Theca function in polycystic ovaries of a patient with virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The steroidogenic activity of purified theca interstitial cells (TIC) from polycystic ovaries of a patient with virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency was studied in serum-free medium. The results show that CVAH TIC have high intrinsic basal androgen secretory activity that is dramatically stimulated by hCG, insulin, and lipoproteins, particularly HDL. Accordingly, the results support the hypothesis that TIC may contribute to the development of polycystic ovaries in CVAH patients, perhaps by mechanisms independent of the adrenal glands.