Ooctyte and Granulosa-Cumulus Cells Interactions: LH Receptor mRNA Expression on The Oocyte Quality

Abstract

Luteinizing hormone (LH) exerts its actions through its receptor (LHR), which is mainly expressed in theca cells and to a lesser extent in oocytes, granulosa and cumulus cells. The aim of the present study was the investigation of a possible correlation between LHR gene expression in granulosacumulus cells and ovarian response as well as assisted reproductive technology outcome. Method: Human granulosacumulus cells obtained from 26 women undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. RNA extraction and cDNA preparation was followed by LHR gene expression investigation through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The oocyte were classified into three groups of f ertility ratio (low: <30%; moderate: 30%-60%; and high >70%). Furthermore, the gene expressions of LHR were compared by the fertility ratio of oocyte. Result: LHR mRNA expression were detected in all of granulocyte-cumulus tissue samples. LHR PCR products revealed increase in mRNA expression in the granulosa-cumulus with the low group of fertility ratio. LHR mRNA expression was lower in the high fertility ratio group than in the moderate group and low group of fertility ratio. Concerning LHR expression in granulosa-cumulus cells, a significant negative association was observed between LHR gene expressions with the fertility ratio. Conclusion: LH play some role as regulators in granulosa-oocyte ovarian tissue, and that the present study provides a step towards a new role of LHR gene expression profiling as a biomarker candidate in the prediction of ovarian response.