Colony stimulating factor-1 in human follicular fluid

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) concentrations in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to test for presence of messenger RNA (mRNA) for CSF-1 and its receptor, c-fms, in FF cells. Design: Collection of serum and FF at the time of oocyte retrieval. Setting: A university IVF program. Patient(s): Forty-five women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF. Intervention(s): Serum and FF were obtained from 24 women, and FF only was obtained from 21 women. Main Outcome Measure(s): Colony-stimulating factor-1 concentrations were determined by RIA, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and c-fins was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Result(s): Mean FF concentrations of CSF-1 were significantly higher than mean serum levels (10.0 ± 1.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3 (±SE) ng/mL, respectively). Colony-stimulating factor-1 and c-fms message were detected in FF cells, and alternatively spliced forms of CSF-1 message were present. Conclusion(s): The presence of CSF-1, a primary regulator of tissue macrophages, in FF, and the presence of mRNA for CSF-1 and its receptor c-fms in FF-derived cells, suggest a role for this growth factor in ovarian function.