Ovarian response to follicle-stimulating hormone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome is diminished compared to ovulatory controls.

Objective: The mechanisms underlying ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not been definitively established. Our objective was to perform a detailed examination of ovarian responses to recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) in women with PCOS and controls.

Design: This prospective, crossover, dose-response study included three rFSH stimulation periods.

Effect of the spatial-temporal specific theca cell Cyp17 overexpression on the reproductive phenotype of the novel TC17 mouse.

Background: In the ovarian follicle, the Theca Cells (TCs) have two main functions: preserving morphological integrity and, importantly, secreting steroid androgen hormones. TCs express the essential enzyme 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-desmolase (CYP17), which permits the conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone into androgens. Dysregulation of CYP17 enzyme activity due to an intrinsic ovarian defect is hypothesized to be a cause of hyperandrogenism in women.