Type I insulin-like growth factor receptors in human ovarian stroma

Hyperandrogenism observed in a variety of hyperinsulinemic states is thought to be due to an effect of insulin mediated through the type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors. These receptors, however, have not yet been demonstrated in normal human ovarian cells capable of androgen production. We now report the presence of type I IGF receptors in membrane preparations of human ovarian stroma. The ovarian stromal tissue was obtained from women undergoing indicated oophorectomy. Stromal plasma membranes were prepared. Specific 125I-IGF-I binding was 6.6 +/- 0.2%/100 micrograms protein. The affinity constant estimated by Scatchard analysis was 4.6 X 10(-9) M. 50% inhibition of 125I-IGF-1 binding was observed at 5 ng/ml of IGF-1. Specificity of the 125I-IGF-I-binding sites was confirmed by analogue specificity studies and in experiments utilizing monoclonal antibody to the IGF-I receptor, alpha-IR-3. IGF-II and insulin competed with 125I-IGF-I for the binding sites, but with an affinity significantly lower than that of IGF-I: 50% inhibition was observed at approximately 60 ng/ml of IGF-II or insulin. alpha-IR-3, a monoclonal antibody with high specificity for the type I IGF receptor, effectively inhibited 125I-IGF-I binding in a dose-dependent manner, confirming that the 125I-IGF-I binding was indeed to the type I IGF receptor. We conclude that type I IGF receptors are present in human ovarian stroma. These receptors may mediate effects of insulin on the ovary in hyperinsulinemic insulin-resistant states.