Objectives: To investigate steroids production of granulosa cells obtained from normal ovaries and polycystic ovaries from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients under FSH, LH and insulin stimulation.
Methods: Granulosa cells of 33 folicles from 18 pairs of normal ovaries and about 100 folicles from 8 pairs of PCOS were cultured. Estrodial (E2) and progesterone (P) accumulation in the medium was determined under different incubated conditions by RIA.
Results: Granulosa cells from PCOS produced more E2(P < 0.05-0.01) under basal, FSH and insulin stimulation and more P (P < 0.05-0.01) under FSH, LH and insulin stimulation than controls. Insulin markedly augmented FSH and LH-stimulated steroid accumulation by two groups of granulosa cells. Granulosa cells from PCOS with peripheral insulin resistance also responded to insulin.
Conclusion: Enzymes for steroids synthesis in granulosa cells from PCOS may be activated in vivo, and hyperinsulinisma and elevated LH levels in PCOS may be contributable.