Functional Differentiation in Steroidogenesis of Two Types of Luteal Cells Isolated from Mature Human Corpora Lutea of Menstrual Cycle*

Abstract

Enriched small and large cell fractions were prepared from mature corpora lutea from 15 women in the midluteal phase by enzymatic dissociation, followed by Percoll gradient centrifugation. The steroidogenic function of each cell type was assessed by measuring the gonadal steroids released into the incubation medium. The large cell fraction was estimated to be 97% pure, with minimal contamination by small cells, whereas the small cell fraction was approximately 68% pure, being contaminated with 10% large cells and 22% nonsteroidogenic cells. In the unstimulated state, large cells were approximately 2-fold more potent in progesterone formation and aromatase activity, but only half as potent in androstenedione and testosterone formation as an equal number of small cells. When stimulated with hCG, the small cells responded with significant increases in progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone release, but the large cells did not. Both cell types secreted estrone and 17 beta-estradiol in the presence of androgen substrate, but the addition of FSH significantly stimulated aromatization only in large cells. Thus, small and large human luteal cells have steroidogenic properties similar to those exhibited by follicular thecal and granulosa cells, respectively.

Immunolocalization of aromatase, 17 -hydroxylase and side-chain-cleavage cytochromes P-450 in the human ovary

“…In the corpus luteum, luteinized granulosa cells are large polygonal cells with abundant cyto¬ plasm, while luteinized theca cells are small (about half the size of luteinized granulosa cells), with less abundant, darkly staining cytoplasm (Clement, 1987 (Channing, 1969;Lipsett, 1986); Ohara et al (1987) have demonstrated that small and large human luteal cells have steroidogenic properties similar to those exhibited by follicular thecal and granulosa cells, respectively. Our current study ofthe localization of immunoreactivity of P-450,7a and P-450AROM is consistent with this theory.…”

Functional and ultrastructural characteristics of two types of rat granulosa cell cultured in the presence of FSH or transforming growth factor (TGF- )

“…Density gradient centrifugation (Lahteenmaki et al, 1982; Magoffin and Erickson, 1988) or flow cytometry (Hatfield and Hymer, 1986a; 1986b) is useful for separation and purification of living cells 'Correspondence. Received 6 July 1992. and have been applied to many types of cell including granulosa cells (Hirshfield et al, 1988), luteal cells (Ohara et al, 1987) and Leydig cells (Gale et al, 1982). Separation methods such as unit gravity sedimentation or Percoli gradient have yielded large cell preparations that are usually contaminated with small cells (Koos and Hansel, 1981).…”

Aggravation of Inappropriate Luteinizing Hormone Secretion by Bromocriptine in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Elevated Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate.

“…The patients received Brc continuously at three different dose levels of 1.25, 2.5, and Ohara et al (1987). The intrassay coefficients of variation were 5.5% for LH, 6.5% for FSH, 6.8% for PRL, 5.0% for E2, 6.5% for E1, 5.7% for P, 6.7% for T, 6.2% for DHAS, 5.4% for DHA, and 6.5% for ASD, respectively.…”