Prolactin inhibits the steroidogenesis in midfollicular phase human granulosa cells cultured in a chemically defined medium

Fertil Steril. 1988 Apr;49(4):632-7. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)59831-8.

Abstract

In vitro studies were conducted on prolactin (PRL) effects on human granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Cells derived from healthy midfollicular phase follicles were cultured in a chemically defined medium supplemented with androstenedione (delta 4 A) 10(-7) M. Cultures treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) showed a dose-dependent increase of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) secretion. The authors demonstrated that PRL (greater than or equal to 10 ng/ml) inhibits basal as well as FSH (10 ng/ml)-stimulated E2 and P secretion. This PRL effect was overcome only by FSH maximal stimulating doses (100 ng/ml). These results suggest a direct inhibitory effect of PRL on granulosa cell steroidogenesis acting as a negative modulator of FSH action. These effects might be related to the ovarian dysfunction observed in hyperprolactinemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Androstenedione / pharmacology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Culture Media
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Estradiol / biosynthesis*
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / pharmacology
  • Follicular Phase*
  • Granulosa Cells / drug effects
  • Granulosa Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Progesterone / biosynthesis*
  • Progesterone / metabolism
  • Prolactin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Androstenedione
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Prolactin
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone