Autologous granulosa cell coculture demonstrates zygote suppression of granulosa cell steroidogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if embryos can modulate steroid hormone production by luteinized granulosa cells.


METHODS
Granulosa cells obtained from follicular aspirates were cultured alone or in the presence of a two-pronuclear zygote. The production of E2 and P by these cultures was evaluated by RIA.


METHODS
In Vitro Fertilization Unit in an academic research environment.


METHODS
Sixteen women undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Standard IVF-ET treatment cycle using leuprolide acetate for pituitary desensitization before hMG or urofollitropin for ovarian stimulation.


METHODS
Estradiol and P concentration in culture media of luteinized granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells cocultured with a two-pronuclear embryo.


RESULTS
Both E2 and P production by luteinized granulosa cells was reduced when cultured in the presence of an embryo.


CONCLUSIONS
Human embryos secrete a factor that regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis.
Seifer
D B
DB
Brown University of School of Medicine, Women's and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, USA.
Freeman
M R
MR
Gardiner
A C
AC
Hill
G A
GA
Schneyer
A L
AL
Vanderhyden
B C
BC
D000328:Adult; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000494:pharmacology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D015053:Zygote / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D003470:Culture Media; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone; D016729:Leuprolide