Two major signal transduction systems operate within ovarian cells to control their function. Gonadotropins, such as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, primarily utilize the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) pathway to stimulate steroid hormone biosynthesis. On the other hand, an inositol lipid metabolism pathway is used by other effector molecules such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone or prostaglandin F2 alpha, as well as gonadotropins, to alter ovarian hormone production. Membrane polyphosphoinositides are hydrolyzed to inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol, resulting in alterations of intracellular free calcium concentration, activation of protein kinase C, and liberation of arachidonic acid. Some or all of these intracellular messengers may interact with the gonadotropin-induced cAMP pathway to control ovarian function.