Insulin augmentation of 17alpha-hydroxylase activity is mediated by phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 in human ovarian theca cells.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, is frequently associated with insulin resistance. Ample evidence implicates a role for insulin in the genesis of ovarian hyperandrogenism. The objective of this study was to begin to define the intracellular signaling pathway(s) that mediates insulin regulation of 17alpha-hydroxylase activity in human ovarian theca cells.