Platelet-activating factor induces progesterone secretion and changes in morphological appearance in luteinizing granulosa cells in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
Recent evidence indicates the involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in ovarian periovulatory processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of PAF on ovarian follicular cellular function.


METHODS
We examined the effects of PAF on progesterone (P) secretion by cultured human luteinizing granulosa cells obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Follicular cells were cultured in serum-free conditions for 12 to 36 hours with and without PAF (at dosages of 10(-8) to 10(-14) M).


RESULTS
Progesterone secretion was significantly increased at 12 and 36 hours after treatment with 10(-8) M PAF (170% +/- 40% and 210% +/- 40%, respectively) and with 10(-10) M PAF (170% +/- 30% and 180% +/- 10%, respectively). Smaller increases were seen with 10(-12) and 10(-14) M PAF. Maximal increases in P secretion in 10(-10) M PAF-treated wells occurred at 3 to 12 hours. At 36 hours, distinct morphological differences between cells in control wells and those containing PAF were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that PAF may influence follicular cell function during ovulation and corpus luteum formation.
Rabinovici
J
J
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Angle
M J
MJ
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*
D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D011374:Progesterone