Expression and actions of transforming growth factors during human follicular development.
OBJECTIVE
To correlate the temporal expression of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and TGF-beta genes in granulosa cells (GC) and thecal cells from human follicles at various developmental stages and to determine their trophic effects on GCs.


METHODS
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of extracted RNA from follicular GCs and theca cells.


METHODS
Academic endocrinology laboratory.


METHODS
Premenopausal women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for nonovarian reasons.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Confirmation by the RT-PCR product for TGF-alpha and TGF-beta gene expression in GC and theca cells from human follicles at various developmental stages and (3)H-thymidine uptake in vitro to assess growth effects on GCs.


RESULTS
The RT-PCR product indicating the presence of TGF-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) was found consistently in theca from healthy antral follicles. In theca from large follicles (>1.0 cm) the TGF-alpha PCR product was of reduced intensity. The TGF-alpha was absent or undetectable in granulosa cells from all follicle sizes. The PCR product for TGF-beta was generated by all GC and thecal cell RNAs from all follicle sizes examined. The TGF-alpha promoted and TGF-beta inhibited human GC growth.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of TGF-alpha gene expression in thecal cells coincides with periods of follicular growth. The expression of TGF-beta occurs in both cell types throughout antral follicle development. The TGF-alpha and TGF-beta have opposing trophic effects on GCs.
Lobb
Derek K
DK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: lobbd@McMaster.CA.
D000328:Adult; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008184:Luteal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta