Periovulatory human oocytes, cumulus cells, and ovarian leukocytes expresstype 1 but not type 2 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase RNA

Objective: To further elucidate cortisol metabolism in the follicular micro environment at the time of oocyte retrieval, the presence of 11 beta-hydrox ysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) messenger (m)RNA transcripts in oocytes; cumul us cells; granulosa cells; and CD45(+), CD15(+) leukocytes was assessed sem iquantitatively. Design: Controlled study using semiquantitative assessment of 11 beta-HSD m RNA. Setting: University IVF center. Patient(s): Twenty-six patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulat ion for assisted conception. Intervention(s): Metaphase II oocytes; cumulus cells; granulosa cells, and CD45(+), CD15(+) leukocytes from individual follicular fluid aspirates. Main Outcome Measures: Semiquantitative analysis of PCR products after tota l RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis. Result(s): Periovulatory human oocytes; cumulus cells; CD45(+), CD15(+) leu kocytes; and granulosa cells consistently express type 1 but not type 11 be ta-HSD mRNA. Expression of mRNA is greatest in cumulus cells. Type 1 11 bet a-HSD mRNA expression varies considerably in all cell types and among indiv idual follicles and patients. Conclusion(s): These studies of mRNA expression suggest that the enzymes pr esent both in and around the periovulatory oocyte will favor a high-cortiso l environment. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.