An in vitro perfusion method for metabolic studies on human postmenopausal ovaries.

Five ovaries from four postmenopausal women undergoing bilateral oophorectomy for benign conditions were prepared for vascular perfusion for 1 to 5 hours in a recirculating system containing oxygenized (5% CO2 + 95% O2) synthethic bicarbonate buffered medium (Medium 199 + 4% bovine serum albumin + antibiotics). Two histologically normal ovaries released measurable amounts of progesterone into the medium. One ovary, containing a simple cyst, released progesterone into the perfusate, and this release was further increased after the addition of hCG at a concentration of 10 IU/ml. A perfused cystadenofibroma released cAMP, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone into the perfusion medium with an augmented release of cAMP, estradiol and testosterone after the addition of hCG. hCG also had a stimulating effect on the release of prostanoids from this tumour. Fluid from tumour cysts, obtained prior to perfusion, contained measurable levels of gonadotrophins, steroids and prostanoids. The isolated perfused ovary model may provide a tool for further exploration of endocrine and oncological aspects of the postmenopausal ovary.