Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
A Modified Co-Culture System for Understanding Granulosa-Theca Cell Interactions in the Bovine Ovary
Published on: September 19, 2025
GnRH agonist vs. hCG for triggering of ovulation--differential effects on gene expression in human granulosa cells
Jigal Haas1, Libby Ophir1, Eran Barzilay1
1Human Reproduction Lab and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Objective:
To investigate the mRNA expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients triggered with GnRH agonist compared to patients triggered with hCG.
Design:
Mural GCs were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval and gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real time RT-PCR.
Settings:
Single center, case control study.
Patient(S):
24 women who were treated with GnRH agonist or hCG for triggering of ovulation.
Interventions:
GC collection.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
The expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in mural GCs.
Results:
The fertilization rate was similar in the two groups. The mRNA expression of CYP19A1 (0.50 vs 1, arbitrary unit), CYP11A1 (0.6 vs. 1) and 3 beta hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (0.39 vs 1) was significantly lower in the GnRH group. The expression of VEGF (0.74 vs. 1) and inhibin β B (0.38 vs 1) was lower in the GnRH analog triggered group.
Conclusion:
Expression of genes related to steroidogenesis is lower at the time of oocyte retrieval in patients triggered with GnRH agonist. The decreased expression of VEGF and inhibin β B in the GnRH agonist group can explain the mechanism of early OHSS prevention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
02:07Oogenesis