Steroidogenesis in porcine follicle cells cultured in serum-free media.
The purpose of this study was to determine the steroid production of cultured porcine follicle cells grown in serum-free media. Theca cells (TC) and granulosa cells (GC) from large porcine follicles (greater than 8 mm) were dispersed and plated as monolayer cultures in serum-free media. Media were removed from the cultures at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h and assayed for estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione. Both GC and TC were capable of producing progesterone, androgens and estradiol in serum-free media. GC were responsive to human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone while TC were only responsive to human chorionic gonadotropin. Growth factors, particularly insulin, appeared to enhance ovarian cells' steroidogenesis.
Stein
A L
AL
Livingston Reproductive Biology Laboratory, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
diZerega
G S
GS
Tonetta
S A
SA
D000818:Animals; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology; D013552:Swine; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
D003470:Culture Media; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006133:Growth Substances