DNA ploidy of human granulosa cells from natural and stimulated in vitro fertilization cycles

Objective: To analyze and compare the DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from na tural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles obtained during IVF. Design: Retrospective analysis of laboratory data. Setting: University medical center. Patient(s): Seventy-three aspirates of dominant follicles from natural NF c ycles and 113 aspirates from gonadotropin-stimulated cycles were analyzed. Intervention(s): Cytospins were prepared and stained by the Feulgen-thionin e method. Main Outcome Measure(s): image DNA analysis was performed on an automated h igh-resolution image cytometer. DNA content and the number of nuclei with D NA content >5c were measured. Result(s): All samples from natural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles w ere found to be diploid. Single cells with DNA content >5c were found in fo llicular fluid samples of four women with natural IVF cycles and in samples of nine women with gonadotropin-stimulated cycles. Conclusion(s): DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from natural follicles has not been studied before. In natural samples, granulosa cells were only diploid , without euploid polyploidization. We were unable to confirm DNA aneuploid y of granulosa cells in gonadotropin-stimulated follicles of women undergoi ng IVF. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74:158-61. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine).