Immunodetection of cotinine protein in granulosa-lutein cells of women exposed to cigarette smoke.
OBJECTIVE
To detect immunoreactivity to cotinine protein, a major metabolite of nicotine, in granulosa-lutein cells from patients exposed to cigarette smoke, as measured by levels of cotinine in follicular fluid (FF) samples.


METHODS
Controlled immunocytochemical study.


METHODS
Hospital IVF-ET program treating infertile patients.


METHODS
Twenty-eight women classified by self-reported smoking habits: active smokers (n = 17), passive smokers (n = 4), and nonsmokers (n = 7).


METHODS
Ovarian hyperstimulation.


METHODS
Grades of immunostaining intensity were assessed in granulosa-lutein cells. Patient scores of cell immunostaining were calculated and regressed on levels of FF cotinine.


RESULTS
Cotinine levels in FF were higher in active smokers than in passive smokers or nonsmokers. Cotinine immunostaining was visualized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of granulosa-lutein cells. Mean grades and mean scores of immunostaining intensity were higher in active smokers than in passive smokers or nonsmokers. There was a strong positive correlation between scores of cell immunostaining and FF cotinine levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between cotinine expression in granulosa-lutein cells and FF cotinine provides reliable evidence for a dose-related effect. This constituent of cigarette smoke appears to interact directly with and incorporate into these ovarian cells. Our approach seems useful for monitoring ovarian exposure to environmental toxins.
Zenzes
M T
MT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Puy
L A
LA
Bielecki
R
R
D000818:Animals; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003367:Cotinine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008184:Luteal Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D011817:Rabbits; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007106:Immune Sera; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D003367:Cotinine