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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Tissue Culture Model of Estrogen-producing Primary Bovine Granulosa Cells

A Tissue Culture Model of Estrogen-producing Primary Bovine Granulosa Cells

Published on: September 6, 2018

Estrogens and androgens affect human luteal cell function.

Anna Tropea¹, Antonio Lanzone, Federica Tiberi

¹Cattedra di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), Rome, Italy.

Fertility and Sterility

|March 24, 2010

Summary

Estrogens and androgens regulate human luteal function by influencing progesterone and prostaglandin release. Androgens primarily exert effects through conversion to estrogens, while dihydrotestosterone may have direct and indirect actions.

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Published on: September 19, 2025

Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Steroid Hormone Action
Luteal Phase Physiology

Background:

The human corpus luteum (CL) is crucial for reproductive success, synthesizing progesterone and other signaling molecules.
The roles of estrogens (E2, E1, estriol) and androgens (testosterone, androstenedione) in luteal function are not fully understood.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a role in luteal angiogenesis and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of specific estrogens and androgens on progesterone (P), prostaglandin (PG) F2α, PGE2, and VEGF release in human luteal cells.
To determine if androgen effects are direct or mediated by conversion to estrogens using an aromatase inhibitor.
To evaluate the luteal effects of dihydrotestosterone, a non-aromatizable androgen.

Main Methods:

Prospective laboratory study involving primary cultures of human luteal cells isolated from corpora lutea.
Quantification of P and PG release via enzyme immunoassay.
Measurement of VEGF secretion using ELISA and VEGF mRNA expression by real-time PCR.

Main Results:

Estrogens and androgens decreased progesterone and prostaglandin F2α secretion.
Estrogens and androgens increased VEGF release, but did not affect VEGF mRNA expression.
An aromatase inhibitor blocked the luteal effects of testosterone and androstenedione, suggesting mediation via estrogen conversion.

Conclusions:

Both estrogens and androgens are involved in regulating human luteal function.
The effects of testosterone and androstenedione appear to be mediated by their conversion into estrogens.
Dihydrotestosterone may exert both direct androgenic and indirect estrogenic effects on luteal cells.