[Regulation of ovarian follicular development by epidermal growth factor in IVF superovulation cycles].
OBJECTIVE
To study the role of epidermal growth factors (EGFs) in the regulation of ovarian follicular development in in vitro fertilization (IVF) superovulation cycles.


METHODS
In situ hybridyzation and immunochemistry were used to locate EGF, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and their receptor (EGFR) in 10 normal ovarian specimens and in 5 granulosa cell samples obtained from IVF egg retrieval procedure. Radioimmunoassay was used for 6 sex hormones and radioreceptor assay for EGFs (mainly including EGF and TGF alpha) determinations in the serum and follicular fluid.


RESULTS
(1) EGF was not detected in the ovary, while EGFR and TGF alpha were found to be present in human granulosa cells. (2) Serum EGFs levels increased with the development of follicles, and EGFs levels in the follicular fluid were higher than those of the matched plasma. No correlation was found between EGFs and sex hormones.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF alpha but not EGF might be synthesized locally, acting on the granulosa cells in an autocrine fashion through EGFR in granulosa cells. Serum EGFs levels (including EGF and TGF alpha) might be stimulated by exogenous gonadotropins.
Wei
Z
Z
Third Hospital, Beijing Medical University.
Zhang
L
L
Li
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D013480:Superovulation; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors