OBJECTIVE: To determine if embryos can modulate steroid hormone production by luteinized granulosa cells. DESIGN: Granulosa cells obtained from follicular aspirates were cultured alone or in the presence of a two-pronuclear zygote. The production of E2 and P by these cultures was evaluated by RIA. SETTING: In Vitro Fertilization Unit in an academic research environment. PATIENTS: Sixteen women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTIONS: Standard IVF-ET treatment cycle using leuprolide acetate for pituitary desensitization before hMG or urofollitropin for ovarian stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estradiol and P concentration in culture media of luteinized granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells cocultured with a two-pronuclear embryo. RESULTS: Both E2 and P production by luteinized granulosa cells was reduced when cultured in the presence of an embryo. CONCLUSIONS: Human embryos secrete a factor that regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if embryos can modulate steroid hormone production by luteinized granulosa cells. DESIGN: Granulosa cells obtained from follicular aspirates were cultured alone or in the presence of a two-pronuclear zygote. The production of E2 and P by these cultures was evaluated by RIA. SETTING: In Vitro Fertilization Unit in an academic research environment. PATIENTS: Sixteen women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTIONS: Standard IVF-ET treatment cycle using leuprolide acetate for pituitary desensitization before hMG or urofollitropin for ovarian stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estradiol and P concentration in culture media of luteinized granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells cocultured with a two-pronuclear embryo. RESULTS: Both E2 and P production by luteinized granulosa cells was reduced when cultured in the presence of an embryo. CONCLUSIONS:Human embryos secrete a factor that regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis.
Authors: D T Carrell; C M Peterson; K P Jones; H H Hatasaka; L C Udoff; C E Cornwell; C Thorp; P Kuneck; L Erickson; B Campbell Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 1999-08 Impact factor: 3.412