The expression of leptin and its receptors in pre-ovulatory human follicles

• Published in: Molecular human reproduction Vol. 3; no. 6; pp. 467 - 472
• Main Authors: CIOFFI, J. A, VAN BLERKOM, J, ANTCZAK, M, SHAFER, A, WITTMER, S, SNODGRASS, H. R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01-06-1997
• Subjects: Adult; Base Sequence; Biological and medical sciences; Birth control; Carrier Proteins - genetics; DNA Primers - genetics; Embryo Transfer; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular Fluid - metabolism; Follicular Phase - genetics; Follicular Phase - metabolism; Gene Expression; Granulosa Cells - metabolism; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Infertility - genetics; Infertility - metabolism; Infertility - therapy; Leptin; Medical sciences; Oocytes - metabolism; Ovarian Follicle - cytology; Ovarian Follicle - metabolism; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy; Proteins - genetics; Proteins - metabolism; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, Leptin; Sterility. Assisted procreation; Human; Induction; Peptide hormone; Assisted procreation; Preovulation; Gene expression; Ovulation; Proteins; In vitro fertilization embryo transfer; Embryo transfer; Ovary; Leptin; Female genital system; Female; Ovarian follicle; Hormonal receptor
• ISSN: 1360-9947; 1460-2407; 1460-2407
• DOI: 10.1093/molehr/3.6.467

The expression of leptin and its receptors was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence in granulosa and cumulus cells of pre-ovulatory follicles and in meiotically mature oocytes obtained from women undergoing in-vitro fertilization. Leptin concentrations were measured in newly aspirated follicular fluids and in maternal serum before and after the administration of an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin. The findings demonstrate leptin expression at the mRNA and protein levels by granulosa and cumulus cells, and the presence of leptin in mature human oocytes. While an association between follicular leptin concentration and embryo development was not observed, a post-ovulatory increase in serum leptin concentration was associated with implantation potential. The results are discussed with respect to possible roles of leptin in early human development.