Estrogens and androgens affect human luteal cell function

Objective: To evaluate estrogens (Es)-E-2, estrone (E-1), and estriol-and androgens-T and androstendione (A)-effect on P, prostaglandin (PG) F-2 alpha, PGE(2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and on VEGF expression in human luteal cells. To elucidate whether androgens effects were direct or mediated by their conversion in Es, an aromatase inhibitor was used. Finally, the luteal effect of the non-aromatizable dihydrotestosterone was evaluated. Design: Prospective laboratory study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Corpora lutea (CLs) were obtained from 36 normally menstruating patients in the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Intervention(s): The human luteal cells were isolated from CLs and primary cultures were established. Main Outcome Measure(s): P and PG release were assayed by enzyme immunoassay; VEGF secretion by ELISA; VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result(s): P and PGF(2 alpha) secretion were decreased by Es and androgens. The VEGF release was increased by Es and androgens, whereas VEGF mRNA expression was not. The aromatase inhibitor counteracted T and A luteal effects. Conclusion(s): Both Es and androgens could participate in the regulation of human luteal function. The effect of T and A seems to be mediated by their conversion to Es, whereas for dihydrotestosterone, both direct androgenic and indirect estrogenic luteal effects could coexist. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:2257-63. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)