Role of adiponectin in regulating ovarian theca and granulosa cell function

Adiponectin is an adipokine that has been implicated in insulin resistance, a condition associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome in humans, but whether adiponectin can directly affect ovarian theca or granulosa cell function is unknown. Therefore, to determine the effects of adiponectin on proliferation, steroidogenesis and gene expression of large-follicle theca and granulosa cells, experiments were conducted using bovine ovarian cell cultures. RT-PCR was used to elucidate the effects of adiponectin on gene expression of CYP11A1 and LH receptor (LHR) in large-follicle theca and granulosa cells, as well as expression of CYP17A1 in theca cells and CYP19A1 in granulosa cells. Adiponectin decreased (P<0.05) insulin-induced progesterone and androstenedione production as well as attenuated IGF-I-induced LHR, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1 gene expression in theca cells. In contrast, adiponectin decreased (P<0.05) LHR mRNA abundance in granulosa cells but did not affect steroidogenic enzyme gene expression in granulosa cells. Adiponectin had no effect (P>0.10) on proliferation of large-follicle theca cells. RT-PCR also revealed that abundance of mRNA for the adiponectin receptor (ADIPOR2) was greater (P<0.05) in large-follicle than in small-follicle theca cells and did not significantly differ between small- and large-follicle granulosa cells. In cultured theca cells, LH increased (P<0.05) and IGF-I decreased (P<0.05) ADIPOR2 mRNA abundance. These results indicate that the inhibitory effects of adiponectin on steroidogenesis are primarily localized to theca cells and that the response of theca cells to adiponectin (i.e., ADIPOR2) may be regulated by LH and IGF-I.     

Hormonal control of ovarian cell production of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins

To determine if the hormonal effects on insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) production differed between granulosa and thecal cells, both cell types were collected and cultured in serum-free medium with various hormone treatments, arranged in three experiments. Following treatment, cells were enumerated and media were collected, concentrated 10-fold and subjected to ligand blotting. Experiment 1 revealed that > or =1.5 x 10(5) viable cells at plating were needed for maximal IGFBP production by granulosa and thecal cells. The major forms of IGFBPs produced were a 27-34-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-2 and -5), and a 20-22-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-4) by the granulosa cells and a 40-44-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-3), 34-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-2), 27-29-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-5) and a 20-22-kDa IGFBP (IGFBP-4) by the thecal cells. In Experiment 2A, insulin stimulated production of IGFBP-5 by thecal cells, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) inhibited the insulin-induced increase in IGFBP-5 production; epidermal growth factor (EGF) and luteinizing hormone were without effect. The small amounts of IGFBP-2 and -3 produced by thecal cells of Experiment 2A were not affected by treatment. Production of IGFBP-2/-5 by granulosa cells in Experiment 2B was inhibited by insulin, with EGF and bFGF further enhancing insulin's inhibitory effect; follicle-stimulating hormone was without effect. In Experiment 3A, insulin enhanced production of IGFBP-5 by thecal cells whereas glucagon blocked insulin's stimulatory effect. In contrast, insulin or glucagon alone had no effect on production of the IGFBP-4 by thecal cells but when combined inhibited IGFBP-4 production. The small amounts of IGFBP-2 and -3 produced by thecal cells of Experiment 3A were not affected by treatment. In Experiment 3B, production of IGFBP-2/-5 by granulosa cells was attenuated in the presence of cortisol with or without insulin and insulin plus glucagon; glucagon and cortisol decreased production of IGFBP-4 by granulosa cells. These results suggest that production of IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 by granulosa and thecal cells are differentially affected by hormonal stimuli, and that IGFBP-3 is more consistently produced by thecal cells than granulosa cells of cattle although its production was not hormonally regulated.     

Inhibition by estradiol-17 beta of porcine thecal androgen production in vitro.

Thecal preparations from medium-sized procine ovarian follicles (3.5-5 mm diameter) were incubated for 4 h in a chemically defined medium in the presence or absence of highly purified luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or estradiol-17 beta (estradiol). LH (1 microgram/ml) stimulated the thecal production of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 2- to 3-fold. Although estradiol (10 microgram/ml) alone had only a slight but non-significant inhibitory effect on basal testosterone production, it significantly inhibited the production of both T and DHT as well as decreasing the DHT/T ratio in a dose-related manner in the presence of LH. Production of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and progesterone by the thecal cells was stimulated 50-to 200-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively, by LH. Estradiol had no significant effect on thecal cAMP and progesterone production in the presence or absence of the gonadotropin. These findings are consistent with the concept that estradiol produced by granulosa cells following hormonal stimulation may serve as a local negative feedback mechanism to control thecal androgen production.     

Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (FGF9) on Steroidogenesis and Gene Expression and Control of FGF9 mRNA in Bovine Granulosa Cells

Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF9) is decreased in granulosa cells (GC) of cystic follicles compared with normal dominant follicles in cattle. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of FGF9 on GC steroidogenesis, gene expression, and cell proliferation and to determine the hormonal control of GC FGF9 production. GC were collected from small (1-5 mm) and large (8-22 mm) bovine follicles and treated in vitro with various hormones in serum-free medium for 24 or 48 h. In small- and large-follicle GC, FGF9 inhibited (P < 0.05) IGF-I-, dibutyryl cAMP-, and forskolin-induced progesterone and estradiol production. In contrast, FGF9 increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers induced by IGF-I and 10% fetal calf serum. FGF9 inhibited (P < 0.05) FSHR and CYP11A1 mRNA abundance in small- and large-follicle GC but had no effect (P > 0.10) on CYP19A1 or StAR mRNA. In the presence of a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, trilostane, FGF9 also decreased (P < 0.05) pregnenolone production. IGF-I inhibited (P < 0.05) whereas estradiol and FSH had no effect (P > 0.10) on FGF9 mRNA abundance. TNFα and wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family member-3A decreased (P < 0.05) whereas T(4) and sonic hedgehog increased (P < 0.05) FGF9 mRNA abundance in control and IGF-I-treated GC. Thus, GC FGF9 gene expression is hormonally regulated, and FGF9 may act as an autocrine regulator of ovarian function by slowing follicular differentiation via inhibiting IGF-I action, gonadotropin receptors, the cAMP signaling cascade, and steroid synthesis while stimulating GC proliferation in cattle.     

Interleukin-2 affects steroidogenesis and numbers of bovine ovarian granulosa cells but not thecal cellsin vitro

The effect of recombinant bovine interleukin-2 (IL-2) on steroidogenesis and numbers of bovine ovarian granulosa and thecal cells has been studied. Granulosa cells have been examined from both small (surface diameter ≤5 mm) and large (≥8 mm) follicles, whereas thecal cells from only large follicles were utilized. Estradiol and progesterone production per cell by granulosa cells from large follicles was 2- to 3-times greater than those from small follicles. Increasing doses of IL-2 significantly attenuated FSH-induced estradiol production by cells from small follicles but not large follicles. In general, progesterone production per cell by granulosa cells was almost double that of thecal cells. Moreover, IL-2 significantly attenuated FSH-induced progesterone production by granulosa cells from small and large follicles but had no effect on LH-induced progesterone or and-rostenedione production by thecal cells. Co-treatment of TNFα with IL-2 enhanced the responsiveness of granulosa cells to IL-2. The effect of IL-2 on the numbers of granulosa and thecal cells were studied independently under serum-free conditions and media enriched with 10% fetal calf serum. In serum-free medium containing insulin, IL-2 dosage significantly increased numbers of granulosa cells from large follicles, whereas IL-2 had no effect on numbers of granulosa cells from small follicles or thecal cells from large follicles. When cells were grown in medium enriched with serum, increasing doses of IL-2 significantly inhibited numbers without affecting viability of granulosa cells from small follicles, but had no effect on numbers of thecal cells. Thus, it appears that granulosa cells are more sensitive to IL-2 than are thecal cells. Approved for publication by the Director, Oklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station. This research was supported in part under project H-2088.     

Influence of cortisol on insulin- and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-induced steroid production and on IGF-1 receptors in cultured bovine granulosa cells and thecal cells

During stress, hyperactivity of the adrenal gland can directly and indirectly inhibit ovarian function. However, little evidence existed to support the notion that glucocorticoids could influence insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) action within the ovary. Therefore, the effect of cortisol on IGF-1-induced granulosa and thecal cell function was evaluated. Granulosa and thecal cells from bovine ovarian follicles were cultured for 2 d in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum and then cultured for an additional 2 d in serum-free medium with added hormones. Cortisol had little or no effect (p>0.05) on IGF-1-induced progesterone production by granulosa cells from both small (1–5 mm) or large (≥8 mm) follicles. Also, cortisol had little or no effect (p>0.05) on basal, insulin-, or IGF-1-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells from small or large follicles, or on the number of IGF-1 receptors in granulosa cells from small follicles. Cortisol had no effect (p>0.10) on insulin-induced granulosa cell numbers, but increased IGF-1-induced granulosa cell numbers. In thecal cells, doses of 1–100 ng/mL of cortisol increased (p<0.05) insulin- and IGF-1-induced thecal cell numbers by 10–20%, progesterone production by 18–36%, and androstenedione production by two- to fourfold. The estimated dose of cortisol necessary to stimulate 50% of the maximum androstenedione production in the presence of IGF-1 was 7 ng/mL. In contrast, cortisol decreased (p<0.05) the number of IGF-1 receptors in thecal cells by 45%. In conclusion, cortisol at physiological levels can directly influence ovarian follicular function in cattle, especially thecal androstenedione production.     

Gap junctional intercellular communication of bovine granulosa and thecal cells from antral follicles: effects of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone

Throughout each estrous cycle, the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), are involved in regulation of folliculogenesis. We have shown that LH or FSH affect cellular interactions mediated by gap junctions in bovine granulosa and thecal cells in vitro. To evaluate further the hypothesis that gonadotropins influence gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and expression of gap junctional proteins known as connexins (Cx), throughout antral follicle development, granulosa and thecal cells from large (>10 mm; n=13), medium (5–10 mm; n=20), and small (<5 mm; n=27) follicles were cultured (n=4 cultures per size) with or without LH, FSH, or LH+FSH for 24 h. GJIC was evaluated (n=125–150 cells/treatment group) by using the fluorescent recovery after photobleaching technique and laser cytometry. Additionally, Cx43, Cx32, and Cx26 were detected in cultured cells by immunocytochemistry and Cx43 by Western immunoblot analysis. Finally, progesterone production by cultured cells was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Across all follicles and treatments, GJIC was greater (p<0.01) for granulosa than thecal cells (4.9±0.05 vs 3.8±0.04%/min). For granulosa cells of large and medium follicles, LH and/or FSH did not affect GJIC. For granulosa cells of small follicles, FSH increased (p<0.05), but LH or LH+FSH had no effect on GJIC. For thecal cells of large follicles, LH increased (p<0.01) GJIC, whereas FSH or LH+FSH had no effects. For thecal cells of medium and small follicles, LH and/or FSH did not affect GJIC. These results demonstrate that FSH influenced GJIC of granulosa cells from small, but not from medium or large, follicles, and LH influenced GJIC of thecal cells from large, but not from medium or small, follicles. Cx43 was present as punctate staining between granulosa or thecal cells from all cultures, indicating assembled gap junctions. LH+FSH increased (p<0.05) expression of Cx43 only by thecal cells from large follicles. Cx32 was detected in the perinuclear cytoplasm of cultured granulosa or thecal cells, and in the cytoskeleton of a few cells per culture dish in all sizes of follicles. Cx26 was present in a regular pattern throughout the cytoplasm of granulosa or thecal cells in all sizes of follicles. For granulosa cells from large follicles, progesterone production was stimulated (p<0.05) with LH or FSH alone but was unaffected by LH+FSH. For granulosa cells from medium and small follicles, progesterone production was unaffected by LH and/or FSH. For thecal cells from all sizes of follicles, LH, FSH, and LH+FSH stimulated (p<0.05) production of progesterone. These data indicate that LH and FSH influence gap junction function and expression, which likely contributes to the development and maintenance of ovarian follicles.     

Inhibition of progesterone secretion from granulosa cells by estradiol and androgens in the domestic hen

We previously reported no difference in progesterone (P4) secretion from the granulosa layer of the largest follicle (F1) of the domestic hen regardless of the maturity of the F1 follicle. However, coincubation of the granulosa and thecal layers resulted in inhibition of P4 secretion from the less mature F1, but not from the more mature F1. The goal of this study was to determine if estradiol (E2) and androgens secreted by the thecal layer suppress P4 production by the granulosa cells. We removed the granulosa layer from less mature F1 follicles and dispersed granulosa cells (1 x 10(5)) were incubated (3 h) in triplicate with one of these treatments: control, E2, testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT; at concentrations of 1 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-6), and 1 x 10(-5) M), LH (100 ng) as well as LH plus E2, T, A, and DHT at the same concentrations. P4 secretion was measured in the medium and cells, and the experiment was replicated seven times. We found a dose-related suppression of basal and LH-stimulated P4 production by all steroids. In a second experiment (n = 3-5), we tested the specificity of the androgens in suppressing P4 production by granulosa cells by using the aromatase inhibitor 7-(4'-amino)phenylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione. This compound did not reduce the effectiveness of T in suppressing P4 production. Finally in Exp 3 (n = 4-7), E2 and T were tested individually and in combination at concentrations of 1 X 10(-8)-1 X 10(-5) M. We found a possible synergistic effect, in that the combination of E2 plus T suppressed P4 to a greater degree than either steroid alone. Our results indicate that 1) E2 and androgens suppress basal and LH-stimulated P4 production by granulosa cells in a dose-related manner; 2) androgen suppression of P4 production is not mediated by aromatization to estrogen; and 3) the suppressive effects of E2 and androgens may be synergistic. We conclude that E2 and androgens secreted by the thecal layer may regulate P4 production by the granulosa layer.     

Ovarian action of leptin: effects on insulin-like growth factor-I-stimulated function of granulosa and thecal cells

To test the hypothesis that leptin signals metabolic information to the reproductive system in cattle by directly affecting IGF-I-induced ovarian cell function, granulosa and thecal cells from bovine ovarian follicles were cultured for 2 d in serum-free medium with added hormones. Recombinant human leptin at 30 and 300 ng/mL had no effect on basal thecal cell steroidogenesis or thecal cell numbers. However, 300 but not 30 ng/mL of leptin attenuated (p<0.05) luteinizing hormone-induced androstenedione production by 24% in the absence of IGF-I and by 16% in the presence of IGF-I. Leptin had no effect on IGF-I-induced estradiol production in the presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), but at 100 ng/mL, leptin inhibited (p<0.05) FSH plus IGF-I-induced progesterone production and granulosa cell proliferation by 29 and 31%, respectively. Leptin did not compete for ¹²⁵I-IGF-I binding to granulosa or thecal cells, whereas unlabeled IGF-I did. In conclusion, leptin has weak inhibitory effects on gonadotropin-and/or IGF-I-induced steroidogenesis of thecal and granulosa cells.     

Growth differentiation factor-9 has divergent effects on proliferation and steroidogenesis of bovine granulosa cells

In addition to gonadotropins, steroidogenesis and proliferation of granulosa cells during follicular development are controlled by a number of intraovarian factors including growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and IGF-I. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of GDF-9 and BMP-4 and their interaction with IGF-I and FSH on ovarian granulosa cell function in cattle. Granulosa cells from small (1-5 mm) and large (8-22 mm) follicles were collected from bovine ovaries and cultured for 48 h in medium containing 10% fetal calf serum and then treated with various hormones in serum-free medium for an additional 48 h. We evaluated the effects of GDF-9 (150-600 ng/ml) and BMP-4 (30 ng/ml) during a 2-day exposure on hormone-induced steroidogenesis and cell proliferation. In FSH plus IGF-I-treated granulosa cells obtained from small follicles, 300 ng/ml GDF-9 reduced (P < 0.05) progesterone production by 15% and 600 ng/ml GDF-9 completely blocked (P < 0.01) the IGF-I-induced increase in progesterone production. In comparison, 300 and 600 ng/ml GDF-9 decreased (P < 0.05) estradiol production by 27% and 71% respectively, whereas 150 ng/ml GDF-9 was without effect (P > 0.10). Treatment with 600 ng/ml GDF-9 increased (P < 0.05) numbers (by 28%) of granulosa cells from small follicles. In the same cells treated with FSH but not IGF-I, co-treatment with 600 ng/ml GDF-9 decreased (P < 0.05) progesterone production (by 28%), increased (P < 0.05) cell numbers (by 60%), and had no effect (P > 0.10) on estradiol production. In FSH plus IGF-I-treated granulosa cells obtained from large follicles, GDF-9 caused a dose-dependent decrease (P<0.05) in IGF-I-induced progesterone (by 13-48%) and estradiol (by 20-51%) production. In contrast, GDF-9 increased basal and IGF-I-induced granulosa cell numbers by over 2-fold. Furthermore, treatment with BMP-4 also inhibited (P < 0.05) steroidogenesis by 27-42% but had no effect on cell numbers. To elucidate downstream signaling pathways, granulosa cells from small follicles were transfected with similar to mothers against decapentaplegics (Smad) binding element (CAGA)- or BMP response element (BRE)-promoter reporter constructs. Treatment with GDF-9 (but not BMP-4) activated the Smad3-induced CAGA promoter activity, whereas BMP-4 (but not GDF-9) activated the Smad1/5/8-induced BRE promoter activity. We have concluded that bovine granulosa cells are targets of both GDF-9 and BMP-4, and that oocyte-derived GDF-9 may simultaneously promote granulosa cell proliferation and prevent premature differentiation of the granulosa cells during growth of follicles, whereas theca-derived BMP-4 may also prevent premature follicular differentiation.     

Inhibitory sites of androgens and estradiol in progesterone biosynthesis in granulosa cells of the domestic hen

In a previous in vitro study we found that androgens and estradiol (E2) suppress progesterone (P4) production by the granulosa cells isolated from the largest follicle of the domestic hen in a dose-dependent manner. The presence of an aromatase inhibitor did not block the inhibitory action of androgens. The addition of androgen plus E2 to the granulosa cells had an additive effect on suppressing P4 secretion. The aim of this study was to determine the loci in the steroid biosynthetic pathway where androgens and E2 inhibit P4 production by the granulosa cells. Granulosa layers of the largest follicles removed from two or three hens 22 h before ovulation were pooled. Dispersed granulosa cells were incubated for 3 h in triplicate for each treatment, and pregnenolone (P5) and P4 secretion were measured in medium and cells. Experiments were replicated three or four times. Treatment of granulosa cells with cyanoketone (0-100 microM), an inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, increased P5 production and decreased P4 production in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal production of P5 and suppression of P4 production at 10 microM cyanoketone. The addition of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OHCh) or P5 (0-16 microM) caused a dose-related increase in basal and LH-stimulated steroid production. The maximal production of P5 or P4 was found at 8 microM 25OHCh or P5. Also, the effect of LH (0-100 ng) on granulosa cell steroidogenesis was examined with or without 8 microM 25OHCh or P5. The half-maximal and maximal doses for P5 or P4 production were 5 and 25 ng LH, respectively. Next, suppression of P5 production by androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and E2 (each at 0-10 microM) was tested in the presence of 25OHCh plus cyanoketone with or without LH. We found a dose-dependent suppression of P5 production by androgens (1-10 microM), but not by E2. However, when we added the above steroids to granulosa cells in the presence of P5 with or without LH, only E2 (1 and 10 microM) caused a significant suppression of P4 production. Our results suggest that 1) androgens primarily act at the conversion site of cholesterol to P5 to suppress P4 production; and 2) E2 acts at the conversion site of P5 to P4 to suppress P4 production. We conclude that production of androgens and E2 by thecal cells may regulate P4 biosynthesis by granulosa cells in the domestic hen.     

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibits steroidogenesis of bovine ovarian granulosa and thecal cells in vitro

The effect of recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on steroidogenesis and numbers of bovine ovarian granulosa and thecal cells has been studied, and specific binding sites for ¹²⁵I-TNF-α on ovarian cells have been determined. Granulosa cells have been examined from small (surface diameter 1–5 mm) follicles, whereas thecal cells from large (≥ 8 mm) follicles were utilized. Increasing doses of TNF-α significantly attenuated insulin- and IGF-I-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells from small follicles, but had no effect on basal estradiol production. Moreover, TNF-α significantly attenuated insulin- and LH-induced androstenedione production by thecal cells from large follicles. TNF-α had little or no effect on the numbers of granulosa and thecal cells in these same studies. Specific high-affinity, low-capacity binding of ¹²⁵I-TNF-α was also demonstrable in granulosa and thecal cells. Thus, it appears that TNF-α inhibits insulin-and IGF-I-induced estradiol production by granulosa cells and androstenedione production by thecal cells via TNF-α binding to its own receptor.     

In vitro effects of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin on follicular deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the hamster

Follicles were dissected by hand or enzymatically from the ovary of the proestrous hamster at 0900 h and classified into 10 stages: stages 1-4, follicles with 1-4 layers of granulosa cells and no theca; stages 5-8, preantral follicles with 5 or more layers of granulosa cells and theca to small antral follicles; stage 9, intermediate-sized atretic antral follicles; and stage 10, healthy preovulatory antral follicles. Follicles were then incubated for 2 h with [3H]thymidine [( 3H]Tdr) in the absence or presence of gonadotropins and with incorporation of radionuclide into DNA as the end point. FSH (25 ng) significantly stimulated [3H]Tdr incorporation in all stages of follicular development with a latency of 2 h, and this effect was inhibited by 2 micrograms unlabeled Tdr. While FSH and PRL (25 and 100 ng) stimulated [3H]Tdr incorporation in all stages, LH (0.2-5 ng) action began from stage 5 onward, when definitive thecal cells and LH receptors started appearing. LH (5 ng) also suppressed 25 ng FSH-induced DNA synthesis in stages 5-10; however, stages 1-4 were unaffected. Significant increases in both intra- and extracellular cAMP levels occurred in follicles at stages 2-10 after FSH administration. In contrast, LH was active in stages 5-10, whereas PRL was ineffective. Follicular DNA synthesis increased markedly when stimulated by 8-bromo-cAMP (0.01-2 mM). These results show that gonadotropins act directly as a primary stimulus at the level of small primary and secondary follicles to regulate DNA synthesis and, thus, perhaps the growth and differentiation of granulosa and thecal cells; cAMP functions as one of the possible intracellular mediators of gonadotropin action in initiating DNA replication.     

The transfection-induced overexpression of IGF-binding protein-4 affects the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells and their response to hormones and IGF-I

The aim of our studies was to examine whether IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-4 is involved in the control of the secretion of various ovarian substances and also the mediation of the effects of several hormones and growth factors on this secretion. For this purpose, we carried out the transfection of porcine granulosa cells with a cDNA sense construct, increasing IGFBP-4 synthesis. We then compared the release of IGFBP-3, progesterone, oxytocin and IGF-I by control and transfected cells cultured with and without porcine LH (100 ng/ml), porcine GH (100 ng/ml), IGF-I (10 ng/ml), oxytocin (10 ng/ml) and estradiol-17beta (100 ng/ml). The concentration of IGFBP-4 produced was assessed using ligand blotting, and the release of progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 was evaluated using RIA/IRMA techniques. It was observed that GH, IGF-I, estradiol, LH and oxytocin alter the progesterone, oxytocin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Transfection of these cells with an IBFBP-4 cDNA expression construct significantly increased the IGFBP-4 accumulation in cell-conditioned medium. Furthermore, this transfection significantly reduced progesterone, oxytocin and IGFBP-3 release, and increased IGF-I output in cells cultured in the absence or presence of GH, IGF-I, estradiol and LH. The addition of oxytocin, but not of other tested substances, fully or partially prevented the effects of IGFBP-4 overexpression on IGFBP-3, IGF-I, but not on progesterone release. The present results suggested that IGFBP-4, as well as GH, IGF-I, estradiol, LH and oxytocin, is a potent regulator of porcine ovarian steroid (progesterone), nonapeptide hormone (oxytocin), growth factor (IGF-I) and growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP-3) release. IGFBP-4 is an inhibitor of basal progesterone, oxytocin and IGFBP-3 release and a stimulator of IGF-I output by porcine ovarian cells. The action of IGFBP-4 on the ovary can be mediated by (1) inhibition of oxytocin release, (2) suppression of receptor/postreceptor events induced by other hormones and IGF-I and (3) stimulation of IGF-I release.     

GH regulates secretory activity and apoptosis in cultured bovine granulosa cells through the activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A system

We have studied the action of GH on the production of hormones, growth factors, growth factor-binding protein and the occurrence of apoptosis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells, as well as the role of cAMP-stimulated protein kinase A (PKA) in the mediation of these effects. For this purpose we investigated the effects of exogenous bovine GH (0.001-10 microgram/ml), PKA blockers KT5720 (100 ng/ml) and adenosine-3',5'-monophosphothiodate (Rp-cAMPS) (1 micromol), alone and in combination, on IGF-I, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, oxytocin, progesterone and estradiol secretion, cAMP and PKA content and the occurrence of apoptosis.The secretion of hormones, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 into the culture medium was measured using RIA/IRMA. The presence of PKA was detected using immunocytochemistry and Western immunoblotting. The presence of cAMP in cells was demonstrated using immunocytochemistry, whilst the proportion of apoptotic cells was determined by the TUNEL method.It was found that the addition of GH to the culture medium strongly (P<0.05) stimulated IGF-I (at a concentration of 0.001-10 microgram GH/ml medium), IGFBP-3 (0.001-1 microgram GH/ml) and oxytocin (0.01-10 microgram GH/ml) secretion. Low concentrations (1-100 ng/ml) of GH stimulated, whilst a higher concentration (10 microgram/ml) inhibited estradiol output. GH slightly (P<0.05) inhibited progesterone (1-100 ng GH/ml) secretion and significantly (P<0.05) decreased the incidence of apoptosis (0.01-1 microgram GH/ml) in cultured cells. The addition of GH (100 ng/ml) caused a dramatic (P<0.05) increase in the proportion of cells possessing the immunoreactive catalytic subunit of PKA and a slight decrease in the proportion of cells containing the regulatory PKA subunit.PKA blockers KT5720 and Rp-cAMPS significantly (P<0.05) reduced the proportion of granulosa cells containing cAMP, and the catalytic and (in the case of KT5720) regulatory subunits of PKA. KT5720 given alone significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the secretion of IGFBP-3, but not that of IGF-I or progesterone. Rp-cAMPS decreased (P<0.05) the secretion of oxytocin but not that of estradiol output or the occurrence of apoptosis. KT5720 and Rp-cAMPS fully or partially prevented the GH effect on IGF-I, IGFBP-3, oxytocin, progesterone, estradiol and apoptosis.These observations suggest the involvement of GH and a cAMP/PKA-dependent intracellular cascade in the control of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, oxytocin, progesterone, estradiol, cAMP and apoptosis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. The stimulation of PKA by GH and the prevention of GH-induced effects by PKA blockers suggest that the observed GH effects on bovine ovarian cells are probably mediated by the cAMP/PKA system.     

Follicular steroidogenesis and gonadotropin binding to ovine follicles during the estrous cycle

The interrelationships among [125I]hCG binding in thecal and granulosa cells, antral fluid steroid concentrations, follicular size, and ovarian steroid secretion were examined at three different stages of the estrous cycle. Group 1 ewes were ovariectomized during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, and the other groups were ovariectomized before (group 2), or after (group 3) the peak of the preovulatory LH surge. Times of luteolysis and the LH surge were assessed by measurement of peripheral concentrations of progesterone and LH. Three patterns of [125I]hCG binding to follicles were noted: 1) binding to both thecal and granulosa cells (activated follicle), 2) binding to the thecal cell layer only, and 3) no observed binding. In general, there was one active follicle per ewe, or one per ovary, and the number of active follicles was not different from the number of corpora lutea in each of the three groups. The active follicles were significantly larger than the other two classes of follicles. Antral fluid estradiol concentrations were significantly greater in the active follicles and were higher in group 2 ewes than in the other two groups. In group 2, antral fluid testosterone concentrations were significantly higher in follicles with LH receptors in the thecal cell layer only. Ovarian secretion of testosterone and estradiol increased during the early follicular phase (group 2), with the major secretion coming from the ovary containing the active follicle. Ovarian progesterone secretion was high in ovaries containing active corpora lutea which prevented the assessment of ovarian follicular secretion of progesterone. The follicle with LH receptors in thecal and granulosa cells was responsible for the increased estradiol secretion observed during the preovulatory period and is presumed to be the ovulatory follicle.     

Estrogen regulation of thecal cell steroidogenesis and differentiation: thecal cell-granulosa cell interactions

Estrogen regulation of thecal cell steroidogenesis and differentiation was investigated with cells from ovarian antral follicles. Bovine theca interna cells were isolated and cultured in serum-free conditions to evaluate the effects of estradiol on thecal cell production of androstenedione, testosterone, and progesterone. Estradiol increased thecal cell androgen production throughout a 6-day culture period; however, the basal and stimulated levels of androgen production diminished after day 3 of culture. Androstenedione accumulation was approximately 10-fold greater than that of testosterone. In contrast to the stimulatory effects that estradiol had on androgen production, estradiol suppressed progesterone production throughout the 6-day culture period. Comparison of the effects of estradiol and hCG on thecal cells from small (less than 5 mm), medium (5-10 mm), and large (greater than 10 mm) antral follicles demonstrated that estradiol stimulated androgen production to a greater extent than hCG with cells from all of these stages of follicle development. Estradiol stimulation of androstenedione was greater in theca from small follicles than in theca from medium or large follicles. In contrast, suppressive effects of estradiol on progesterone were most apparent on thecal cells from medium and large follicles and less apparent on theca from small follicles. Estradiol stimulated androstenedione production in a dose-dependent fashion, with a minimum effective concentration of 10(-9) M and a maximum effective concentration of 10(-7)-10(-6) M. Concentrations greater than 10(-6) M estradiol resulted in a decline in the stimulatory response and may be important in the preovulatory follicle to suppress thecal cell androgen production and initiate the process of luteinization. Progesterone production was slightly stimulated by 10(-9) M estradiol, whereas higher concentrations (10(-7)-5 x 10(-6) M) resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of progesterone production. Interestingly, combined treatment of thecal cells with estradiol and hCG resulted in a greater than additive stimulation of androstenedione production, and estradiol decreased the ability of hCG to stimulate progesterone production. Observations demonstrate that estradiol can dramatically alter thecal cell production of steroids and support a hypothesis that steroid-mediated interactions between granulosa and thecal cells play an important role in regulating cellular function within follicles. The data provide evidence that a local feedback loop may exist in ovarian follicles, where androgens produced by thecal cells are used as a substrate for granulosa cell aromatization into estrogens, which, in turn, may feed back to stimulate thecal cell production of androgens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 and -3 messenger ribonucleic acid in the porcine ovary: localization and physiological changes.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and -3 are the most prevalent IGFBPs in porcine follicular fluid, as determined on ligand blots, but little is known about the localization and regulation of their synthesis in vivo. This study was designed to investigate the localization and cyclic regulation of the mRNA for these two IGFBPs in the porcine ovary, RNA was extracted from whole ovaries morphologically classified as immature, preovulatory, and luteal. Northern hybridization analysis of this RNA showed no significant difference in the expression of IGFBP-2 mRNA in these ovaries (OD for preovulatory, luteal, and immature ovaries, 0.076 +/- 0.01, 0.071 +/- 0.01, and 0.10 +/- 0.008/micrograms RNA, respectively). IGFBP-3 mRNA was not different in immature and preovulatory ovaries, but was 10-fold greater (P less than 0.025) in luteal ovaries. Northern analysis of RNA extracted from ovaries also showed no significant change in IGFBP-2 mRNA on days (d) 11, 16, and 21 of the estrous cycle. IGFBP-3 mRNA tended to decrease between d11-16 with the onset of luteal regression and was significantly decreased in d21 preovulatory ovaries to 22% of the values in d11 ovaries. Granulosa, thecal, and luteal cells were also analyzed for IGFBP mRNA. IGFBP-2 mRNA was most abundant in granulosa cells, lower in thecal cells, and lowest in luteal cells. No IGFBP-3 mRNA could be detected in granulosa cells, and luteal cells expressed 15- to 63-fold greater levels than thecal cells. These results show that IGFBP-2 and -3 mRNAs are expressed in specific ovarian cell types and that their expression appears to be independently regulated during the reproductive cycle. This provides further evidence for the importance of these proteins as paracrine/autocrine regulators of ovarian function.     

Estrogen augmentation of gonadotropin-stimulated progestin biosynthesis in cultured rat granulosa cells

The influence of estrogens on gonadotropin-stimulated production of progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-OH-P) was examined in primary cultures of rat granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were cultured for 3 days with increasing concentrations of FSH in the presence or absence of either diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estradiol. FSH treatment increased progestin production in a dose-dependent manner, whereas treatment with estrogens alone were ineffective. In contrast, concomitant addition of either DES or estradiol augmented FSH-stimulated production of progesterone and 20 alpha-OH-P. Increasing concentrations of estradiol (10(-10) - 10(-7) M) augmented the stimulatory effect of FSH (30 ng/ml) on progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner with ED50 values of approximately 3 X 10(-9) M. The facilitatory action of estradiol was time-related, becoming significant after 36 h of treatment. Granulosa cells were also cultured for 2 days with FSH to induce functional LH receptors. The FSH-primed cells were treated for an additional 3 days with increasing concentrations of LH (0.3-30 ng/ml) in the absence or presence of DES (10(-7) M). LH stimulated progesterone and 20 alpha-OH-P production in a dose-dependent manner, whereas concomitant addition of DES further enhanced LH-induced progestin biosynthesis. (Bu)2cAMP also increased progesterone and 20 alpha-OH-P production by the granulosa cells; however, concurrent addition of DES did not augment the actions of (Bu)2cAMP. The effect of estrogens on gonadotropin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was also examined. FSH treatment dose-dependently increased cAMP accumulation, whereas concomitant treatment with estradiol further increased the FSH action. Similarly, LH treatment also stimulated cAMP accumulation in FSH-primed cells, whereas concurrent addition of DES further augmented LH action. Thus, the stimulatory effect of estrogens upon gonadotropin-stimulated progestin production may be related to the augmentation of cAMP biosynthesis. The present observations suggest that intraovarian estrogens may act locally to enhance the sensitivity of granulosa cells to FSH and LH, thereby increasing the biosynthesis of progestins and cAMP by the granulosa cells.