Activin A stimulates meiotic maturation of human oocytes and modulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that activin A promotes in vitro human oocyte meiotic maturation while inhibiting steroid secretion by nonluteinized antral granulosa cells.


METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled study.


METHODS
A university medical center.


METHODS
Nine women ranging in age from 31-44 years who were undergoing oophorectomy for nonovarian pathology.


METHODS
Analysis of meiotic maturation of oocytes and steroid secretion by granulosa cells cultured in the presence or absence of activin A.


METHODS
Germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and attainment of metaphase II (MII) in oocytes, and progesterone and E2 secretion by granulosa cells.


RESULTS
Activin A significantly enhanced GVBD (91% vs. 65%) for control and maturation to MII (56% vs. 35% for control) of immature oocytes. Activin A significantly suppressed basal, and inhibin A-and FSH-stimulated progesterone and E2 secretion by nonluteinized granulosa cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Activin A is a promoter of oocyte maturation in vitro and a modulator of granulosa cell steroidogenesis in culture.
Alak
B M
BM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. alak.1@osu.edu
Coskun
S
S
Friedman
C I
CI
Kennard
E A
EA
Kim
M H
MH
Seifer
D B
DB
D028341:Activins; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000187:drug effects*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D006133:Growth Substances; D013256:Steroids; D028341:Activins; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins