Epidermal growth factor antagonizes ovarian theca-interstitial cytodifferentiation.
This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that epidermal growth factor (EGF) can modulate the gonadotropin-dependent differentiation of theca-interstitial cells in vitro. Addition of EGF to chemically defined culture medium severely antagonized the ability of hCG to transform undifferentiated theca-interstitial cells into active androgen-producing cells. The inhibitory action of EGF was dose-dependent, hormone-specific, and independent of granulosa cells. Since ovarian androgens are obligatory precursors to estrogen formation and induce atresia, a repressive action of EGF on theca-interstitial cytodifferentiation has new implications for understanding the way in which follicles develop in the ovary.
D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000187:drug effects*
D000728:Androgens; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor