Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I stimulate the proliferation of human ovarian theca-interstitial cells.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) affect the proliferation of human theca-interstitial cells.


METHODS
In vitro assays.


METHODS
University laboratory.


METHODS
Premenopausal women undergoing oophorectomy for benign conditions.


METHODS
Purified theca-interstitial cells were cultured in chemically defined media with or without insulin and IGF-I.


METHODS
The proliferation of cells was evaluated by determination of [3H] thymidine incorporation and cell counting.


RESULTS
Insulin and IGF-I stimulated DNA synthesis by theca-interstitial cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Insulin-like growth factor I had a greater potency than did insulin. The effects of both approached, but did not reach, the level of DNA synthesis observed in cultures exposed to 10% fetal bovine serum. Direct counting of theca-interstitial cells revealed that IGF-I significantly increased the total number of cells (36% above control), whereas insulin induced a modest and statistically nonsignificant increase in the cell number (14% above control).


CONCLUSIONS
The present results support the hypothesis that insulin and IGF-I promote the mitotic activity of theca-interstitial cells. These effects may represent mechanisms that lead to hyperplasia of the thecal/stromal compartment in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Duleba
A J
AJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. ANTONI.DULEBA@QM.YALE.EDU
Spaczynski
R Z
RZ
Olive
D L
DL
D000328:Adult; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013936:Thymidine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D007328:Insulin; D014316:Tritium; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D004247:DNA; D013936:Thymidine