Influence of thyroxine on human granulosa cell steroidogenesis in vitro.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of thyroid hormone on estradiol and progesterone secretion of human granulosa cells maintained in vitro.

METHODS

Granulosa cells were obtained by aspiration of preovulatory follicles of woman undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Ovulation induction was performed with GnRH agonist, hMG, and hCG.

RESULTS

Granulosa cells were maintained in vitro in a defined medium with added insulin. Twenty-four-hour estradiol and progesterone secretion into the medium were determined for granulosa cells growing in serum-free medium and in serum-free medium with added T4 in a concentration range of 10(-7) to 10(-11) M.

CONCLUSIONS

All concentrations of T4 used produced a statistically significant increase in progesterone secretion (range, 1.39 to 1.60 times the baseline amount). The increase in estradiol secretion reached statistical significance only at a T4 concentration of 10(-8) M (1.24 times the baseline amount).