Hyperexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors in granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To compare the localization and quantitation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in granulosa cells from women with normal and polycystic ovaries. Design: Controlled, comparative study. Setting: Academic research laboratory. Patient(s): Forty-two women with normal or polycystic ovaries who attended our facility for the recovery of their immature or mature oocytes or for therapeutic purposes. Intervention(s): Patients underwent intravaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval or laparoscopic follicular aspiration with or without prior stimulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Quantitation of EGF receptor in granulosa cells. Result(s): Granulosa cells from polycystic ovaries expressed significantly higher levels of EGF receptor than granulosa cells from normal ovaries. In contrast with patients who were treated with clomiphene citrate, those who were treated with gonadotropins showed low levels of the receptor. However, the levels of the receptor in granulosa cells were not correlated with circulating levels of LH, FSH, progesterone, or E 2. Immunolabeling of EGF receptor was confined to the cell membrane of granulosa cells. This receptor was fully functional, mediating the ligand-induced inhibition of E 2 production in culture. Conclusion(s): These results provide further evidence supporting a possible role of EGF/transforming growth factor-α in the aberration of ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome.