Autologous Granulosa Cell Coculture Demonstrates Zygote Suppression of Granulosa Cell Steroidogenesis

Objective: To determine if embryos can modulate steroid hormone production by luteinized granulosa cells.

Design: Granulosa cells obtained from follicular aspirates were cultured alone or in the presence of a two-pronuclear zygote. The production of E2 and P by these cultures was evaluated by RIA.

Setting: In Vitro Fertilization Unit in an academic research environment.

Patients: Sixteen women undergoing IVF.

Interventions: Standard IVF-ET treatment cycle using leuprolide acetate for pituitary desensitization before hMG or urofollitropin for ovarian stimulation.

Main Outcome Measures: Estradiol and P concentration in culture media of luteinized granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells cocultured with a two-pronuclear embryo.

Results: Both E2 and P production by luteinized granulosa cells was reduced when cultured in the presence of an embryo.

Conclusions: Human embryos secrete a factor that regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis.