Related Experiment Videos
Platelet-activating factor induces progesterone secretion and changes in morphological appearance in luteinizing
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Objective:
Recent evidence indicates the involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in ovarian periovulatory processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of PAF on ovarian follicular cellular function.
Design And Interventions:
We examined the effects of PAF on progesterone (P) secretion by cultured human luteinizing granulosa cells obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Follicular cells were cultured in serum-free conditions for 12 to 36 hours with and without PAF (at dosages of 10(-8) to 10(-14) M).
Results:
Progesterone secretion was significantly increased at 12 and 36 hours after treatment with 10(-8) M PAF (170% +/- 40% and 210% +/- 40%, respectively) and with 10(-10) M PAF (170% +/- 30% and 180% +/- 10%, respectively). Smaller increases were seen with 10(-12) and 10(-14) M PAF. Maximal increases in P secretion in 10(-10) M PAF-treated wells occurred at 3 to 12 hours. At 36 hours, distinct morphological differences between cells in control wells and those containing PAF were noted.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that PAF may influence follicular cell function during ovulation and corpus luteum formation.