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An in vitro perfusion method for metabolic studies on human postmenopausal ovaries
G Abrahamsson1, P O Janson, S Kullander
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Postmenopausal ovaries, even those with cysts or tumors, can release hormones. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulated hormone release from a cystadenofibroma, suggesting potential for endocrine and oncological research.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- The postmenopausal ovary's endocrine function and potential for neoplastic changes remain areas of active investigation.
- Understanding hormone production in postmenopausal ovaries is crucial for both benign and malignant conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endocrine activity of postmenopausal ovaries using an isolated perfused organ model.
- To assess the impact of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on hormone release from normal and pathological postmenopausal ovaries.
Main Methods:
- Isolated vascular perfusion of five postmenopausal ovaries (four patients) for 1-5 hours.
- Perfusion medium: oxygenized Medium 199 with bovine serum albumin and antibiotics.
- Hormone and prostanoid levels measured in perfusate and cyst fluid before and after hCG stimulation.
Main Results:
- Normal postmenopausal ovaries released measurable progesterone.
- An ovary with a simple cyst released progesterone, with increased release after hCG administration.
- A cystadenofibroma released cAMP, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and prostanoids, with augmented release of cAMP, estradiol, testosterone, and prostanoids after hCG.
Conclusions:
- The isolated perfused postmenopausal ovary model can sustain viability and hormone release.
- This model demonstrates that postmenopausal ovaries, including those with neoplastic changes, can produce and release hormones.
- hCG stimulation suggests a potential functional response in ovarian tumors, warranting further investigation into endocrine and oncological aspects.