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Luteinization of human granulosa cells in vivo is associated with expression of MHC Class II antigens

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Summary

We previously described the presence of MHC class II (HLA-DR) antigens, structurally similar to those on lymphoid cells and bearing the genetically-appropriate allotypic determinants, on human adrenocortical cells in the zona reticularis of normal glands. We now report a similar expression by granulosa-lutein cells (GLC) in corpora lutea (CL) of normal ovaries, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence techniques with the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAb). In some cases, GLC were also positive for HLA-DQ and-DP antigen expression. Neither granulosa nor theca interna cells in large antral follicles of the same ovaries showed any detectable expression of MHC class II antigens. Moreover, theca-lutein (paralutein) cells, identified by their reactivity with specific human autoantibodies in 5 of the 7 human CL examined, were also negative. Similarly, GLC, but not paralutein cells, in rhesus monkey CL showed significant cross-reactivity with anti-HLA-DR MAb. In contrast, lutein cells in ovaries from either cycling or 7-day-pregnant rats were negative for MHC class II (Ia) antigen expression. Expression of MHC class II antigens by human granulosa cells after their luteal transformation confirms the normal inducibility of certain human steroidogenic cells at the time of their further functional differentiation and enhanced biosynthetic activity, and suggests that these molecules, may have additional functions beyond serving as restriction elements in the immune response.

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Abbreviations

MHC :

major histocompatibility complex

HLA :

human leukocyte antigen

ACTH :

adrenocorticotropic hormone

S-D :

Sprague-Dawley

Mab :

monoclonal antibody (ies)

CL :

corpus luteum (corpora lutea)

IF :

immunofluorescence

FITC :

fluorescein isothiocyanate

TRITC :

tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate

PBS :

phosphate-buffered saline

GLC :

granulosa-lutein cells

TLC :

theca-lutein or paralutein cells

Ia :

murine MHC class II

TNFα:

tumor necrosis factor alpha

LH :

luteotropin hormone

PG :

prostaglandin

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Author notes

  1. Lorna A. Marshall

    Present address: Reproductive Endocrinology, Virginia Mason Clinic, 1100 9th Ave., 98111, Seattle, WA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Oral Biology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

    Emilio L. Khoury

  2. Reproductive Endocrinology Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

    Lorna A. Marshall

Authors
  1. Emilio L. Khoury
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  2. Lorna A. Marshall
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Khoury, E.L., Marshall, L.A. Luteinization of human granulosa cells in vivo is associated with expression of MHC Class II antigens. Cell Tissue Res 262, 217–224 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00309876

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