Granulosa cell aromatase activity in women undergoing IVF: a comparison of good and poor responders.

Objective: We wished to investigate the aromatase activity (AA) of granulosa cells (GCs) in women undergoing ovarian follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: Granulosa cells were harvested from follicular fluid aspirated at the time of oocyte retrieval in women undergoing IVF. Data related to the follicular stimulation and IVF were collected by chart review.

Perspectives: the possible influence of assisted reproductive technologies on transgenerational reproductive effects of environmental endocrine disruptors.

Demasculinization by environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is observed in many animal species but less evident in humans. Rodent studies with gestational exposure to either the fungicide vinclozolin or the insecticide methoxychlor demonstrate impaired male fertility with abnormal DNA methylation patterns in spermatozoa. Once established, these epigenetic changes may be permanent and thus paternally passed to subsequent generations.

Binding of progesterone to cell surfaces of human granulosa-lutein cells.

Progesterone is produced by granulosa cells under the influence of luteinizing hormone. Nuclear progesterone receptors have been found in rat granulosa cells. Human granulosa-lutein cells rapidly respond to progesterone with an increase in intracellular calcium suggesting the existence of a nongenomic mechanism.

A simplified method for preparing IVF granulosa cells for culture.

Purpose: To validate an expedited method for the removal of erythrocytes when preparing IVF granulosa-luteal cells for culture.

Methods: Granulosa cells were enriched for culturing from follicular aspirates by density gradient centrifugation and by hypo-osmotic lysis treatments.

Results: Cells prepared by either method showed the same cell viability and produced progesterone in similar quantities.

Rapid effects of pesticides on human granulosa-lutein cells.

Following our previous demonstration that p,p'-DDE (dichlorodiphenylchloroethylene), at environmentally relevant concentrations, can rapidly increase intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i concentrations in human granulosa-lutein cells, we examined whether other pesticides, such as Kepone, o,p-DDE and methoxychlor, have similar effects. Cultured human granulosa-lutein cells were loaded with Fura-2 AM, and changes in [Ca2+]i concentrations within small areas of single cells were studied with a dynamic digital Ca2+ imaging system. Kepone, at concentrations of 0.

Rapid action of pesticides on cytosolic calcium concentrations in cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Persistent metabolites of pesticides such as p,p'-DDE, at environmentally relevant concentrations, have been shown to have a rapid effect on intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i concentrations in human granulosa-lutein cells. Since endocrine disrupting substances can be transferred from the maternal circulation to the fetus the present study examined whether the pesticides, kepone, o,p-DDE, p,p'-DDE and methoxychlor, could alter cytoplasmic calcium [Ca2+]cyt concentrations in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. Cultured HUVE cells were loaded with Fura-2 AM and changes in [Ca2+]cyt of single cells were studied using a dynamic digital Ca2+ imaging system.

Environmental and occupational factors affecting fertility and IVF success.

Reproductive function has been shown to be sensitive to changes in the physical, psychosocial and chemical environments. Although reproductive effects of occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals have been well documented in the literature, the potential effects of chemical contaminants at levels representative of contemporary exposures in the general population are much less certain. Evidence for adverse effects of exposure to environmental contaminants is more conclusive among the lower animals than for humans where considerable controversy remains.

Synergistic effects between FSH and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(P-chlorophenyl)ethylene (P,P'-DDE) on human granulosa cell aromatase activity.

Background: 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(P-chlorophenyl)ethylene (P,P'-DDE, DDE), a metabolite of DDT, is a persistent hormonally active environmental toxicant which has been found in human serum and follicular fluid. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between FSH and ppDDE on aromatase activity in primary cultures of human granulosa cells.

Methods: Granulosa cells were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval for IVF procedures and cultured in defined medium containing FSH and environmentally relevant concentrations of DDE.

Mammary gland morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats following treatment with an organochlorine mixture in utero and neonatal genistein.

In a related reproductive toxicology study designed to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to environmental toxicants and potential interaction with postnatal genistein, gross enlargement of thoracic mammary glands was observed in female offspring at 200 days of age. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of in utero exposure to a mixture of toxicants on mammary gland morphology. Time-mated Sprague-Dawley rats were treated on days 9-16 of gestation with vehicle or a mixture of environmental toxicants at 1x the acceptable daily intake.

Effects of subchronic exposure to a complex mixture of persistent contaminants in male rats: systemic, immune, and reproductive effects.

Human populations throughout the world are exposed daily to low levels of environmental contaminants. The consequences of potential interactions of these compounds to human endocrine, reproductive, and immune function remain unknown. The current study examines the effects of subchronic oral exposure to a complex mixture of ubiquitous persistent environmental contaminants that have been quantified in human reproductive tissues.