Effect of hCG on protein synthesis and progesterone production in the bovine luteal cells.

The study was carried out to investigate whether the luteal steroidogenesis in response to tropic stimulus is mediated through de novo synthesis of protein(s). Luteal cell suspension was prepared by collagenase-DNAse treatment of the bovine corpora lutea, weighing 4-6 g. Cells equivalent to 250 micrograms of protein were incubated in a total volume of 550 microliter of medium 199 with or without various test substances. Production of progesterone by the luteal cells was stimulated by hCG in a dose dependent manner. Incorporation of 3H-leucine into the cellular proteins was concomitantly enhanced. Emetine, cycloheximide and puromycin inhibited both basal and hCG stimulated protein synthesis as well as progesterone production in the cells. Thus, luteal steroidogenesis induced by hCG seems to be dependent upon de novo synthesis of a protein(s).