Abstract
A sensitive in vitro bioassay for measuring serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels has been developed based on the stimulation of estrogen production by cultured rat granulosa cells. In the presence of androstenedione, FSH stimulated estrogen production in a dose-dependent manner. Cell sensitivity to FSH was further enhanced by the addition of diethylstilbestrol, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, insulin, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Although the inclusion of 4% gonadotropin-free serum from hypophysectomized rats inhibited granulosa cell responsiveness, pretreatment of serum with polyethylene glycol (12%) substantially eliminated the serum interfering effect without loss of FSH activity. In normal male and female rats, serum bioactive FSH levels were low, while castration increased these levels 2.6-and 5.7-fold, respectively. These increases were suppressed by treatment with testosterone propionate or estradiol benzoate. This in vitro assay allows the measurement of circulating bioactive FSH and provides a convenient tool to advance studies on the role of FSH in the neuroendocrine control of gonadal maturation and reproductive cycles.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
