Effects of follicular development on the ability of cultured porcine granulosa cells to convert androgens to estrogens.

Abstract

Porcine granulosa cells from different stages of follicular development were examined for their ability to convert androgens to estrogens and their ability to secrete progesterone. Granulosa cells from all stages of follicular development can convert androgens to estrogens, and the addition of exogenous androgen is required for estrogen secretion. Granulosa cells obtained from medium and large follicles have a greater capacity to convert androgens to estrogens than do granulosa cells obtained from small follicles. The addition of FSH brought about an increase in estrogen secretion in the presence of androgen only in granulosa cells from large follicles. LH attenuated estrogen secretion in granulosa cells from medium follicles treated with testosterone. Granulosa cells from medium follicles were unable to secrete estrogen from days two to four irrespective of treatment. Androgens augment FSH stimulated progesterone secretion in granulosa cells from medium follicles from days two to four, and the addition of follicular fluid from small follicles stimulates progesterone secretion in the presence of FSH and androgens.