Expression of mRNA and protein of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its receptor in human follicular luteinized granulosa cells.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the concentration of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to detect expression of M-CSF and its receptor by luteinized granulosa cells (GCs).

DESIGN

Collection of serum and FF at the time of oocyte retrieval.

SETTING

A university IVF- intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program.

PATIENT(S): Serum and FF were obtained from 85 women undergoing oocyte retrieval.

INTERVENTION(S): Serum and FF were obtained from 85 women. The GCs were pooled from 15 (3 x 5) patients (3-14 oocytes each).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The M-CSF concentration was determined by ELISA, the expression of M-CSF and its receptor by the immunocytochemical technique and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, M-CSF expression was investigated by cell culture time course studies.

RESULTS

The median M-CSF concentration in FF (2,409.2 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in serum (242.5 pg/mL). The M-CSF and its receptor were expressed by GCs.

CONCLUSION(S): The significantly higher level of M-CSF in FF than in serum and the expression of M-CSF and its receptor in FF by GCs suggest an important role for this growth factor in ovarian function.