A quantitative comparison in the bovine of steroids and gonadotropin receptors in normally developing follicles and in follicular and luteinized cysts

Abstract

Total numbers of FSH and LH receptors and concentrations of steroids were examined in ovarian cysts, as compared with those of normally developing follicles. The ovarian cysts ( diameter ≧ 23 mm ) were divided into luteinized cysts (plasma concentration of progesterone ≧ 1 ng/ml ) and follicular cysts (plasma concentration of progesterone < 1 ng/ml). Total numbers of FSH receptors in granulosa cells of ovarian cysts were significantly fewer than in large follicles (diameter: 12–19 mm) ( P< 0.05). Total numbers of LH receptors in granulosa cells of ovarian cysts were significantly fewer than in large follicles ( P<0.05). Total numbers of LH receptors in theca interna of luteinized cysts did not differ from those in large follicles, while the total numbers of LH receptors of follicular cysts were significantly fewer than in large follicles ( P<0.05). Concentrations of progesterone in fluid of luteinized cysts were significantly higher than in large follicles and follicular cysts ( P<0.05). Concentrations of androstenedione in fluid of luteinized cysts tended to be lower than in large follicles, while the concentrations of androstenedione of follicular cysts did not differ from large follicles. Concentrations of testosterone and estradiol-17β in fluid of ovarian cysts were significantly lower ( P<0.05) than in large follicles. These results suggest that the luteinized cysts contain many LH receptors in the theca interna and the functional luteal tissue, whereas the follicular cysts possess few LH receptors in the theca interna and have the capacity to secrete androstenedione to some extent. They also indicate that the total numbers of FSH and LH receptors in granulosa cells are reduced and the secretion of estradiol-17β is inhibited in both the luteinized cysts and the follicular cysts.