DNA ploidy of human granulosa cells from natural and stimulated in vitro fertilization cycles.

Objective: To analyze and compare the DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from natural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles obtained during IVF.

Design: Retrospective analysis of laboratory data.

Setting: University medical center.

Patient(s): Seventy-three aspirates of dominant follicles from natural IVF cycles and 113 aspirates from gonadotropin-stimulated cycles were analyzed.

Intervention(s): Cytospins were prepared and stained by the Feulgen-thionine method.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Image DNA analysis was performed on an automated high-resolution image cytometer. DNA content and the number of nuclei with DNA content >5c were measured.

Result(s): All samples from natural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles were found to be diploid. Single cells with DNA content >5c were found in follicular fluid samples of four women with natural IVF cycles and in samples of nine women with gonadotropin-stimulated cycles.

Conclusion(s): DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from natural follicles has not been studied before. In natural samples, granulosa cells were only diploid, without euploid polyploidization. We were unable to confirm DNA aneuploidy of granulosa cells in gonadotropin-stimulated follicles of women undergoing IVF.