Disparate effects of estrogens on in vitro steroidogenesis by mammalian and avian granulosa cells.
Estrogens exert a number of stimulatory effects on ovarian follicles, particularly in the hypophysectomized, immature female rat treated with diethylstilbestrol; in contrast, the majority of effects observed in numerous other mammalian or avian species is inhibitory. This minireview will first analyze the actions of estrogens on follicular function in vivo, and will then focus on this steroid's effect on steroidogenesis by granulosa cells in vitro. In vitro analysis will also allow us to discern some bases for the apparent dichotomy observed for estrogen action, and will aid in the elucidation of the mechanism(s) involved.
Hutz
R J
RJ
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 53201.
D000818:Animals; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D004967:Estrogens; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol