High levels of testosterone inhibit ovarian follicle development by repressing the FSH signaling pathway.
10.1007/s11596-015-1497-z
- Author:
Tao LIU
1
;
Yu-qian CUI
2
;
Han ZHAO
3
;
Hong-bin LIU
3
;
Shi-dou ZHAO
3
;
Yuan GAO
3
;
Xiao-li MU
3
;
Fei GAO
4
;
Zi-jiang CHEN
5
Author Information
1. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. liutao770404@163.com.
2. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. yuqiancui@yahoo.cn.
3. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China.
4. State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. gaof@ioz.ac.cn.
5. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. chenzijiang@hotmail.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
follicle;
follicle-stimulating hormone;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
testosterone
- MeSH:
Androgens;
pharmacology;
Animals;
Cell Proliferation;
drug effects;
Female;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone;
genetics;
metabolism;
pharmacology;
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental;
Granulosa Cells;
cytology;
drug effects;
metabolism;
Mice;
Ovarian Follicle;
cytology;
drug effects;
growth & development;
metabolism;
Primary Cell Culture;
RNA, Messenger;
genetics;
metabolism;
Receptors, FSH;
genetics;
metabolism;
Receptors, Gonadotropin;
genetics;
metabolism;
Receptors, LH;
genetics;
metabolism;
Signal Transduction;
drug effects;
genetics;
Testosterone;
antagonists & inhibitors;
pharmacology
- From:
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences)
2015;35(5):723-729
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The effect of high concentrations of testosterone on ovarian follicle development was investigated. Primary follicles and granulosa cells were cultured in vitro in media supplemented with a testosterone concentration gradient. The combined effects of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on follicular growth and granulosa cell gonadotropin receptor mRNA expression were also investigated. Follicle growth in the presence of high testosterone concentrations was promoted at early stages (days 1-7), but inhibited at later stage (days 7-14) of in vitro culture. Interestingly, testosterone-induced follicle development arrest was rescued by treatment with high concentrations of FSH (400 mIU/mL). In addition, in cultured granulosa cells, high testosterone concentrations induced cell proliferation, and increased the mRNA expression level of FSH receptor (FSHR), and luteinized hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor. It was concluded that high concentrations of testosterone inhibited follicle development, most likely through regulation of the FSH signaling pathway, although independently from FSHR downregulation. These findings are an important step in further understanding the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome.
