Levels of apoptosis in human granulosa cells seem to be comparable after therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist.
OBJECTIVE
To compare levels of apoptosis in granulosa cells from women treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triptorelin or the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-two women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques after ovulation induction with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus GnRH agonist or antagonist.


METHODS
Granulosa cells were isolated from follicular aspirates after oocyte removal.


METHODS
Apoptosis was assessed with Annexin V binding assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, flow cytometric analysis of DNA, and ultrastructural analysis of cell morphology in transmission electron microscopy. Serum and follicular hormonal levels were also determined.


RESULTS
Annexin V binding and TUNEL assays revealed comparable percentages of apoptosis in the two groups under investigation. Analysis of DNA histograms revealed a similar cell cycle distribution in the two groups. Ultrastructural analysis only occasionally displayed patterns of chromatin margination in apoptotic cells. The mean concentrations of all the follicular fluid steroid hormones evaluated (E2, T, and P) were significantly lower in the GnRH antagonist-treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapy with a GnRH agonist or antagonist is associated with comparable levels of apoptosis in granulosa cells.
Giampietro
Franca
F
Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Sancilio
Silvia
S
Tiboni
Gian Mario
GM
Rana
Rosa Alba
RA
Di Pietro
Roberta
R
D000328:Adult; D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004247:DNA; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017304:Annexin A5; D002843:Chromatin; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D004247:DNA; C062876:cetrorelix