PARENT SESSION
MINISYMPOSIUM I: Endocrine Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Monday, July 30, 2001, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Westin-Confederation I
Chair: Stephen Franks
Speakers: Nicholas Cataldo, John H Nilson, Stephen Franks

ABNORMALITIES OF STEROIDOGENESIS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIES.

Franks, Stephen¹, ¹

ABSTRACT- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and is the commonest cause of anovulatory infertility. The presence of polycystic ovaries (PCO), even in the absence of anovulation, is associated with hypersecretion of ovarian androgens. Studies of primary cultures of thecal cells in our laboratory have shown that theca from PCO produce 20-fold more androstenedione than control theca. Additional data from these and more recent studies of passaged theca cells suggest a global, intrinsic abnormality of theca cell steroidogenesis. Parallel molecular genetic studies raise the possibility that such an abnormality is genetically programmed and may involve abnormal regulation of cyp11a (P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage). In anovulatory women, there is also evidence for abnormal steroidogenesis by granulosa cells. Granulosa cells from antral follicles in women with PCOS show inappropriate responsiveness to LH and hypersecrete both estradiol and progesterone. This may reflect abnormalities in the endocrine environment, particularly the attendant hyperinsulinaemia.which is characteristic of PCOS.

KEY WORDS: Polycystic ovary syndrome, androgens