The ovary is not a major source of placental protein 14 (glycodelin)

Abstract

Placental protein 14 (PP14) is the major glycoprotein synthesized by late secretory endometrium and gestational decidua. The control mechanisms of PP14 production are uncertain but might include progesterone or an ovarian factor. It has been suggested that PP14 might be produced by the ovary itself. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the ovary is a major source of PP14. We measured PP14 and also insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), another protein produced in large amounts by the secretory endometrium though not specific to that tissue. The samples included sera from the ovarian vein in one subject, sera of three women affected with Rokitansky syndrome (absent uterus) and follicular fluid samples collected during oocyte recovery in 46 in-vitro fertilization patients. PP14 was undetectable in the sample collected from the ovarian vein at the mid-luteal phase and was absent or at very low concentrations in most of the follicular fluid samples. Furthermore, the predominantly uterine origin was confirmed by the inability to detect any PP14 in sera throughout the menstrual cycle from patients with congenital absence of the uterus (Rokitansky syndrome). In conclusion this study shows that the ovary is not a major source of PP14.