title: In vitro viability and secretory capacity of human luteinized granulosa cells after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger of oocyte maturation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate viability of luteinized granulosa cells obtained from patients triggered with either GnRH agonist or hCG and to assess the secretion of steroids and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by cultured luteinized granulosa cells in the presence or absence of hCG.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-based fertility center.
  
  
  METHODS
  A subset of patients who underwent a randomized trial involving GnRH agonist trigger after GnRH antagonist protocol vs. hCG trigger after pituitary suppression with GnRH agonist protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro fertilization cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Proportion of apoptosis; basal and hCG-induced secretion of E(2), P, and VEGF by luteinized granulosa cells; follicular-fluid VEGF and luteal-phase serum E(2), P, and plasma VEGF concentrations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences in the proportion of granulosa/luteal cell apoptosis, follicular-fluid or luteal-phase plasma VEGF concentration, or basal culture media E(2), P, and VEGF concentrations between the two groups. Addition of hCG to the culture media significantly increased the P concentration in both groups, but there were no changes in E(2) or VEGF concentrations. Serum E(2) levels were lower at 5 and 9 days after GnRH agonist compared with hCG trigger.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The granulosa/luteal cells obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval after GnRH agonist trigger are still viable and have the capacity to respond to hCG by increasing the secretion of steroids.
authors: Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, University of Connecticut Health Center, Dowling South Building, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6224, USA. lengmann@uchc.edu
authors: Lawrence
authors: L
authors: Engmann
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Romak
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Nulsen
authors: Claudio
authors: C
authors: Benadiva
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Peluso