REGULATION OF 72-KD TYPE-IV COLLAGENASE-MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-2 BYESTRADIOL AND GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE AGONIST IN HUMAN GRANULOSA-LUTEIN CELLS

Objective: To examine the hormonal regulation of 72-kd type IV collage nase-gelatinase-matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human granulosa-lutein c ells. Design: The effect of E(2) and GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) on matrix m etalloproteinase-2 amount was examined on a long-term granulosa-lutein cell cultures. Patients: The preovulatory follicles from women partic ipating in our IVF program were aspirated through the vaginal wall. Fo llicular fluids were centrifuged and the granulosa cells were separate d and pooled for culturing. Main Outcome Measures: Matrix metalloprote inase-2 enzyme activity was assayed with type IV collagen degradation assay and zymography. The matrix metalloproteinase-2 immunoreactive pr otein was studied by using specific antibodies. Results: Matrix metall oproteinase-2 was the predominant form of gelatinase in cultured granu losa-lutein cells. The enzyme activity as well as the immunoreactive p rotein increased in the culture medium of the granulosa-lutein cells i n the presence of E(2). The effect of E(2) was abolished by GnRH-a. Co nclusions: Estradiol regulates the matrix metalloproteinase-2 enzyme a mount in granulosa-lutein cells; the effect may be antagonized by GnRH -a.