Effects of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 17?-estradiol on human ovarian tissue survival in culture

Objective: To investigate the effects of T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17beta-estradiol on human ovarian stromal tissue survival in culture and to identify steroids capable of inhibiting cell death in vitro. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Academic research setting. Patient(s): Thirty women, aged 18-38 years, undergoing gynecological operations for benign conditions and eight women, aged 27-36 years, undergoing IVF because of tubal obstruction or male factor infertility. Intervention(s): Cultured tissue was exposed to T, DHT, 17beta-estradiol, or the anti-androgen casodex. Main Outcome Measure(s): Immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR), Southern blot analysis of DNA fragmentation, histology, and in situ end labeling of apoptotic DNA. Result(s): Androgen receptors were detected in the ovarian stroma and granulosa cells of the primordial follicles, although they were more clearly seen in primary follicles and more advanced-stage follicles. Testosterone only marginally suppressed ovarian tissue apoptosis in vitro. DHT was more effective than T, whereas 17beta-estradiol had no notable effect on the viability of the tissue. The effects of androgens on the ovarian tissue may be mediated through ARs, since blocking the receptors with an AR antagonist reversed the suppressive effect of DHT. Conclusion(s): DHT may be useful for enhancing human ovarian tissue survival in vitro. (C) 2004 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.