Atrial natriuretic peptide is an antiapoptotic factor for human granulosa luteinized cells with impact on the results of COH/IVF in women undergoing IVF program.

Aim: To investigate human granulosa luteinized cells as a local source of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its relationship to cell viability, development of preovulatory follicles and fertilization rate of oocytes.

Material And Methods: Indirect immunofluorescent technique, proANP kit, 4'6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-DNA staining and Caspase-3 activity assay were used to examine localization patterns, concentrations in follicular fluids (FFl) and antiapoptotic role of ANP, respectively.

Results: ANP is expressed on granulosa cells with membrane, submembrane and specific granular cytoplasmic localization.