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Luteinizing Hormone Has a Stage-Limited Effect on Preantral Follicle Development In Vitro¹

^a Gamete Biology Group, Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Center, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany ^b Reproductive Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Göttingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany

ABSTRACT

Although it is known that LH receptors are present from the time of thecal differentiation, the role of LH during early follicle development is not yet clear. The effect of LH on preantral follicle development has therefore been investigated in vitro using a culture system that supports the development of intact follicles. We have previously shown that although preantral follicles 150 µm in diameter (2–3 granulosa cell layers) do not require LH to proceed through antral development, smaller follicles (1–2 granulosa cell layers, 85–110 µm in diameter) do not develop beyond the large preantral stage in the presence of only FSH and 5% mouse serum. Follicles of this size were therefore used to determine the effects of LH and serum on their development in vitro. The results showed that although FSH must be continuously present, a low concentration of LH together with a slight increase in serum concentration was necessary, specifically during the primary stage of follicle development (from 85 µm in diameter until the follicles had reached 150 µm in diameter) to induce the capacity for subsequent LH-independent rapid growth and antral development. The in vitro development of maturable oocytes with normal spindle and chromatin morphology was also supported. These results indicate that LH probably induces changes in the early differentiating thecal cells, which are critical for the completion of subsequent follicular and oocyte development.

FOOTNOTES

First decision: 24 August 1999.

¹ J.W. was supported by research grant GB 9601/2 from the Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Technologie.

² Correspondence: Penelope L. Nayudu, Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany. FAX: 49 551 3851288; pnayudu{at}gwdg.de

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