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Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2/2020

Open Access 01-02-2020 | Filgrastim | Reproductive Physiology and Disease

A paracrine interaction between granulosa cells and leukocytes in the preovulatory follicle causes the increase in follicular G-CSF levels

Authors: Laure Noël, Maïté Fransolet, Nathalie Jacobs, Jean-Michel Foidart, Michelle Nisolle, Carine Munaut

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Objective

Follicular granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a new biomarker of oocyte quality and embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Its role in reproduction is poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and cells responsible for G-CSF production in the preovulatory follicle.

Design

Laboratory research study.

Setting

Single-center study.

Interventions

Granulosa cells and leukocytes were isolated from the follicular fluids (FF) or the blood of women undergoing IVF and from the blood of a control group of women with spontaneous ovulatory cycles to perform cocultures.

Main outcome measure

G-CSF-secreted protein was quantified in the conditioned media of cocultures.

Results

G-CSF secretion was considerably increased in cocultures of granulosa cells and leukocytes. This effect was maximal when leukocytes were isolated from the blood of women in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle or from the FF of women undergoing IVF. The leukocyte population isolated from the FF samples of women undergoing IVF had a higher proportion of granulocytes than that isolated from the corresponding blood samples. Leukocytes induced the synthesis and secretion of G-CSF by granulosa cells. Among a range of other FF cytokines/chemokines, only growth-regulated oncogene alpha (GROα) was also increased.

Conclusion

The notable rise in G-CSF at the time of ovulation coincides with the accumulation of follicular granulocytes, which stimulate G-CSF production by granulosa cells via paracrine interactions. High follicular G-CSF concentrations may occur in follicles with optimal granulosa–leukocyte interactions, which could explain the increased implantation rate of embryos arising from these follicles.
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Metadata
Title
A paracrine interaction between granulosa cells and leukocytes in the preovulatory follicle causes the increase in follicular G-CSF levels
Authors
Laure Noël
Maïté Fransolet
Nathalie Jacobs
Jean-Michel Foidart
Michelle Nisolle
Carine Munaut
Publication date
01-02-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01692-y

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