Expression of integrin fraction and adhesion molecules on human granulosa cells and its relation with oocyte maturity and follicular steroidogenesis

Abstract

Purpose: To study the correlation between the expression of integrin fractions and adhesion molecules on granulosa cells (GC) and follicular development. Methods: GC and follicular fluid (FF) were obtained at oocyte retrieval for ICSI. Expression of adhesion molecules on GC was studied by flow cytometry. Statistics were evaluated using the Student t test and simple linear regression analysis. Results: α5 integrin fraction was significantly (p<0.01) higher, while α6 fraction and CD9 were significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) lower in GC from FF with metaphase II oocytes. A direct significant correlation was observed between FF progesterone and the α5 expression on GC (r=0.54). In contrast, an inverse significant correlation was observed between FF progesterone level and the expression of α6 and CD9 (r= -0.40 and -0.41, respectively). Conclusions: The expression pattern for integrin fractions and adhesion molecules may be of predictive value in assessing the state of differentiation of the human follicle.