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Progesterone Is an Autocrine/Paracrine Regulator of Human Granulosa Cell Survival in Vitro
Author(s) -
MAKRIGIANNAKIS A.,
COUKOS G.,
CHRISTOFIDOUSOLOMIDOU M.,
MONTAS S.,
COUTIFARIS C.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06212.x
Subject(s) - apoptosis , progesterone receptor , paracrine signalling , autocrine signalling , follicular fluid , mifepristone , in vitro , follicular phase , dexamethasone , endocrinology , medicine , andrology , chemistry , granulosa cell , biology , receptor , oocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , estrogen receptor , embryo , pregnancy , biochemistry , genetics , cancer , breast cancer
A bstract : Ovarian follicles are composed of granulosa cells (GC), which undergo apoptosis within 24 hours of culture in serum‐free medium. The present study was designed to assess the role of progesterone in regulating human GC survival. Human GC were isolated from follicular aspirates of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. GC were then cultured for 24 hours in serum‐free media supplemented with progesterone and/or the progesterone antagonist RU486 and dexamethasone. Cells were then fixed and assessed for apoptosis by in situ end labeling of DNA fragments, cell cycle analysis of DNA content, and electron microscopy. When compared with controls, progesterone reduced and RU486 increased the percentage of apoptotic GC ( p <0.05), whereas dexamethasone had no effect. In addition, RU486 inhibited the protective effect of progesterone on GC survival ( p <0.05). Taken together, these data indicate that progesterone inhibits human GC apoptosis, and this effect is mediated through the progesterone receptor.