Endocrinology, Vol 125, 321-326, Copyright © 1989 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Regulation of steroidogenesis in cultured porcine theca cells by growth factors

B Caubo, RS DeVinna and SA Tonetta
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.

Growth factors [insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I, IGF-II), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta), epidermal growth factors (EGF)], found in the ovary and known to alter granulosal function, were assessed for their ability to modulate porcine thecal steroidogenesis. Theca cells from large porcine follicles (8-10 mm) were plated (5 x 10(5) cells/ml.well) in serum-free M199, treated with increasing doses of growth factors: IGF-1 (0.1-50 ng/ml), IGF-II (0.5-200 ng/ml), EGF (0.021-100 ng/ml), TGF beta (0.001-40 ng/ml), or insulin (0.01-50 micrograms/ml), with or without human CG [(hCG); 20 ng/ml], and incubated for 72 h. Levels of steroids in media were determined by RIA. Insulin increased (P less than 0.05) basal and gonadotropin-induced secretion of androstenedione, progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone. IGF-I increased (P less than 0.05) the basal and hCG- induced secretion of progesterone and androstenedione at the highest doses, but did not affect basal secretion of estradiol or testosterone. IGF-II, at the highest doses, increased (P less than 0.05) thecal steroidogenesis, but only after administration of hCG. In contrast, TGF beta increased (P less than 0.05) basal and gonadotrophin-induced secretion of estradiol but inhibited thecal secretion of progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone. EGF did not alter thecal secretion of progesterone, androstenedione, or testosterone but significantly (P less than 0.05) inhibited basal and hCG-stimulated secretion of estradiol. In conclusion, insulin IGF-I, IGF-II, EGF, and TGF beta can modulate steroidogenesis in porcine theca cells.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. Z. Spaczynski, J. L. Tilly, A. Mansour, and A. J. Duleba Insulin and insulin-like growth factors inhibit and luteinizing hormone augments ovarian theca-interstitial cell apoptosis Mol. Hum. Reprod., May 1, 2005; 11(5): 319 - 324. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J.L. Juengel and K.P. McNatty The role of proteins of the transforming growth factor-{beta} superfamily in the intraovarian regulation of follicular development Hum. Reprod. Update, March 1, 2005; 11(2): 144 - 161. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Mao, B. K. Treacy, F. R.C.L. Almeida, S. Novak, W. T. Dixon, and G. R. Foxcroft Feed Restriction and Insulin Treatment Affect Subsequent Luteal Function in the Immediate Postovulatory Period in Pigs: Progesterone Production In Vitro and Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression for Key Steroidogenic Enzymes Biol Reprod, January 1, 2001; 64(1): 359 - 367. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				L. Poretsky, N. A. Cataldo, Z. Rosenwaks, and L. C. Giudice The Insulin-Related Ovarian Regulatory System in Health and Disease Endocr. Rev., August 1, 1999; 20(4): 535 - 582. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. M. Ohleth and C. A. Bagnell Relaxin Secretion and Gene Expression in Porcine Granulosa and Theca Cells Are Stimulated during In Vitro Luteinization Biol Reprod, February 1, 1999; 60(2): 499 - 507. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]