Abstract
The objective of the present study was to characterize the effect of insulin plus hCG on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc and CYP17) in polycystic ovaries of rats. Changes in estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, hormonal levels, and protein levels by immunohistochemistry and western-blot were determined. Rats treated with insulin plus hCG displayed abnormal estrous cycles with increasing androgen biosynthesis. Meanwhile, insulin plus hCG resulted in multiple large cysts with diminished granulosa layers and increased thecal layers and stromal-interstitial tissue. Moreover, there was an increase in the expression of P450scc and CYP17 in thecal and stromal cells in our PCOS rat model compared with control rats. These results indicate that administration of insulin with hCG can synergistically result in endogenous hyperandrogenism which may partially upregulate the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in ovarian tissue.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Androstenedione / blood
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Animals
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Blotting, Western
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Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / biosynthesis*
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Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / metabolism
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Disease Models, Animal*
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Enzyme Induction*
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Female
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Hyperandrogenism / etiology*
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Immunohistochemistry
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Ovary / enzymology*
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Ovary / metabolism
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Ovary / pathology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / enzymology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism*
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / pathology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / biosynthesis*
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Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / metabolism
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Stromal Cells / enzymology
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Stromal Cells / metabolism
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Stromal Cells / pathology
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Testosterone / blood
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Theca Cells / enzymology
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Theca Cells / metabolism
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Theca Cells / pathology
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Up-Regulation
Substances
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Testosterone
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Androstenedione
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Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
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Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme