Primary Culture of Ovarian Cells for Research on Cell Interactions in the Hormonal Control of Steroidogenesis

Ovary is a polymorphic complex structure in which the cells are arranged in two essential endocrine mini glands: the follicle (F) and the corpus luteum (CL). Their secretory function creates an optimal milieu for growth, maturation, and selection of follicles and oocytes competent for ovulation. Monoculture of isolated ovarian cells has identified the secretory potential of the different cell types functioning in this complex gland in vivo. Primary culture of isolated ovarian cells is a good tool for the investigation of cell interactions and its impact on steroidogenesis, dynamics of steroidogenic enzymes, hormone receptors, changes in the cytoskeleton in granulosa cell populations, regulatory mechanisms, and the intracellular pathways of gonadotropin signaling in steroidogenic ovarian cells. Since the granulosa cell number recovered during isolation from the follicle is substantial, this makes primary culture fairly easy and enables many kinds of studies in vitro. Ovarian cells are highly differentiated and express characteristic functional specificity dependent on the dynamics of the sexual cycle. This is important so as not to produce artifacts in vitro.