Relationships between in vitro progesterone production by granulosa-luteal cells and certain characteristics of human stimulated cycles

To explore the conditions of a suitable luteal phase in human stimulated cycles, progesterone (P) production by cultured granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles was related to preovulatory serum estradiol (E2) and number of oocytes. Progesterone production was measured in the presence or absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) using radioimmunoassay; data were compared using Student’s t-test; correlations used linear regression. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) for infertility treatment at hospital Antoine Beclère, Clamart, France; scientific studies at Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unit 187, Clamart, France. Nineteen women, 33 ± 4 years old, undergoing IVF-ET for nonovarian causes. High preovulatory E2 usually correlates with high luteal P level. Atretic follicle has reduced follicular E2 production combined with a loss of responsiveness to gonadotropins. Granulosa-luteal cell P production correlated with E2 level (P < 0.0002). Six cycles, with 14 oocytes recovered per cycle on average, showed reduced plasma E2 per oocyte (P < 0.001) combined with reduced responsiveness to hCG by granulosa-luteal cells (P < 0.02). Recovery of numerous oocytes might be associated with follicular atresia and deficient luteal phase.