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Impact of Carbohydrate Heterogeneity in Function of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: Studies Derived from in Vitro and in Vivo Models¹

Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine,³ Hospital de Ginecobstetricia Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, México D.F Gamete Biology Laboratory,⁴ Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, Göttingen, Germany

Carbohydrates attached to the protein core of glycoprotein hormones influence a number of intracellular and extracellular processes. As with other members of the glycoprotein hormone family, FSH is produced and released as an array of isoforms that differ from each other in the structure of their oligosaccharide attachments. In this review, we discuss how carbohydrate heterogeneity can impact on FSH action in different in vitro and in vivo systems. We present evidence for diverse effects of distinct charge isoforms at the target cell level, including differential and unique effects on various end responses, and discuss how the use of multiple cell-type assays has allowed identification of some specific effects of FSH isoforms on different cell populations and follicle compartments as well as oocyte maturation. Finally, we discuss recent information on the ability of naturally occurring and laboratory manufactured FSH isoforms to evoke particular effects on granulosa cell function and ovarian follicular maturation in vivo. Such studies have provided evidence that the type(s) of FSH signal delivered may in fact regulate distinct biological outcomes irrespective or in addition to outcomes dictated solely by clearance rate differences.

¹ Supported by grants from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT; grant 38056M and 38074M) to A.U.-A. and C.T., and from Serono, Organon, Zebet (1328-134 bgvv) and BMBF (grant 01 GB 9601/2) to P.N. J.B.T. is a postgraduate student supported by the CONACyT and Fondo para el Fomento de la Investigación (FOFOI)-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico.

² Correspondence: Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre, P.O. Box 99-065, Unidad Independencia, IMSS, C.P. 10101, México D.F. FAX: 52 55 5616 2278; aulloaa{at}servidor.unam.mx

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