in vivo the effects of herbal medicines [Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Keishibukuryogan (KB), Shakuyakukanzoto (SK) and Unkeito (UT)] on them. ET, all components of RAS and binding sites for ANP were found at high levels in the ovary. TS, KB, SK and UT decreased the ET levels in ovary, while components of RAS and binding sites for ANP have the propensity to increase. However, ET, renin, angiotensin II and ANP levels in plasma were not at all affected before and after treatment with TS, KB, SK or UT. Taken together with previous observations showing the existence of ET, RAS and the binding site for ANP in the ovary, we propose here the ERAANPS (endothelin-renin-angiotensin-ANP system) in the ovary as a functional regulator. Further, these results suggest that TS, KB, SK or UT may regulate the ovarian ERAANPS.