Elucidation of the intraovarian mechanism during selection of a dominant follicle

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26861320
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: University of Fukui
• Principal Investigator: HATTORI KATSUSHIGE 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門, 特別研究員 (60529345)
• Research Collaborator: ORISAKA MAKOTO 福井大学, 学術研究院医学系部門(附属病院部), 講師 (80324143)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 卵胞 / 莢膜細胞 / 顆粒膜細胞 / 人口卵胞壁モデル / LH / アポトーシス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Only a single dominant follicle can ovulate in the human menstrual cycle, whereas most follicles undergo atresia by granulosa cell apoptosis, a selection process that ensures the release of only the healthiest and most viable oocyte. The mechanism during selection of a dominant follicle is still unknown. In this study, we isolated granulosa cells and theca cells from bovine small follicles, and cultured them in an in vitro “two-cell two-gonadotropin” system. Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation to theca cells induced the expressions of LH receptor and aromatase in granulosa cells. LH stimulation to theca cells also increased estrogen production and suppressed apoptosis in granulosa cells. These results suggest that LH stimulation to theca cell plays a critical role during the follicle selection from the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-dependent growth of early follicles to the LH-dependent maturation of a dominant follicle.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学