Specific insulin binding sites in human ovary.

The strong association between hyperinsulinemic states of insulin resistance and ovarian hyperandrogenism has led to the suggestion that insulin might directly influence the function of the ovary. To assess this possibility, we have attempted to directly measure insulin receptors in the ovarian stroma of three patients who were operated upon for polycystic ovarian disease. 125I-insulin binding was easily detectable in fragments of ovarian stroma in each case. Specific binding was totally inhibited by pre-treatment with serum containing specific anti-insulin receptor autoantibodies (B-2). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin can directly influence ovarian function. Further studies of insulin receptors and insulin action in human ovarian tissue could lead to a better understanding of the link between insulin resistant states and ovarian hyperfunction.