Open AccessEffect of Cortisol on the secretion of testosterone and estradiol‐17β by human granulosa‐luteal cell cultures
Author(s) -
Tsai Li,
Pousette Åke,
Johansson Christer,
Carlström Kjell
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349209041440
Subject(s) - medicine , luteal phase , endocrinology , testosterone (patch) , secretion , menstrual cycle , granulosa cell , ovary , hormone
The combination of hypercortisolism and usually low androgen and estrogen levels is frequently observed in female long distance athletes. In order to find a useful model system for studying the underlying mechanisms, the following studies were performed. The effect of Cortisol on the secretion of testosterone (T) and estradiol‐17β (E 2 ) by human granolosa‐luteal cells was studied in vitro in cultures of cells recovered from mature follicles of gonadotrophin stimulated women (participating in the IVF program). Following 24 hours of culture in tissue culture medium without hormonal additives, the granulosa‐luteal cells were incubated for 6 hours in media with addition of 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione (A‐4) as precursor and hMG and Cortisol in different combinations. The secretion of T was significantly stimulated by Cortisol but not by human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG). Cortisol, but not hMG, also increased the secretion of E 2 , although this effect was not statistically significant. These in vitro findings make a direct effect of Cortisol upon ovarian sex steroid secretion less likely as the mechanism behind the subnormal sex steroid levels in female long distance athletes. Instead, inadequate gonadotrophic stimulation, related to hypothalamic amenorrhea, and/or a selective decrease in the adrenal secretion of precursor steroids, may be an explanation.