THE EFFECT OF GLUCOSE-METABOLISM ON MURINE FOLLICLE DEVELOPMENT AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN-VITRO

Previous studies have shown that mouse ovarian follicles produce large amounts of lactate during growth and maturation in vitro, suggesting a metabolic preference for glycolysis. Further investigations were the refore undertaken to determine firstly the effect of gonadotrophins on glucose uptake and secondly the role of glucose in follicle lactate p roduction, development and steroidogenesis. Pre-antral mouse follicles were cultured individually in media containing different concentratio ns of glucose (1-5.5 mM) using a system which supported development to the pre-ovulatory stage within 5 days. Samples of media were removed every 24 h and analysed for oestradiol using an enzyme-linked immunoso rbent assay technique and for glucose uptake and lactate production us ing a fluorimetric assay. Results showed that all the glucose consumed was converted to lactate, irrespective of the glucose concentration. Growth and steroidogenesis were also dependent on glucose concentratio n, and at concentrations below 2 mM, follicle development was signific antly retarded. Results confirm that follicles adopt a predominantly g lycolytic mode of energy production to sustain growth and steroidogene sis, and that the glycolytic rate is stimulated by gonadotrophins.