Colony stimulating factor-1 in human follicular fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) concentrations in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to test for presence of messenger RNA (mRNA) for CSF-1 and its receptor, c-fms, in FF cells.


METHODS
Collection of serum and FF at the time of oocyte retrieval.


METHODS
A university IVF program.


METHODS
Forty-five women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF.


METHODS
Serum and FF were obtained from 24 women, and FF only was obtained from 21 women.


METHODS
Colony-stimulating factor-1 concentrations were determined by RIA, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and c-fms was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Mean FF concentrations of CSF-1 were significantly higher than mean serum levels (10.0 +/- 1.3 and 3.6 +/- 0.3 (+/-SE) ng/mL, respectively). Colony-stimulating factor-1 and c-fms message were detected in FF cells, and alternatively spliced forms of CSF-1 message were present.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of CSF-1, a primary regulator of tissue macrophages, in FF, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in FF-derived cells, suggest a role for this growth factor in ovarian function.
Witt
B R
BR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA. BWITT@AECOM.YU.EDU
Pollard
J W
JW
D015139:Blotting, Southern; D017931:DNA Primers; D005091:Exons; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D016186:Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000235:genetics
D017931:DNA Primers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D016186:Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase