Hormonal regulation of rat granulosa cell deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis: effects of estrogens

Although it is widely accepted that estrogens exert a major trophic effect on follicular growth, their mechanism of action has not been established. We examined the effect of estrogen treatment in vivo or in vitro on DNA synthesis in rat granulosa cells cultured under defined conditions (DMEM:F12, collagen-coated plastic wells). Treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES) in vivo (silastic implants containing 5 mg DES) for at least 2 days was required to observe a significant stimulation of 3H-thymidine incorporation by insulin (1 microgram/ml) in culture. Rat thecal/interstitial cells (TI) were isolated from DES-treated rats and cultured under the same conditions as granulosa cells. Conditioned media from TI cells stimulated DNA synthesis in granulosa cell cultures (as much as twofold). This effect was markedly amplified by estradiol treatment (1 microgram/ml) of the TI cell cultures. Addition of estradiol to granulosa cell cultures enhanced the effect of conditioned medium from nontreated TI cells. Conditioned medium from estradiol-treated TI cells stimulated DNA synthesis in granulosa cells from both DES-treated and nontreated rats. Estradiol had no effect when added directly to purified granulosa cell cultures but stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation in crude preparations of ovarian cells. The stimulatory effects of TI cell-conditioned medium and insulin were reflected in the final cell densities achieved after 9 days in culture. We conclude that the mitogenic actions of estrogens in the ovary involve sensitization of granulosa cells to locally present mitogens like insulin and a TI cell-derived growth factor.     

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) stimulates proliferation and inhibits steroidogenesis by bovine theca cells: influence of follicle size on responses to GDF9

Ovarian follicular development is controlled by numerous paracrine and endocrine regulators, including oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), and a localized increase in bioavailable insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The effects of GDF9 on function of theca cells collected from small (3-6 mm) and large (8-22 mm) ovarian follicles were investigated. In small-follicle theca cells cultured in the presence of both LH and IGF1, GDF9 increased cell numbers and DNA synthesis, as measured by a (3)H-thymidine incorporation assay, and dose-dependently decreased both progesterone and androstenedione production. Theca cells from large follicles had little or no response to GDF9 in terms of cell proliferation or steroid production induced by IGF1. Small-follicle theca cell studies indicated that GDF9 decreased the abundance of LHR and CYP11A1 mRNA in theca cells, but had no effect on IGF1R, STAR, or CYP17A1 mRNA abundance or the percentage of cells staining for CYP17A1 proteins. GDF9 activated similar to mothers against decapentaplegics (SMAD) 2/3-induced CAGA promoter activity in transfected theca cells. Small-follicle theca cells had more ALK5 mRNA than large-follicle theca cells. Small-follicle granulosa cells appeared to have greater GDF9 mRNA abundance than large-follicle granulosa cells, but theca cells had no detectable GDF9 mRNA. We conclude that theca cells from small follicles are more responsive to GDF9 than those from large follicles and that GDF9 mRNA may be produced by granulosa cells in cattle. Because GDF9 increased theca cell proliferation and decreased theca cell steroidogenesis, oocyte- and granulosa cell-derived GDF9 may simultaneously promote theca cell proliferation and prevent premature differentiation of the theca interna during early follicle development.     

Plasminogen activator activity and thymidine incorporation in avian granulosa cells during follicular development and the periovulatory period.

The hormonal and second messenger regulation of plasminogen activator (PA) activities in avian granulosa and theca cells has been documented. However, the physiological role(s) of PAs in the avian ovary remains poorly understood. The present studies were designed to evaluate PA activity in hen granulosa cells collected from the most mature (F1) preovulatory follicle at three discrete time points relative to a spontaneous ovulation and from follicles collected at various stages of follicular development. Levels of PA activity in the granulosa layer of the F1 follicle declined by greater than 90% as follicles were collected closer to their anticipated time of ovulation (e.g., from 17-16 h to 0.75-0.15 h; p less than 0.05). Timing of tissue collection was confirmed by evaluation of serum progesterone levels, which peaked as expected at the 6-5-h time point. During follicular development, PA activity was several times greater in rapidly growing follicles (6-12 mm, 1-3 wk prior to ovulation) than in slowly growing (1-5 mm) or preovulatory (F3 and F1) follicles (p less than 0.05). Granulosa cells of these rapidly growing follicles also incorporated significantly higher levels of 3H-thymidine than did granulosa cells of mature follicles (p less than 0.05), suggesting a higher level of DNA synthesis. Similarly, granulosa cells of the mitotically active germinal disc region of the F1 granulosa layer were found to possess at least 3-fold higher (p less than 0.05) levels of PA activity and a 2-fold greater level of 3H-thymidine incorporation than the more mature granulosa cells isolated from the remaining F1 granulosa layer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 stimulates steroidogenesis and mitosis of bovine granulosa cells through the IGF1 receptor: role of follicle-stimulating hormone and IGF2 receptor

Little is known regarding the role of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and the regulation of the IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) during follicular development. Granulosa cells were collected from small (1-5 mm) and large (8-22 mm) bovine follicles and were treated with IGF2 for 1-2 days in serum-free medium, and steroid production, cell proliferation, specific (125)I-IGF2 binding, and gene expression were quantified. IGF2 increased both estradiol and progesterone production by granulosa cells, and cells from large follicles were more responsive to the effects of IGF2 than those from small follicles. Abundance of aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA was stimulated by IGF2 and IGF1. The effective dose (ED(50)) of IGF2 stimulating 50% of the maximal estradiol production was 63 ng/ml for small follicles and 12 ng/ml for large follicles, and these values were not affected by FSH. The ED(50) of IGF2 for progesterone production was 20 ng/ml for both small and large follicles. IGF2 also increased proliferation of granulosa cells by 2- to 3-fold, as determined by increased cell numbers and (3)H-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Treatment with IGF1R antibodies reduced the stimulatory effect of IGF2 and IGF1 on estradiol production and cell proliferation. Specific receptors for (125)I-IGF2 existed in granulosa cells, and 2-day treatment with estradiol, FSH, or cortisol had no significant effect on specific (125)I-IGF2 binding. Also, FSH treatment of small- and large-follicle granulosa cells had no effect on IGF2R mRNA levels, whereas IGF1 decreased IGF2R mRNA and specific (125)I-IGF2 binding. Granulosa cell IGF2R mRNA abundance was 3-fold greater in small than in large follicles. These findings support the hypothesis that both IGF2 and its receptor may play a role in granulosa cell function during follicular development. In particular, increased free IGF1 in developing follicles may decrease synthesis of IGF2R, thereby allowing for more IGF2 to be bioavailable (free) for induction of steroidogenesis and mitogenesis via the IGF1R.     

Impact of peptide growth factors on the culture of small preantral follicles of domestic cats

Small preantral follicles (40 to 90 microm) of domestic cats were cultured in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for 5 d. The success of culture was estimated by in vitro incorporation of Brom-desoxyuridine (BrdU) into the oocytes and granulosa cells. Addition of EGF (4, 20, or 100 ng/ml) to the culture medium had no significant effect on the incidence of in vitro DNA synthesis. After supplementation with IGF-I and bFGF, BrdU-incorporation into the follicles and oocytes increased in correspondence to the concentration used, with 20 ng/ml IGF-I and 10 ng/ml bFGF giving the highest effect. In medium containing EGF, the IGF-I-induced increase in BrdU incorporation was suppressed, while the effect of bFGF was not decreased. Simultaneous addition of IGF-I and bFGF did not result in a further increase in DNA synthesis in the oocytes and granulosa cells. We conclude that bFGF mainly induces the proliferation of granulosa cells while IGF-I is involved in cellular activation of oocytes, which is modulated by EGF.     

Sites of transcription of the Müllerian inhibiting substance gene in mouse testis

The factors involved in the inhibition of ovarian follicular cellular growth after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge are poorly established. The aim of this study was to investigate the production of an inhibitory growth factor by human ovarian cells. Luteinized granulosa cells were obtained from an assisted fertilization program and were cultured in the presence or absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Data obtained by cell counting showed that the number of human luteinized granulosa cells cultured in the presence of fetal bovine serum (10%) increased 1.8-fold within a 2-day period. In serum-free medium, human luteinized granulosa cells were able to incorporate ³H-thymidine, measured during consecutive 48 h periods. During all the periods tested (up to 7 days), low basal levels of thymidine incorporation were measured and were further reduced in the presence of FSH (200 ng/ml) and estradiol (500 ng/ml). To elucidate the possible production of an inhibitory growth factor, ³H-thymidine incorporation by rat granulosa cell cultures was measured in the presence of conditioned media (CM; from human granulosa cell cultures). In this system, FSH and estradiol elicited a tenfold increase in thymidine incorporation. The addition of CM (10% v/v collected on day 2) to FSH- and estradiol-treated granulosa cell cultures produced an inhibition (61%) of thymidine incorporation. The active factor in CM withstood freeze-thawing, was stable for several weeks at – 20°C, became unstable at 4°C, and was heat labile and sensitive to proteolysis. Ultrafiltration using membranes with different molecular weight cutoffs suggested that the factor had a molecular weight >30,000 dalton. We suggest that an inhibitory growth factor produced by human luteinized granulosa cells could be involved in the differentiation of growing follicles to corpus luteum. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The effect of an LH pulse on 3H-thymidine incorporation into cultured ovaries of metestrous rats

Summary The effect of an LH pulse on the rate at which ³H-thymidine is incorporated into cultured ovaries of metestrous rats was studied. In comparison to ovaries cultured with tonic LH, an LH pulse (1) rescued follicles from atresia, (2) induced thecal cell proliferation, and (3) increased the rate at which granulosa cells enter mitosis. It is concluded that LH pulses increase follicular growth by first triggering thecal cell proliferation and then inducing mitotic divisions within the granulosa cells of both atretic and non-atretic follicles.     

Mouse oocytes promote proliferation of granulosa cells from preantral and antral follicles in vitro.

Evidence is now emerging that the oocyte plays a role in the development and function of granulosa cells. This study focuses on the role of the oocyte in the proliferation of (1) undifferentiated granulosa cells from preantral follicles and (2) more differentiated mural granulosa cells and cumulus granulosa cells from antral follicles. Preantral follicles were isolated from 12-day-old mice, and mural granulosa cells and oocyte-cumulus complexes were obtained from gonadotropin-primed 22-day-old mice. Cell proliferation was quantified by autoradiographic determination of the 3H-thymidine labeling index. To determine the role of the oocyte in granulosa cell proliferation, oocyte-cumulus cell complexes and preantral follicles were oocytectomized (OOX), oocytectomy being a microsurgical procedure that removes the oocyte while retaining the three-dimensional structure of the complex or follicle. Mural granulosa cells as well as intact and OOX complexes and follicles were cultured with or without FSH in unconditioned medium or oocyte-conditioned medium (1 oocyte/microliter of medium). Preantral follicles were cultured for 4 days, after which 3H-thymidine was added to each group for a further 24 h. Mural granulosa cells were cultured as monolayers for an equilibration period of 24 h and then treated for a 48-h period, with 3H-thymidine added for the last 24 h. Oocyte-cumulus cell complexes were incubated for 4 h and then 3H-thymidine was added to each group for an additional 3-h period. FSH and/or oocyte-conditioned medium caused an increase in the labeling index of mural granulosa cells in monolayer culture; however, no differences were found among treatment groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

FSH and growth factors affect the growth and endocrine function in vitro of granulosa cells of bovine preantral follicles

The hypothesis was tested that bovine preantral follicles can be stimulated to grow in vitro by FSH and by the mitogens, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), but not by transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta), which generally inhibits EGF and bFGF action. Preantral follicles, 60 to 179 mum in diameter, were isolated from fetal ovaries by treatment with collagenase and DNase and cultured for 6 d in serum-free medium, with or without FSH and growth factors. Basic FGF (50 ng/ml), and to a lesser extent FSH (100 ng/ml) and EGF (50 ng/ml), stimulated thymidine incorporation by granulosa cells in bovine preantral follicles compared to control cultures (8-, 4- and 2.5-fold the labeling index of the controls; P < 0.05). Alone TGFbeta (10 ng/ml) had no effect on (3)H-thymidine incorporation, but it completely inhibited the bFGF- but not the FSH-stimulated increase in the labeling index and mean follicular diameter of preantral follicles (P < 0.05). By the end of the culture period oocytes in most treatments had degenerated, and the few surviving oocytes were in preantral follicles cultured with FSH or bFGF. Progesterone accumulation was greater (P < 0.05) in the presence of FSH (100 ng/ml) or EGF (50 ng/ml) than with bFGF, TGFbeta or control medium. Basic FGF strongly inhibited the effect of FSH on progesterone secretion (P < 0.05). Only FSH stimulated the conversion of exogenous testosterone to estradiol and both bFGF and TGFbeta markedly inhibited FSH-stimulated estradiol accumulation. These results indicate that proliferation of granulosa cells of bovine preantral follicles can be stimulated by bFGF, FSH and EGF, whereas TGFbeta inhibits growth, and that they are steroidogenically active in culture. Basic FGF and TGFbeta antagonize FSH-stimulated steroid production by granulosa cells of cultured bovine preantral follicles.     

Expression of retinol-binding protein and cellular retinol-binding protein in the bovine ovary

Retinol (vitamin A) is essential for reproduction, and retinoids have been suggested to play a role in ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development. Retinol is transported systemically and intercellularly by retinol-binding protein (RBP). Within the cell, cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) functions in retinol accumulation and metabolism. Since the actions of retinoids are mediated, in part, by retinoid-binding proteins, the objective of this study was to investigate cell-specific expression of RBP and CRBP in the bovine ovary. Immunocytochemical analysis (ICC) localized RBP to the thecal and granulosa cell layers of antral and preantral follicles with the most intense staining in the cells of large, healthy follicles. The tunica adventitia of arterial blood vessels also exhibited RBP staining. Immunostaining of CRBP was most intense in the granulosa cells of preantral follicles and present, but diminished, in thecal and granulosa cells of antral follicles. Within the corpus luteum, both proteins were observed in large luteal cells, but only RBP was observed in small luteal cells. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that thecal and granulosa cells from antral follicles and luteal tissue expressed RBP and CRBP mRNA. Synthesis and secretion of RBP by thecal cells, granulosa cells, and luteal cells were demonstrated by immune-complex precipitation of radiolabeled RBP from the medium of cultured cells or explants, followed by SDS-PAGE and fluorography. Follicular fluid was collected from small (<5 mm) and large (8-14 mm) follicles, pooled according to follicular size, and analyzed for retinol, RBP, estradiol-17beta, and progesterone. Concentrations of retinol, RBP, and estradiol were greater in the fluid of large follicles. Results demonstrate retinoid-binding protein expression by bovine ovaries and provide physical evidence that supports the concept that retinoids play a role in ovarian function.     

Temporal and topographic changes in DNA synthesis after induced follicular atresia

Hamsters were hypophysectomized on the morning of estrus (Day 1) and injected immediately with 30 IU pregnant mare's serum (PMS). This was followed on Day 4 by the injection of an antiserum to PMS (PMS-AS) that initiated follicular atresia (Time zero). From 0 to 72 h after PMS-AS, the animals were injected with [3H]thymidine and killed 4 h later. One ovary was saved for autoradiography and histology; from the other ovary, 5-10 large antral follicles were dissected and pooled, and incorporation into DNA was determined by scintillation counting. DNA synthesis dropped sharply between 12 and 18 h, coinciding with a fall in labeling index of the cumulus oophorus and thecal endothelial cells and a sharp fall in thecal vascularity. In contrast, for the mural granulosa cells bordering on the antral cavity, labeling index dropped sharply between 8 and 12 h when thecal vascularity was still high. The earliest sign of atresia was evident by 4 h in cumulus cells when, paradoxically, DNA synthesis was still high. It took 3 days for atresia of the antral follicles to progress to advanced stages, as evidenced by pseudo-pronuclei in the free floating ovum, further erosion of the mural granulosa, and minimal DNA/follicle. However, the theca still retained its histological integrity and contained no pyknotic cells. Although by 48 h the granulosal compartment was in disarray (DNA/follicle significantly different from earlier values), the egg was still viable, as judged by maximal fluorescence after the addition of fluoroscein diacetate.     

Cell cycle synchronization of porcine granulosa cells in G1 stage with mimosine

The success of somatic cell nuclear transfer depends critically on the cell cycle stage of the donor nucleus and the recipient cytoplast. Karyoplasts in the G0 or G1 stages are considered to be the most suitable for nuclear transfer. In the present study, we used a reversible cell cycle inhibitor, mimosine, to synchronize porcine granulosa cells (GCs) in G1 phase of the cell cycle. Porcine GCs were obtained from 3 to 5mm ovarian follicles of slaughtered gilts. The effect of mimosine on the proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell cycle stage of cultured cells was examined by incorporation of radiochemical 3H-thymidine, immunocytochemical detection of incorporated thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and flow cytometry analyses. Mimosine treatment of pig GCs for 24h resulted in proliferation arrest in vitro. Treatment with 0.5mM mimosine significantly (P<0.05) inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation after 24h of culture (4.6% +/- 0.1) and after 24h of culture in serum deprived medium (41.3% +/- 3.8), in comparison to controls (100%). Inhibition of DNA synthesis was further confirmed by immunocytochemical and flow cytometry analyses. Compared with controls (78.2%), mimosine treatment for 24h increased the proportion of G0/G1 cells in the culture (85.7%) more effectively than serum starvation (SS; 81.2%). Mimosine-caused G1 arrest of porcine GCs was fully reversible and cells continued to proliferate after removing the drug, especially when they were stimulated by EGF.     

Secretion of follicle-regulatory protein by porcine granulosa cells

Follicle-regulatory protein (FRP) affects ovarian steroidogenesis and thus follicular maturation. However, secretion of FRP by cells from different-sized follicles as well as the modulation of FRP production by gonadotropins and locally produced steroids are unknown. To evaluate which cell type secretes FRP, theca and granulosa cells were obtained from porcine follicles. In addition, the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and steroids on FRP secretion from granulosa cells of small (less than 3 mm), medium (3-6 mm), and large (greater than 8 mm) porcine follicles and theca cells of large follicles were determined. Granulosa cells were obtained from follicular aspirates, whereas theca cells were recovered after digestion of the stereomicroscopically removed thecal layer. Both were cultured in monolayer in serum-free medium. Granulosa cells were treated as follows: 1) control; 2) FSH (250 ng/ml); 3) progesterone (500 ng/ml, 3 micrograms/ml), or estradiol-17 beta (500 ng/ml, 4 micrograms/ml), or dihydrotestosterone (500 ng/ml, 1 microgram/ml); 4) FSH + progesterone, or estradiol-17 beta, or dihydrotestosterone. Theca cells received the same treatment except that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (5m IU/ml) was used in place of FSH. At 48 or 96 h, media were removed and FRP was quantitated by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). FRP was identified in granulosal medium from follicles of all sizes, but was not present in thecal cultures. At 48 h, granulosa cells from small and medium-sized follicles produced more FRP (20.04 +/- 4.4, 35.42 +/- 4.1 immunoreactive units [IRU]) than cells from large (3.53 +/- 0.97 IRU) follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hormonal regulation of ovarian cellular proliferation

The steroid hormone estradiol, and the glycoprotein hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are known to be essential for the growth and differentiation of follicles in the ovary. The present study was conducted to determine quantitatively the effects of estradiol, FSH and LH on proliferation of different ovarian cell types (granulosa and theca cells). The immature female hypophysectomized rate sequentially primed with estradiol, FSH and LH was used as the experimental model. Proliferation was assessed by examining changes in total DNA, incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA and labeling index in specific cell types. Estradiol and FSH each acted on follicles at different stages of development to stimulate proliferative activity of both granulosa and theca cells. Continued administration of either hormone caused a decrease in the proliferative activity of both cell types. These observations have been interpreted to indicate that estradiol and FSH can each alter the length of the specific phases of the cell cycle. A luteinizing dose of LH caused a cessation of proliferation in luteinizing granulosa cells while stimulating a limited proliferation of theca cells. Absence of the appropriate hormonal stimulus caused both granulosa and theca cells to stop proliferating and the follicles to undergo atresia. These results indicate that, depending upon the state of differentiation of granulosa and theca cells, estradiol, FSH and LH can stimulate or inhibit the ability of these cells to proliferate.     

Apoptosis and ovarian function: novel perspectives from the teleosts

Apoptosis is a fundamental mechanism in follicular atresia and postovulatory regression in mammals, but its role in teleost ovarian function is currently unknown. This study tested the hypotheses that apoptosis mediates follicular atresia in teleosts and is inducible in vitro by incubation in serum-free conditions. Vitellogenic follicles from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) were incubated overnight in serum-free medium and examined for apoptosis by 3'-end-labeling and/or TUNEL analysis. Primary, postovulatory, and oocytectomized vitellogenic trout follicles and atretic goldfish follicles were evaluated in similar fashion. Overall, goldfish follicles had lower levels of DNA fragmentation than trout follicles. The DNA fragmentation in atretic goldfish follicles was similar to that measured in healthy vitellogenic and prematurational follicles; DNA fragmentation did not change after incubation. In the trout, postovulatory and oocytectomized vitellogenic follicles showed significantly greater in vitro susceptibility to apoptosis than intact vitellogenic follicles, whereas primary follicles were least susceptible. The TUNEL analyses revealed that in trout vitellogenic follicles, more thecal/epithelial cells than granulosa cells showed fragmented DNA in vivo, but incubation (24 h) did not result in increased apoptosis in cells of either type. These results indicate that apoptosis is involved in normal ovarian growth and postovulatory regression in teleosts, but that it does not appear to be an early event in teleost follicular atresia.     

Mitotic activity and its 24-hour rhythm in the ovarian follicles during the estrous cycle of a wild rat, Bandicota bengalensis

Mitotic activity in ovarian follicles was studied in relation to the size of the follicles during a 24-hour period (10.00, 16.00, 22.00 and 04.00 h) throughout the estrous cycle of the wild bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) to ascertain the cell proliferation rate and its 24-hour rhythm in the follicular tissue. In the bandicoot ovary, mitotic activity in the granulosa and thecal cells was highest in the follicles ranging from 201 to 400 micron in diameter. During the estrous cycle, mitotic activity of the granulosa cells was highest at estrus in follicles less than 601 micron, and at diestrus in follicles greater than 600 micron; while the mitotic trough was at proestrus in all the follicles. Thecal mitosis was significantly lower than mitosis of the granulosa cells. In most of the follicles, mitotic activity in the thecal cells was highest at diestrus and lowest at metestrus. In both the granulosa and thecal cells, the timing of mitotic peaks and troughs varied according to the size of the follicles and the stages of the estrous cycle. In the granulosa cells mitotic peaks were maximal in the daytime (10.00 h, 16.00 h) and in some cases at night (04.00 h); and mitotic troughs were primarily during the night (22.00 h, 04.00 h) and in some cases in the day (10.00 h). In the thecal cells, however, mitotic activity in most of the follicles was distinctly higher in the daytime (16.00 h) than at night (22.00 h, i.e., evening). Thus, a prominent 24-hour mitotic rhythm was noticed in the ovarian follicles of the bandicoot rat.     

Immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor in the ovary of the adult Japanese quail

Summary The present study focuses on the immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor in the ovary of the adult Japanese quail. Immunoreactivity was predominantly found in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and of chordae, in granulosa cells of pre-lampbrush follicles, in interstitial cells, in the Balbiani complex of pre-lampbrush oocytes, and in ganglia. In developing follicles, immunoreactivity was also detected in some granulosa and thecal cells, in the zona radiata, and especially in cell clusters localized in the thecal periphery. The number of immunostained cells in the granulosa decreased during folliculogenesis, and increased after ovulation. In the ooplasm of oocytes, immunoreactivity was shifted from the Balbiani complex to the zona radiata during development. These observations support the hypothesis that epidermal growth factor acts primarily on less differentiated follicles. It is also suggested that epidermal growth factor can modulate ovarian contractility. Finally, in one ovary, we detected immunostained bodies in the ooplasm of small developing oocytes. Senior Research Assistant of the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research.     

Inhibition by diethylstilboestrol of proliferative potential of follicles of different sizes in immature rat ovaries

Intact immature female rats were treated with 1, 2, 3 or 4 subcutaneous injections of 2 mg diethylstilboestrol (DES)/rat at intervals of 24 h and then killed. Ovaries were collected, cleaned, enzymically digested and serially filtered through Teflon sieves to yield follicles of diameter less than 200 microns (small), 200-400 microns (medium) and greater than 400 microns (large). Follicular supernatant was collected and granulosa cells were extracted from these isolated follicles. There was a general increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation in all sizes of follicles after 1 or 2 DES injections, the increase in the medium and large follicles being significant after 2 doses. With 3 and 4 injections of DES, there was a sudden decrease in the rates of [3H]thymidine incorporation, particularly in the medium-sized follicles, which also had higher concentrations of follicular supernatant protein. Protein contents in small and large follicles did not change significantly. The follicular supernatant protein had a specific and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation when added to cultures of rapidly dividing granulosa cells. Addition of the same amounts of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the cultures had no effect. Heat-denaturing did not abolish the inhibition by the protein. Removal of the protein from the cultures after the first 48 h resulted in a rebound increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation during the following 48 h, showing that the inhibitory effects were reversible. Though aromatase activity after 1 or 2 DES injections abruptly decreased after 3 and 4 injections, follicular supernatant protein had no effect on steroidogenesis in cultured granulosa cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that oestrogen can inhibit follicular development, depending on the duration of exposure. We propose that the inhibitory effects of DES on cell proliferation are mediated via the synthesis of a specific peptide factor which is produced in high amounts in the medium-sized follicles only, on prolonged exposure to the oestrogen. This factor may be autocrine or paracrine, serving as an in-built autoregulatory control mechanism for follicle development, particularly at pro-oestrus, when oestrogen concentrations are highest.     

Somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor 1: an intratesticular differentiative factor of Leydig cells?

By using immature porcine Sertoli cells cultured in serum-free defined medium, we report that medium conditioned by Sertoli cells contained immunoreactive somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor 1 (SmC/IGF1) measured following acidic gel filtration. The release of this immunoreactive SmC/IGF1 was slightly increased following Sertoli cell treatment with fibroblast growth factor but not with follicle-stimulating hormone or growth hormone. On the other hand, human biosynthetic SmC/IGF1 exerts a potent stimulatory effect on Leydig cell differentiated functions such as LH/hCG-binding (greater than 4-fold) and hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion (greater than 15-fold). This effect was dose and time dependent and the maximal increase of Leydig cell function was observed following 48 h treatment with 50 ng/ml SmC/IGF1. The steroidogenic action of the peptide was not related to Leydig cell growth since both cell number and 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA were not or slightly (approximately equal to 1.5-fold) increased in the optimal conditions with SmC/IGF1 treatment (100 ng/ml for 48 h). Moreover, the concomitant treatment of Leydig cells by both arabinoside C (10(-5) M), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, and SmC/IGF1 did not modify the stimulating effect of the peptide on LH/hCG-binding and hCG-stimulated testosterone production. Taken together, the present findings support the concept that Sertoli cell derived SmC/IGF1 could be a potent regulator of Leydig cell differentiated functions.