Effects of insulin on steroidogenesis in cultured porcine ovarian theca.
The effects of insulin on porcine thecal steroidogenesis were examined in long-term cultures of hyaluronidase-collagenase dispersed thecal cells. The thecal cultures made significant amounts of progesterone (P) and androstenedione (delta 4 A). Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, and estradiol could not be detected in the media. Luteinizing hormone (LH) alone significantly increased P and delta 4 A accumulation. Insulin alone increased P accumulation on days 2 to 4 of culture. Insulin alone did not stimulate delta 4 A accumulation. Insulin plus LH resulted in a significantly greater accumulation of P and delta 4 A than LH alone. These results suggest that insulin may be a regulator of ovarian thecal steroidogenesis.
D000735:Androstenedione / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013552:Swine; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000187:drug effects*
D007328:Insulin; D000735:Androstenedione; D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone