Hyaluronic acid inhibits apoptosis in granulosa cells via CD44

Purpose: This study was designed to examine whether hyaluronic acid (HA) in hibits apoptosis in cumulus and mural granulosa cells and to examine whethe r this effect of HA was mediated through CD44. Methods: Mural and cumulus granulosa cells were obtained from in vitro fert ilization patients. The cells were cultured with various concentrations of HA or HA pills various concentrations of anti-CD44 antibody without serum s upplement. After 24 hr of culture, the cells were fixed and stained with Ho echst 33258. One thousand granulosa cells of each conditions were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Results: HA inhibited apoptosis in both kinds of granulosa cells, and anti- CD44 antibody prevented this effect of HA. Conclusions: The incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells with fragmented con densed nuclei was reduced by HA via CD44.