Human chorionic gonadotropin suppresses ovarian epithelial neoplastic cell proliferation in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the in vitro effects of gonadotropins on benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian cell lines.


METHODS
In vitro cell culture.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Three hormonally sensitive ovarian neoplastic cell lines were exposed to control medium, FSH (40 mIU/mL), hCG (200 mIU/mL), and a combination of FSH and hCG.


METHODS
Cellular proliferation measured by a colorimetric (MTT) assay.


RESULTS
Growth of the cell lines was similar when exposed to control or FSH. In the presence of hCG alone, the cell lines demonstrated decreased proliferation when compared to control or FSH alone. When hCG was given in combination with FSH, there was decreased proliferation of the cell lines compared to control or FSH alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Growth of benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian epithelial cell lines is inhibited by hCG at levels, which are commonly achieved with hCG administration during ovulation induction or as a result of trophoblastic production in early pregnancy.
Tourgeman
David E
DE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. tourgema@hsc.usc.edu
Lu
Jean J
JJ
Boostanfar
Robert
R
Amezcua
Charles
C
Felix
Juan C
JC
Paulson
Richard J
RJ
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003536:Cystadenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D003537:Cystadenoma / Q000473:pathology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone