AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol 244, Issue 5 487-E493, Copyright © 1983 by American Physiological Society
Steroidogenesis by avian ovarian cells: effects of luteinizing hormone and substrate availability
B. L. Marrone and F. Hertelendy
The production of progesterone (P) and estrogen (E) by enzymatically
dispersed granulosa and theca cells from chicken preovulatory follicles was
examined in 3-h incubations. Accumulation of the P produced by granulosa
cells was significantly reduced by the addition of theca cells, whereas E
production was increased. The decrease in P accumulation was shown to be
due to extensive metabolism of P by theca cells. There were no synergistic
effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) and any substrate tested on E
production by theca cells. Maturation of granulosa cells was characterized
by an increased sensitivity to LH stimulation of P production, but there
was no change in pregnenolone conversion to P. Conversely, maturation of
theca cells was accompanied by decreased in both sensitivity to LH and the
ability to convert substrates to E. The results are discussed in terms of
the contribution of each cell type in the production of steroids by chicken
follicles during maturation.
