HYPEREXPRESSION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS IN GRANULOSA-CELLS FROM WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME

Objective: To compare the localization and quantitation of epidermal g rowth factor (EGF) receptor in granulosa cells from women with normal and polycystic ovaries. Design: Controlled, comparative study. Setting : Academic research laboratory. Patient(s): Forty-two women with norma l or polycystic ovaries who attended our facility for the recovery of their immature or mature oocytes or for therapeutic purposes. Interven tion(s): Patients underwent intravaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retr ieval or laparoscopic follicular aspiration with or without prior stim ulation.Main Outcome Measure(s): Quantitation of EGF receptor in granu losa cells. Result(s): Granulosa cells from polycystic ovaries express ed significantly higher levels of EGF receptor than granulosa cells fr om normal ovaries. In contrast with patients who were treated with clo miphene citrate, those who were treated with gonadotropins showed low levels of the receptor. However, the levels of the receptor in granulo sa cells were not correlated with circulating levels of LH, FSH, proge sterone, or E-2. Immunolabeling of EGF receptor was confined to the ce ll membrane of granulosa cells. This receptor was fully functional, me diating the ligand-induced inhibition of E-2 production in culture. Co nclusion(s): These results provide further evidence supporting a possi ble role of EGF/transforming growth factor-alpha in the aberration of ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome. (Fertil Steril(R) 1998; 70:750-8. (C) 1998 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).