Proliferation of ovarian theca-interstitial cells is modulated by antioxidants and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of ovarian homeostasis requires precise regulation of proliferation of thecal- interstitial (T-I) cells. Recent evidence indicates that oxidative stress and antioxidants modulate proliferation of various tissues under both physiological and pathological conditions. This study evaluated the effects of oxidative stress and antioxidants on T-I proliferation. METHODS: Rat T-I cells were cultured in serum-free medium and proliferation was assessed by determination of DNA synthesis using the thymidine incorporation assay, by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and by direct counting of steroidogenically active cells and steroidogenically inactive cells. RESULTS: Antioxidants and reactive oxygen scavengers induced a dose-dependent decrease of T-I proliferation. Vitamin E succinate was inhibitory at 10-100 micro mol/l, ebselen was inhibitory at 0.3-30 micro mol/l, and superoxide dismutase was inhibitory at 300-1000 IU/ml. In contrast, oxidative stress resulted in a biphasic effect. Modest oxidative stress induced by 1 mmol/l hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase (3-30 micro U/ml) stimulated proliferation of T-I cells, while greater oxidative stress induced by xanthine oxidase (1 mU/ml) profoundly inhibited proliferation. Direct cell counting demonstrated comparable effects on steroidogenically active and inactive cells. CONCLUSIONS: Reactive oxygen species may play a role in the regulation of growth of ovarian mesenchyme. Under pathological conditions, such as those encountered in polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants may contribute to ovarian mesenchymal hyperplasia.

Oxidative stress and the ovary.

Superoxide (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and lipid peroxides are generated in luteal tissue during natural and prostaglandin-induced regression in the rat, and this response is associated with reversible depletion of ascorbic acid. Reactive oxygen species immediately uncouple the luteinizing hormone receptor from adenylate cyclase and inhibit steroidogenesis by interrupting transmitochondrial cholesterol transport. The cellular origin of oxygen radicals in regressing corpora lutea is predominantly from resident and infiltrated leukocytes, notably neutrophils. Reactive oxygen species are also produced within the follicle at ovulation and, like the corpus luteum, leukocytes are the major source of these products. Antioxidants block the resumption of meiosis, whereas the generation of reactive oxygen induces oocyte maturation in the follicle. Although oxygen radicals may serve important physiologic roles within the ovary, the cyclic production of these damaging agents over years may lead to an increased cumulative risk of ovarian pathology that would probably be exacerbated under conditions of reduced antioxidant status.

Utility of commonly used commercial human chorionic gonadotropin immunoassays in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with trophoblastic diseases produce ordinary and irregular forms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; e.g., nicked hCG, hCG missing the beta-subunit C-terminal segment, hyperglycosylated hCG, and free beta subunit) that are recognized to differing extents by automated immunometric hCG (or hCG beta) assays. This has led to low or false-negative results and misdiagnosis of persistent disease. False-positive hCG immunoreactivity has also been detected, leading to needless therapy for trophoblastic diseases. Here we compare seven commonly used hCG assays. METHODS: Standards for five irregular forms hCG produced in trophoblastic diseases, serum samples from 59 patients with confirmed trophoblastic diseases, and serum samples from 12 women with previous false-positive hCG results (primarily in the Abbott AxSYM assay) were blindly tested by commercial laboratories in the Beckman Access hCG beta, the Abbott AxSYM hCG beta, the Chiron ACS:180 hCG beta, the Baxter Stratus hCG test, the DPC Immulite hCG test, the Serono MAIAclone hCG beta tests, and in the hCG beta RIA. RESULTS: Only the RIA and the DPC appropriately detected the five irregular hCG standards. Only the Beckman, DPC, and Abbott assays gave results similar to the RIA in the patients with confirmed trophoblastic diseases (values within 25% of RIA in 49, 49, and 54 of 59 patients, respectively). For samples that were previously found to produce false-positive hCG results, no false-positive results were detected with the DPC and Chiron tests (5 samples, median <2 IU/L), but up to one-third of samples were false positive (>10 IU/L) in the Beckman (1 of 5), Serono (2 of 9), and Baxter assays (1 of 5), and the hCG beta RIA (3 of 9; median for all assays, <5 IU/L). These samples, which produced false-positive results earlier in the Abbott AxSYM assay, continued to produce high values upon reassessment (median, 81 IU/L). CONCLUSIONS: Of six frequently used hCG immunometric assays, only the DPC detected the five irregular forms of beta hCG, agreed with the RIA, and avoided false-positive results in the samples tested. This assay, and similarly designed assays not tested here, seem appropriate for hCG testing in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic diseases.

Endocrine-regulated and protein kinase C-dependent generation of superoxide by rat preovulatory follicles.

The ovulatory LH surge results in follicular inflammation with an increase in cytokines and PGs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also produced during inflammatory processes. To study ROS generation during the ovulatory cascade, preovulatory follicles were dissected from immature female rats primed with PMSG. Follicles were isolated, and ROS generation was assessed by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. Immature rat granulosa cells were also subjected to luminometry after isolation from immature rats treated with diethylstilbestrol. Phorbol ester-stimulated ROS generation by follicular cells was completely suppressed by superoxide dismutase and the NADPH/NADH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium bisulfate, whereas catalase was without effect. Fractionation of granulosa cells with an antibody against leukocyte common antigen-1 showed that leukocyte-enriched cells produced more than 95% of the superoxide measured. In vivo treatment with LH produced a 5-fold increase in phorbol-stimulated superoxide production by isolated follicles. This response was maximal within 4 h and was blocked by indomethacin. In vivo administration of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) did not reverse the blockade by indomethacin; however, isolated follicles incubated with PGE(2) produced a time-dependent increase in phorbol-stimulated superoxide generation. Thus, a superoxide generator is present in the preovulatory follicle that is leukocytic in origin, hormone regulated, and activated by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. The regulated generation of superoxide by preovulatory follicles may indicate a role for ROS in the periovulatory period.

Luteinizing hormone depletes ascorbic acid in preovulatory follicles.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present studies was to determine whether luteinizing hormone (LH) depletes ascorbic acid in the preovulatory follicle. DESIGN: Controlled, prospective experimental study. SETTING: University-based research center. ANIMAL(S): Sprague-Dawley female rats. INTERVENTION(S): Follicular growth and ovulation were induced in immature rats by gonadotropin treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Analysis of ovary, follicle, and oocyte levels of ascorbic acid by colorimetric analysis and high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULT(S): Ovarian ascorbic acid was maximally depleted (50%) within 2 h of LH treatment and was sustained for 8 h. Follicle ascorbic acid levels were unchanged 1 h after LH injection but were significantly reduced within 2 h (40%). Incubation of isolated preovulatory follicles for 3 h with hCG or with menadione (a generator of oxygen radicals) reduced ascorbic acid levels. Isolation of cumulus-enclosed or denuded oocytes depleted ascorbic acid to undetectable levels, but follicular ascorbic acid levels were only moderately depleted by isolation and incubation. Accumulation of ascorbic acid by oocytes was significantly enhanced by the presence of intact cumulus cells. CONCLUSION(S): Elevation of LH and the production of oxygen radicals deplete ascorbic acid in the preovulatory follicle.

Eicosatetraynoic and eicosatriynoic acids, lipoxygenase inhibitors, block meiosis via antioxidant action.

We previously showed that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and other antioxidants inhibit the resumption of meiosis in oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC) and denuded oocytes (DO). Because NDGA is well known to be an inhibitor of lipoxygenases (LOX), we assessed whether other LOX inhibitors influence spontaneous germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in OCC and DO. Spontaneous GVBD in rat OCC obtained from preovulatory follicles was significantly and reversibly inhibited by the minimum effective doses of 80 and 100 microM 5,8,11, 14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid (ETI), respectively. In DO, GVBD was significantly inhibited by 100 microM ETYA or ETI. The minimum effective concentrations of ETYA and ETI for inhibition of GVBD in either OCC or DO are approximately 30- to 50-fold higher than the concentrations necessary to inhibit LOX activity by 50% in intact cells. Because we previously showed that NDGA and other antioxidants inhibit the spontaneous resumption of meiosis, we assessed whether ETYA and ETI may act similarly as scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence showed that 50 microM of either ETYA or ETI markedly and significantly reduced ROS generated with 10 mM 2, 2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH). Moreover, incubation of DO with 30 mM AAPH reversed the inhibition of GVBD produced by 100 microM ETYA or ETI. These findings support the conclusion that ETYA and ETI inhibit oocyte maturation by acting as antioxidants rather than by inhibiting LOX.

Hormone-regulated and glucose-sensitive transport of dehydroascorbic acid in immature rat granulosa cells.

Ascorbic acid is concentrated in granulosa cells of the follicle, and ascorbate deficiency causes follicular atresia. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), the oxidized form of ascorbic acid, serves as an important source for the recycling of ascorbate. As we previously demonstrated endocrine up-regulation of ascorbic acid transport by granulosa cells, we investigated DHAA as an alternate source of ascorbate in the follicle. Granulosa cells were cultured for 24 h, and DHAA uptake was initiated by the addition of 14C-labeled ascorbic acid (300 microM) in the presence of ascorbic acid oxidase (2 U/ml), which catalyzes DHAA production. Almost 90% of accumulated DHAA was present as ascorbic acid within 2 h. Preculture of cells for 24 h with FSH (50 ng/ml) and IGF-I (30 ng/ml) significantly stimulated DHAA uptake compared with the control (158 +/- 16 vs. 43 +/- 8 pmol/10(6) cells, respectively). DHAA uptake by granulosa cells was inhibited by D-glucose (ID50, approximately 2.5 mM) and by the glucose transport inhibitors phloretin (200 microM) and cytochalasin B (10 microM), which reduced uptake to 13 +/- 2% and 8 +/- 3% of the control, respectively. Northern and Western analysis of GLUT1 in granulosa cells following 24 h coincubation with FSH and IGF-I revealed up-regulation of GLUT1 at both the messenger RNA and protein levels (1.6- and 1.3-fold of control, respectively), suggesting that the stimulatory effects of FSH and IGF-I on DHAA transport are mediated by the induction of GLUT1. GLUT4 protein was not detectable by Western analysis. Endocrine-regulated DHAA transport may represent an important mechanism for maintaining adequate antioxidant tone within the developing follicle.

Divergent mechanisms regulate proliferation/survival and steroidogenesis of theca-interstitial cells.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are recognized as major regulators of ovarian theca-interstitial (T-I) function. This study was designed to compare the effects of LH and IGF-I on T-I proliferation and steroidogenesis. Purified rat T-I cells were cultured in chemically-defined media. DNA synthesis was evaluated by a radiolabelled thymidine incorporation assay. The cells were also directly counted. Progesterone production was assessed using a specific radioimmunoassay. DNA synthesis of T-I cells was stimulated by IGF-I (10 nM) but modestly inhibited by LH (100 ng/ml). The inhibitory effect of LH was mimicked by 8Br-cAMP (10(-4) to 10(-3) M); forskolin (10(-5) M), cholera toxin (10 ng/ml) and 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine (10(-5) M). Stimulation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10(-7) M) had no significant effect on DNA synthesis. Furthermore, DNA synthesis was not affected by testosterone (10(-10) to 10(-9) M) or progesterone (10(-9) to 10(-8) M). Accumulation of progesterone was co-operatively stimulated by LH and IGF-I. These results suggest that LH-induced inhibition of T-I proliferation and/or survival is mediated via the cAMP system. IGF-I may be viewed as a co-gonadotrophin with respect to steroidogenesis but not with respect to proliferation/survival. The divergence of the effects on proliferation/survival versus steroidogenesis underscores the complexity of the interactions between LH and IGF-I signalling pathways.

Identification and characterization of an ascorbic acid transporter in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Ascorbic acid serves a vital role as a pre-eminent antioxidant. In animals, it has been shown to be concentrated in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle, in luteal cells of the corpus luteum, and in the peripheral cytoplasm of the oocyte. We have previously identified hormonally-regulated ascorbic acid transporters in rat granulosa and luteal cells, and herein present preliminary evidence for the presence of a transporter for ascorbic acid in human granulosa-lutein cells. Granulosa-lutein cells were obtained from the follicular fluid of patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Following an overnight incubation, the cells were incubated with [14C]-ascorbic acid (0.15 microCi; 150 microM) and ascorbic acid uptake was determined. The uptake of ascorbic acid was saturable with a Michaeli's constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of 21 microM and 3 pmol/10(6) cells/min respectively. Ouabain, low Na+ medium, and dinitrophenol significantly inhibited ascorbic acid uptake (P<0.05). Neither the presence of insulin, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, nor IGF-II affected the uptake of ascorbic acid in a statistically significant fashion. Following saturation of cellular uptake, the ascorbic acid level was estimated to be 1.04 pmoles/10(6) cells or approximately 1 mM, a high concentration similar to that seen in rat luteal cells. Active ascorbic acid transport in human granulosa-lutein cells appears to occur via a Na+ - and energy-dependent transporter, with high levels of ascorbic acid being accumulated in these cells.

Antioxidants reversibly inhibit the spontaneous resumption of meiosis.

We previously showed that the cell-permeant antioxidant 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) inhibited germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC) of the rat. The objective of the present studies was to assess other antioxidants and whether such inhibition was reversible. Spontaneous GVBD in OCC incubated for 2 h was significantly inhibited (P < 0.005) by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; GVBD = 19.4%), BHA (GVBD = 25.7%), octyl gallate (OG; GVBD = 52.2%), ethoxyquin (EQ; GVBD = 58.8%), 2, 6-di-tert-butyl-hydroxymethyl phenol (TBHMP; GVBD = 59%), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT; GVBD = 59.5%), and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP; GVBD = 60.0%). Other antioxidants that produced lower but significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of oocyte maturation included propyl gallate (PG; GVBD = 70.3%), 2,4,5-trihydroxybutrophenone (THBP; GVBD = 71.4%), and lauryl gallate (LG; GVBD = 71.4%). Antioxidants that had no effect on oocyte maturation at the same concentration (100 microM) included ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and Trolox. Inhibition of GVBD was evident for up to 8 h of incubation of OCC and denuded oocytes (DO) with BHA or NDGA and was reversed by washing. NDGA was less potent than BHA for inhibition of GVBD in DO, unlike that seen with OCC. Oocyte maturation was induced by incubation of follicles for 3 h with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and this response was inhibited by BHA or NDGA. These findings support the conclusion that cell-permeant antioxidants inhibit spontaneous resumption of meiosis, which may implicate a role of oxygen radicals in oocyte maturation.

Proliferation and differentiation of rat theca-interstitial cells: comparison of effects induced by platelet-derived growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-I.

This study was designed to evaluate mechanisms regulating proliferation of steroidogenically active and steroidogenically inactive theca-interstitial (T-I) cells, and, specifically, to evaluate the effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). T-I cells obtained from immature Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in chemically defined media. Proliferation was assayed by thymidine incorporation and cell counting. Steroidogenically active cells were identified by the presence of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Flow cytometry facilitated separation of dividing cells (in S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle) from nondividing cells (in G0 and G1 phases of the cell cycle). PDGF alone (0.1-1 nM) produced a dose-dependent increase in DNA synthesis by up to 136%. IGF-I alone (10 nM) increased DNA synthesis by 56%. In the presence of both IGF-I (10 nM) and PDGF (0.1-1 nM), DNA synthesis increased by 108-214%. PDGF (1 nM) increased the total number of T-I cells by 43%; this effect was due to an increase in the number of steroidogenically inactive cells (47%). In contrast, the stimulatory effect of IGF-I (10 nM) was predominantly due to an increase in the number of steroidogenically active cells (163%). Separation of dividing cells from nondividing cells was accomplished with the aid of flow cytometry. In the absence of growth factors, the proportion of steroidogenically active cells was 35% lower among proliferating than resting cells. PDGF (1 nM) decreased the proportion of steroidogenically active cells among both proliferating and resting cells (by 43% and 16%, respectively). In contrast, IGF-I (10 nM) increased the proportion of steroidogenically active cells among proliferating cells by 56%. These findings indicate that differentiated/steroidogenically active cells divide; furthermore, PDGF and IGF-I may selectively stimulate proliferation of individual subpopulations of T-I cells, thereby providing a mechanism for development of structural and steroidogenically active components of the T-I compartment.

Prostaglandin f2alpha treatment in vivo, but not in vitro, stimulates protein kinase C-activated superoxide production by nonsteroidogenic cells of the rat corpus luteum.

Luteal regression is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To determine the nature of the ROS generator, cells isolated from luteinized rat ovaries were examined for ROS production using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (LCL). Cells cultured for 2-48 h exhibited minimal LCL, but there was a significant (30- to 50-fold), rapid (maximum at 3-5 min), and dose-dependent increase in LCL in response to phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; TPA; ED50 = 0.03 microM) and diacylglycerol (1,2-dioctanoyl-glycerol; ED50 = 30 microM). The TPA-induced response was cell number dependent and was virtually abolished by superoxide dismutase, freezing, or heating (95 degrees C for 5 min). Zymosan, known to induce a phagocytic response in leukocytes, stimulated a superoxide (O2-.) response with a slow onset (maximum at 40 to 60 min) and a maximum about one third of that observed for TPA. The response to TPA and zymosan was inhibited by the NADPH/NADH-oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium (ID50 = 5 microM for TPA), but not by the mitochondrial inhibitors, potassium cyanide, rotenone, or sodium azide. Fractionation of cells by centrifugal elutriation showed that TPA-stimulated O2-. production coeluted with the nonsteroidogenic cells and that little, if any, O2-. generation coeluted with the steroidogenic cells. Cells isolated 1, 2, and 4 h after in vivo treatment with a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) showed a significant increase in TPA-stimulated O2-. production at 2 h, whereas luteal cells or corpora lutea incubated directly with 1 microM PGF2alpha did not show any increase in response. Corpora lutea isolated from naturally regressed ovaries (18 days after ovulation) showed a significantly elevated level of TPA-stimulated O2-. production. In conclusion, there is a superoxide generator in luteinized ovaries that is activated through a protein kinase C pathway, localized in nonsteroidogenic cells, transiently increased during PGF2alpha-induced luteolysis in vivo, and elevated during natural luteal regression.

Apoptosis and PCNA expression induced by prolactin in structural involution of the rat corpus luteum.

There are two stages of luteal regression. The first stage is functional regression that is characterized by a decreased production of progesterone secretion; the second stage of structural involution is referred to as a structural luteolysis. In rodents, prolactin has a biphasic action on the corpus luteum. It is luteotrophic, but when exposed to functionally regressed corpora lutea it causes luteolysis. The objective of the present studies was to examine mechanisms of prolactin action in structural luteolysis, whether apoptosis is involved in this process, and to examine the possible association of cell proliferation signals as mediators of structural luteolysis. Prolactin-induced structural luteolysis was associated with apoptosis verified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Apoptotic cells made up about 3% of the cells 24 hours after the first injection of prolactin, a level that remained constant at all stages of structural luteolysis. Total ovarian weight and DNA content were decreased about 50% in 72 hours after induction of structural luteolysis by prolactin, The finding of about 3% of cells in apoptosis indicates apoptosis is a rapid process. Proliferating cell nuclear antigens (PCNA) of luteal cells were significantly decreased during functional luteal regression, but were conversely increased in structural luteolysis as shown by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In general PCNA expression is reported to be decreased during structural involution, and there are no reports that have linked excess expression of PCNA with apoptosis and structural luteolysis. We speculate that an excessive increase in expression of PCNA which signals activation of cell proliferation creates a disorder in the signals involved with DNA synthesis. This disorder results in mitotic catastrophe and in the induction of apoptosis. Therefore the disorder of cell cycle signals in luteal cells are associated with prolactin induced apoptosis in structural luteolysis.

Accumulation of ascorbate by endocrine-regulated and glucose-sensitive transport of dehydroascorbic acid in luteinized rat ovarian cells.

The corpus luteum is notable for very high levels of ascorbic acid. In luteal cells, ascorbic acid depletion occurs as a result of consumption during radical scavenging, inhibition of ascorbic acid uptake, and stimulation of its secretion. Oxidation of ascorbic acid generates dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA). Although levels of DHAA in blood are much lower than those of ascorbic acid, DHAA serves as the major transportable form of ascorbate for certain cell types. The aim of the present studies was to investigate whether DHAA transport is a potential mechanism for conserving ascorbic acid in the corpus luteum. DHAA uptake by rat luteal cells precultured for 24 h was linear for up to 30 min. Kinetics studies showed that uptake of DHAA was a concentration-dependent and saturable process with an estimated Michaelis constant (Km) of 830 microM and a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 700 pmol/min per 10(6) cells, a rate 50 times that of ascorbate transport. More than 90% of DHAA was reduced to ascorbic acid within 2 h of cellular uptake. DHAA uptake was energy- and microfilament-dependent, as transport was inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol (1 mM) and cytochalasin B (10 microM). Menadione (50 microM), an intracellular generator of reactive oxygen species, also markedly reduced DHAA uptake. In contrast to ascorbic acid transport, DHAA uptake was potently inhibited by glucose and phloretin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters, with IC50s of approximately 5 mM and 10 microM, respectively. DHAA uptake appears to occur via an insulin-insensitive transporter, as insulin (10 nM) had no effect on uptake. However, 24-h preincubation with insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I dose-dependently (10-100 ng/ml) stimulated DHAA uptake; similar concentrations of IGF-II had no effect. The secretion of radioactivity by cells preloaded with radiolabeled DHAA was significantly increased by prostaglandin F2alpha (1 microM). The ability of luteal cells to transport DHAA in a regulated manner may serve to maintain vital levels of ascorbic acid within the corpus luteum.

Ascorbic acid-dependent cytoprotection of ovarian cells by leukocyte and nonleukocyte peroxidases.

Luteal cells contain high levels of ascorbic acid that is secreted by stimulation with agents like luteinizing hormone (LH) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). One role for interstitial ascorbic acid, we propose, may be the detoxification of H2O2 by regeneration of catalytically active peroxidase. By serving as a preferred secondary substrate, ascorbic acid regenerates the catalytically active peroxidase that is inhibited irreversibly by H2O2 alone. To test this hypothesis, luteal cells were incubated in the absence and presence of peroxidases and H2O2, and the maximal cyclic AMP and steroidogenic response to LH was examined. In luteal cells, H2O2 is known to severely inhibit LH-sensitive cyclic AMP accumulation and steroidogenesis, and the addition of lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, or ascorbic acid (1 mM) alone had no effect on these responses to H2O2. However, co-incubation of ascorbic acid and the peroxidases completely reversed the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation and steroidogenesis produced by H2O2. These findings and the results that show direct oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of peroxidase and H2O2, but not with H2O2 alone, support the conclusion that ascorbic acid released from cells may detoxify H2O2 by regenerating the catalytically active state of peroxidases.

Effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors on proliferation of rat ovarian theca-interstitial cells.

Hyperplasia of the theca-interstitial (T-I) compartment, such as observed in polycystic ovary syndrome, is associated with ovarian dysfunction. Yet the mechanisms regulating proliferation of T-I cells are virtually unknown. This study was an investigation of the effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) on proliferation of rat T-I cells. Purified T-I cells were incubated in chemically defined media. Insulin (1-100 nM) and both IGFs (0.3-30 nM) dose-dependently stimulated DNA synthesis as determined by radiolabeled thymidine incorporation assay. IGF-I was most potent with EC50 = 1.4 +/- 0.4 nM, while IGF-II had EC50 = 4.3 +/- 0.18 nM and insulin had EC50 = 8.4 +/- 3.9 nM. The maximal effects of all three treatments were comparable. A combination of IGF-I at 10 nM (a concentration producing a near-maximal effect) with insulin or IGF-II resulted in DNA synthesis comparable to that achieved by IGF-I alone. IGF-I mutants with decreased affinity to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs)-long R3-IGF-I and des(1-3)IGF-I-produced greater effects on DNA synthesis than did IGF-I. The effects of insulin and IGFs on cell proliferation were confirmed by counting the steroidogenically active cells (stained positive for 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3 beta-HSD]) and steroidogenically inactive cells (3 beta-HSD negative). The number of steroidogenically active T-I cells was increased by insulin (by 3.7-fold, p < 0.001), IGF-I (by 3.2-fold, p < 0.001), and IGF-II (by 2.1-fold, p < 0.001). The number of steroidogenically inactive cells was not significantly altered. These findings indicate that 1) insulin- and IGF-dependent synthesis of DNA by T-I cells is stimulated via a common pathway, probably via type I IGF receptors; 2) endogenous IGFBPs may modify the effects of IGF-I; and 3) the increased DNA synthesis is reflected by an increase in the number of steroidogenically active cells. Insulin and the IGFs may play a role in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of T-I cells under physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, the present observations may explain thecal and stromal hyperplasia accompanying hyperinsulinemic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or hyperthecosis.

Hormone induction of ascorbic acid transport in immature granulosa cells.

Ascorbic acid serves a vital role as an antioxidant, and like FSH, it inhibits apoptosis of granulosa cells in cultured follicles. In contrast, reactive oxygen species block the action of FSH and induce DNA damage in these cells. As the uptake of ascorbic acid by granulosa cells may be a site for regulation, we examined the nature of this process and whether uptake is under hormone control. Granulosa cells were isolated from immature rats pretreated with estradiol or diethylstilbestrol for 3-4 days and placed in culture. Culture of the cells with either FSH (50 ng/ml) or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; 30 ng/ml) for 48 h increased ascorbic acid uptake by 2.7- and 1.9-fold (P < 0.05), respectively, and the response to FSH plus IGF-I was additive (4.5-fold; P < 0.05). The interval for maximum induction of ascorbic acid transport by FSH was between 4-8 h, whereas a significant response to IGF-I was not seen until 48 h. GnRH (1 microM), phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; 1 microM), and 8-bromo-cAMP (8Br-cAMP; 1 mM) also induced ascorbic acid transport by 1.7-, 1.9-, and 2.3-fold (P < 0.05) within 24 h, and the response to maximal levels of phorbol ester and 8Br-cAMP was synergistic (4.8-fold; P < 0.05). Kinetic analysis showed a similar Michaelis constant (K(m); 50.8 +/- 5.3 microM) and maximum velocity (3.3 +/- 0.4 pmol/10(6) cells.min) for ascorbic acid transport in FSH-, 8Br-cAMP-, or phorbol ester-treated cells. Ouabain (100 microM) or removal of extracellular Na+ significantly inhibited ascorbic acid uptake, as did dinitrophenol (1 mM), an inhibitor of mitochondrial production of ATP. The induction of ascorbic acid transport by FSH, IGF-I, or GnRH was abolished by simultaneous incubation with tyrphostin (AG-18; 80 microM), a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, whereas induction was unaffected by an inactive, but chemically similar, compound (A-1; 80 microM). From these results we conclude that ascorbic acid uptake is energy and Na+ dependent and that the induction of ascorbic acid transporters in granulosa cells occurs through multiple hormones that ultimately influence tyrosine-specific protein kinases. The hormone-dependent induction of ascorbic acid accumulation in granulosa cells appears to be an essential process for the development and maintenance of a viable follicle.

Cytokine induction of heat shock protein in human granulosa-luteal cells.

The infiltration of leukocytes is a characteristic feature of luteolysis in humans. Leukocytes are known to generate physiological inducers of cell stress such as cytokines which have been implicated as mediators of functional luteal regression. In cells exposed to stress, a response characterized by an increase in heat shock protein (HSP) synthesis occurs. Recently, the induction of HSP-70 in rat luteal cells has been shown to inhibit luteinizing hormone (LH) and cAMP-sensitive progesterone production, possibly by interfering with the translocation of cholesterol to the mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc. We therefore investigated whether HSP-70 is induced in human granulosa-luteal cells and its relationship to steroidogenesis. [35S]Methionine labelling showed an increase in a 70 kDa protein after heat treatment which was demonstrated to be HSP-70 by Western analysis using monoclonal antibodies against the constitutive and inducible forms of HSP-70. Induction of HSP-70 in human granulosa-luteal cells was also seen with interferon (IFN) gamma (10 ng/ml), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (100 ng/ml) and a combination of IFN gamma/TNF-alpha (10/50 ng/ml). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) (30 ng/ml) showed minimal induction of HSP-70 above control values. An increase in activated heat shock factor, which binds to the heat shock transcriptional control element, was detected after heat shock, IFN/TNF, and IFN treatment. Coincident with the induction of HSP-70 by heat shock was the inhibition of progesterone production compared with non-shocked granulosa-luteal cells. Heat shock inhibition of progesterone synthesis was partially reversed by the cell- and mitochondria-permeant cholesterol analogue, 22R-hydroxycholesterol. Cell viability was unaffected by heat treatment. White blood cell-depleted granulosa-luteal cell cultures treated with IFN demonstrated a significant reduction in progesterone production. Treatment with IFN/TNF, TNF, and IL-1 also decreased progesterone secretion, although statistical significance was not achieved. These findings provide evidence that a stress response occurs in human granulosa-luteal cells in response to heat and cytokines. The inhibition of gonadotrophin-sensitive steroidogenesis coincident with the induction of HSP-70 synthesis by physiological agents which are present in the corpus luteum implicates HSP-70 as a potential mediator of luteolysis in the human.

Endocrine regulation of ascorbic acid transport and secretion in luteal cells.

Luteal ascorbic acid depletion by LH and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha is well known, but how such depletion occurs is not. We therefore investigated the nature and regulation of ascorbic acid uptake and depletion in the rat CL and luteal cells. In vivo studies showed that blockade of steroidogenesis by aminoglutethimide prevented ascorbate depletion by LH, but not PGF2 alpha. Also, the time course for half-maximal depletion of ascorbic acid in vivo in response to PGF2 alpha was extremely rapid (2-3 min) compared to that known for LH (60 min). Thus, ascorbate depletion by LH and PGF2 alpha appears to occur by different mechanisms. In luteal cells, ascorbate uptake was energy-, sodium-, and microfilament-dependent with a Michaelis constant (Km) of 33 microM, similar to that reported for other cells. In contrast to findings for other cells, PGF2 alpha was found to be a potent and rapid inhibitor of ascorbate uptake with a half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of about 5 nM in luteal cells. Ascorbate uptake was unaffected by LH, PGE2, glucose, bromo-cAMP, progesterone, phorbol ester, ionomycin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or aminoglutethimide. Also novel was the finding that luteal cell secretion of ascorbic acid was rapidly and potently stimulated by PGF2 alpha (IC50 about 5 nM), an effect mimicked by LH, H2O2, generators of reactive oxygen, calcium ionophore, and cytochalasin B. Basal release of ascorbic acid was energy-dependent, as secretion was blocked by a mitochondrial uncoupler and lowered temperature. Phorbol ester, bromo-cAMP, progesterone, aminoglutethimide, and ouabain had no effect on ascorbic acid secretion in luteal cells. These findings indicate that the secretion of ascorbic acid induced by PGF2 alpha, and possibly LH, may be mediated by calcium, reactive oxygen, and cytoskeletal changes. The ability of PGF2 alpha to inhibit ascorbate transport and to stimulate secretion implicates these processes as the basis for the rapid depletion of ascorbic acid in the CL. Ascorbate depletion by LH is associated with stimulation of steroidogenesis and an increase in ascorbic acid secretion.

Heat shock protein-70 induction mediates luteal regression in the rat.

Induction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) is associated with inhibition of hormone-sensitive steroidogenesis and interruption of cholesterol translocation to or into the mitochondria. A number of pharmacological and physiological inhibitors of luteal cell function stimulate HSP-70 synthesis via activation of the heat shock transcription factor (HSF). In the present study we address the following questions: 1) is HSP-70 synthesis increased during prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-induced luteolysis or natural luteal regression? 2) Does blocking HSP-70 synthesis reverse the inhibition of hormone-sensitive steroidogenesis induced by heat stress and PGF2 alpha? Gel-retardation assays demonstrated HSF activation within 7.5 min after PGF2 alpha (400 micrograms) administered in vivo. Western blotting revealed HSP-70 synthesis by 1 h with higher levels seen at 2 h. The stress response was similarly activated during natural regression of the corpus luteum in rats. Gel retardation assays demonstrated maximal HSF activation 10 days after ovulation. Western blotting showed that HSP-70 levels increased dramatically on this same day and were sustained for several days after the initiation of luteal regression. Inhibition of HSP-70 synthesis was investigated in isolated luteal cells using a cholesteryl-conjugated phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. The control was an oligodeoxynucleotide with the same base composition, but with scrambled base sequence. Incubation with 3 microM antisense oligodeoxynucleotide for 2 h before a 42 C heat shock prevented synthesis of HSP-70 while up to 4.5 microM control oligodeoxynucleotide had no effect on HSP-70 synthesis in response to heat shock. Preincubation with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide partially reversed heat stress-induced inhibition of LH-stimulated steroidogenesis. More importantly, preincubation with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide also significantly reversed inhibition of cAMP-stimulated steroidogenesis induced by PGF2 alpha. Treatment with control oligodeoxynucleotide did not reverse heat shock or PGF2 alpha inhibition of hormone-dependent steroidogenesis. The findings that the synthesis of HSP-70 coincides with the loss of luteal function and that blocking its synthesis reverses inhibition of hormone-dependent steroidogenesis strongly suggest a role for HSPs as physiological mediators of luteal regression.