Molecular Human Reproduction, Vol. 5, No. 8, 714-719,
August 1999
© 1999 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Cell characteristics and function of two enriched fraction of human luteal cells prolonged culture
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden, 2 Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, and 3 Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
Two subpopulations of steroidogenic cells exist in the corpus luteum of most species. The aims of the present study were to characterize these cells and to study their function during long-term culture. Human corpora lutea from early and late luteal phases were treated by mechanical and enzymatic digestion, followed by density sedimentation. Five distinct cell bands were obtained, two of which produced large amounts of progesterone. These were characterized according to density, size, steroidogenic enzymes, and numbers. More than 75% of cells expressed immunoreactive 3ß-hydroxydehydrogenase (3ß-HSD). Cells of higher density/smaller size were obtained in increasing numbers during the luteal phase and were more numerous compared with large cells. Under basal, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)-, and prostaglandin E2-stimulated culture conditions, progesterone synthesis was greater in large cells of the early, but not late, luteal phase. Both cell fractions obtained from late, in contrast to early, luteal phase increased their basal progesterone production during the culture period of 9 days. We conclude that this technique for luteal cell isolation in the human yields two distinct subpopulations of steroidogenic cells, which respond differently to luteotrophic stimuli. We also conclude that cells of late luteal phase readily increase their progesterone synthesis over a period of 9 days, indicating a transition to longevity.
corpus luteum/human/progesterone
4 To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093–0633, USA
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