title: High expression of luteinizing hormone receptors messenger RNA by human cumulus granulosa cells is in correlation with decreased fertilization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate the LH receptor (LHR) expression patterns in human granulosa cells (GCs) from antral to preovulatory stages, and to investigate a correlation to oocyte function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Luteinized preovulatory GCs were obtained from preovulatory follicles aspirated during IVF (≥ 17 mm). The GCs from small- (<10 mm) and medium-sized (10-15 mm) follicles were obtained during in vitro maturation (IVM) procedures. Cumulus GCs were obtained during oocyte denudation for intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures (IVF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy IVF patients and 20 IVM patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  GC collection.
  
  
  METHODS
  The LHR expression levels in mural and cumulus GCs of different follicular sizes and their correlation to oocyte outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The LHR expression increased with follicle size and was higher in mural GCs compared with cumulus cells. The LHR expression in cumulus GCs from preovulatory follicles was higher in metaphase II (MII) oocytes than in metaphase I or germinal vesicle oocytes (IVF). Unexpectedly, higher expression of LHR in cumulus GCs of MII oocytes correlated with decreased fertilization rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LHR expression in small follicles obtained in IVM suggests a role for hCG administration during IVM procedures. Overexpression of LHR in cumulus GCs of MII oocytes may signal malfunction of oocytes and low fertilization capacity.
authors.affiliation: IVF Unit and Fertility Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: Ettie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maman
authors.forename: Yuval
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yung
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kedem
authors.forename: Gil M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Yerushalmi
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Konopnicki
authors.forename: Berta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Jehoshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dor
authors.forename: Ariel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hourvitz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D059471:In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000235:genetics*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011974:Receptors, LH