Hyperexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors in granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the localization and quantitation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in granulosa cells from women with normal and polycystic ovaries.


METHODS
Controlled, comparative study.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Forty-two women with normal or polycystic ovaries who attended our facility for the recovery of their immature or mature oocytes or for therapeutic purposes.


METHODS
Patients underwent intravaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval or laparoscopic follicular aspiration with or without prior stimulation.


METHODS
Quantitation of EGF receptor in granulosa cells.


RESULTS
Granulosa cells from polycystic ovaries expressed significantly higher levels of EGF receptor than granulosa cells from normal ovaries. In contrast with patients who were treated with clomiphene citrate, those who were treated with gonadotropins showed low levels of the receptor. However, the levels of the receptor in granulosa cells were not correlated with circulating levels of LH, FSH, progesterone, or E2. Immunolabeling of EGF receptor was confined to the cell membrane of granulosa cells. This receptor was fully functional, mediating the ligand-induced inhibition of E2 production in culture.


CONCLUSIONS
These results provide further evidence supporting a possible role of EGF/transforming growth factor-alpha in the aberration of ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Almahbobi
G
G
Institute of Reproduction and Development, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ghanim.almabobi@med.monash.edu.au
Misajon
A
A
Hutchinson
P
P
Lolatgis
N
N
Trounson
A O
AO
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002460:Cell Line; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000737:chemistry*; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*
D006728:Hormones; D066246:ErbB Receptors