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Progesterone production by human ovarian tissues in response to deglycosylated human chorionic gonadotrophin
Abstract:
Removal of carbohydrate residues from human chorionic gonadotrophin is known to reduce its biological activity in the ovaries of monkeys, pigs and rats although its binding properties appear unaffected. The present study demonstrates that such modified hCG derivatives also appear to have impaired biological activity in human ovaries in that they do not significantly stimulate progesterone secretion by follicular granulosa cells in culture or corpus luteum slices during superfusion. The derivatives also appear to reduce the normal stimulatory action of hCG when incubated with it.
Insights
Removing carbohydrate residues from human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) significantly reduces its biological activity in human ovaries. These modified hCG derivatives also impair normal hCG function, impacting progesterone secretion.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Carbohydrate residues on human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) influence its biological activity.
- Previous studies showed deglycosylation reduces hCG's ovarian activity in animal models.
- Binding properties of hCG are generally unaffected by deglycosylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of carbohydrate removal on hCG's biological activity in human ovaries.
- To assess the effect of modified hCG derivatives on progesterone secretion.
- To determine if modified hCG derivatives interfere with native hCG function.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of human follicular granulosa cells.
- Superfusion of human corpus luteum slices.
- Incubation of modified hCG derivatives with native hCG.
Main Results:
- Modified hCG derivatives showed significantly impaired stimulation of progesterone secretion by granulosa cells.
- Deglycosylated hCG derivatives failed to stimulate progesterone secretion in corpus luteum slices.
- Modified hCG derivatives reduced the stimulatory effect of native hCG on progesterone secretion.
Conclusions:
- Carbohydrate residues are crucial for the full biological activity of hCG in human ovaries.
- Modified hCG derivatives exhibit reduced efficacy and can antagonize native hCG.
- Deglycosylation represents a potential strategy to modulate hCG function in reproductive contexts.