Ovarian theca cell.
Theca cells are the endocrine cells associated with ovarian follicles that play an essential role in fertility by producing the androgen substrate required for ovarian estrogen biosynthesis. Theca cells differentiate from the interfollicular stroma in response to proteins secreted from growing follicles. The most common endocrine cause of infertility is associated with excessive proliferation of theca cells and ovarian hyperandrogenism. Cell facts: -ovarian androgen-producing cells; -are associated only with developing follicles; -over-activity of theca cells causes infertility due to hyperandrogenism; -under-activity of theca cells causes infertility due to lack of estrogen. Theca cells: androgen-producing cells in the ovary.
Magoffin
Denis A
DA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Davis 2066, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. magoffin@cshs.org
D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000728:Androgens