Control of human luteal steroidogenesis: role of growth hormone-releasing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide

Objective: To examine the possible effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide on basal and hCG-stimulated P production by human luteal cells. Design: Cultures of human luteal cells from the early and midluteal phase. Setting: All corpora lutea were obtained from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Universita Cattolica, a public care center. Patient(s): Ten nonpregnant women between 35 and 47 years of age underwent surgery for various nonendocrine disorders, such as leiomyomatosis. Intervention(s): Corpora lutea were obtained at the time of hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Luteal cells were incubated with GHRH, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide with or without hCG at different concentrations. Result(s): Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide stimulated P production in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas GHRH and vasoactive intestinal peptide did not affect luteal steroidogenesis. None of the three peptides were found to synergize with hCG. Conclusion(s): Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide can influence human luteal steroidogenesis. (C) 1997 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.