scholarly journals Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Stimulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production by Luteinized Granulosa Cells: Comparison between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Non-PCOS Women

2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 2726-2733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan B. Stanek ◽  
Sherri M. Borman ◽  
Theodore A. Molskness ◽  
Janine M. Larson ◽  
Richard L. Stouffer ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a potent cytokine that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability. After controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF), excessive VEGF-A production can occur, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); however, it is unclear whether the regulation of VEGF-A production is different between PCOS and non-PCOS women. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the dose- and time-dependent effects of insulin and IGFs on VEGF-A production by luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs) from women with and without PCOS. Design and Setting: A prospective comparative experimental study was conducted at an institutional practice. Patients: Patients included six PCOS and six non-PCOS women undergoing COS and IVF. Interventions: Interventions included COS for IVF. Main Outcome Measures: VEGF-A levels in culture media were collected daily for 3 d from LGCs after incubation with variable doses of insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II in the presence and absence of LH. Results: In both study groups, exposure to LH alone did not alter VEGF-A levels. However, insulin or IGF increased VEGF-A levels within 1 d and appeared to synergize with LH at 3 d. VEGF-A production by non-PCOS LGCs was more sensitive to IGF exposure, whereas PCOS cells were more sensitive to insulin. Although an increase in DNA content (P < 0.05) was noted in cultures of PCOS cells, progesterone levels were lower compared with non-PCOS LGCs. Conclusion: Insulin and IGFs promote VEGF-A production in LGCs, but the response patterns are different when cells from PCOS and non-PCOS women are compared.

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 2756-2761 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lee ◽  
L. K. Christenson ◽  
P. E. Patton ◽  
K. A. Burry ◽  
R. L. Stouffer

1997 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 2135-2142
Author(s):  
Lane K. Christenson ◽  
Richard L. Stouffer

Granulosa cells in the ovulatory follicle express messenger ribonucleic acid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an agent that may mediate the neovascularization of the developing corpus luteum, but it is not known whether luteinizing granulosa cells synthesize and secrete VEGF during the periovulatory interval. Studies were designed to evaluate the effects of an in vivo gonadotropin surge on VEGF production by macaque granulosa cells (study 1) and to test the hypothesis that gonadotropins act directly on granulosa cells to regulate VEGF production (study 2). Monkeys received a regimen of exogenous gonadotropins to promote the development of multiple preovulatory follicles. Nonluteinized granulosa cells (i.e. preovulatory; NLGC) and luteinized granulosa cells (i.e. periovulatory; LGC) were aspirated from follicles before and 27 h after an ovulatory gonadotropin bolus, respectively. Cells were either incubated for 24 h in medium with or without 100 ng/mL hCG (study 1) or cultured for 6 days in medium with or without 100 ng/mL hCG or 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL of recombinant human LH (r-hLH) or r-hFSH (study 2). Culture medium was assayed for VEGF and progesterone. In study 1, LGC produced 8-fold greater levels of VEGF than NLGC (899 ± 471 vs. 111 ± 26 pg/mL, mean ± sem; P < 0.05). In vitro treatment with hCG increased (P < 0.05) VEGF production by NLGC to levels that were not different from the LGC incubated under control conditions. In vivo bolus doses of r-hCG (100 and 1000 IU) and r-hFSH (2500 IU) were equally effective in elevating granulosa cell VEGF production. In study 2, in vitro treatment with r-hFSH, r-hLH, and hCG markedly increased (P< 0.05) VEGF and progesterone production by the NLGC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. By comparison, the three gonadotropins (100 ng/mL dose) only modestly increased VEGF and progesterone production by LGC. These experiments demonstrate a novel role for the midcycle surge of gonadotropin (LH/CG or FSH) in primates to promote VEGF production by granulosa cells in the periovulatory follicle. Further, the data demonstrate that FSH-like as well as LH-like gonadotropins directly stimulate VEGF synthesis by granulosa cells.


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