Periovulatory human oocytes, cumulus cells, and ovarian leukocytes express type 1 but not type 2 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase RNA.
OBJECTIVE
To further elucidate cortisol metabolism in the follicular microenvironment at the time of oocyte retrieval, the presence of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) messenger (m)RNA transcripts in oocytes; cumulus cells; granulosa cells; and CD45(+), CD15(+) leukocytes was assessed semiquantitatively.


METHODS
Controlled study using semiquantitative assessment of 11beta-HSD mRNA.


METHODS
University IVF center.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted conception.


METHODS
Metaphase II oocytes; cumulus cells; granulosa cells, and CD45(+), CD15(+) leukocytes from individual follicular fluid aspirates.


METHODS
Semiquantitative analysis of PCR products after total RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis.


RESULTS
Periovulatory human oocytes; cumulus cells; CD45(+), CD15(+) leukocytes; and granulosa cells consistently express type 1 but not type 2 11beta-HSD mRNA. Expression of mRNA is greatest in cumulus cells. Type 1 11beta-HSD mRNA expression varies considerably in all cell types and among individual follicles and patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies of mRNA expression suggest that the enzymes present both in and around the periovulatory oocyte will favor a high-cortisol environment.
Smith
M P
MP
University of Bristol and St. Michaels Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Mathur
R S
RS
Keay
S D
SD
Hall
L
L
Hull
M G
MG
Jenkins
J M
JM
D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics*; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D016256:Lewis X Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D010060:Ovulation; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D054562:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007527:Isoenzymes; D016256:Lewis X Antigen; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D054562:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1