AUTOLOGOUS GRANULOSA-CELL COCULTURE DEMONSTRATES ZYGOTE SUPPRESSION OF GRANULOSA-CELL STEROIDOGENESIS

Objective: To determine if embryos can modulate steroid hormone produc tion by luteinized granulosa cells. Design: Granulosa cells obtained f rom follicular aspirates were cultured alone or in the presence of a t wo-pronuclear zygote. The production of E(2) and P by these cultures w as evaluated by RIA. Setting: In Vitro Fertilization Unit in an academ ic research environment. Patients: Sixteen women undergoing IVF. Inter ventions: Standard IVF-ET treatment cycle using leuprolide acetate for pituitary desensitization before hMG or urofollitropin for ovarian st imulation. Main Outcome Measures: Estradiol and P concentration in cul ture media of luteinized granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells cocu ltured with a two-pronuclear embryo. Results: Both E(2) and P producti on by luteinized granulosa cells was reduced when cultured in the pres ence of an embryo. Conclusions: Human embryos secrete a factor that re gulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis.