Biological and physiological characteristics of human cumulus cells in adherent culture condition

Abstract

Abstract Background Cumulus cells, as oocyte nurse cells, provide a suitable microenvironment with growth factors and cellular interactions required for oocyte maturation. Thus, these cells may serve as a natural niche for in vitro studies of female germ cell development. Cumulus cells may help attain a better understanding of the causes of infertility in women and eventually improve the outcomes of cases that respond poorly to standard infertility treatment. Objective The aim of this study was to isolate, culture, and investigate the biological characteristics of human cumulus cells. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, cumulus cells were isolated, cultured, and characterized using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses of specific genes including FOXL2, CYP19A1, FSHR, AMHR, and LHR. The presence of vimentin, a structural protein, was examined via immunofluorescent staining. Moreover, levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone secretion by cumulus cells were measured with ELISA after 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 hr of culture. Results In adherent culture, human cumulus cells expressed specific genes and markers as well as secreted AMH and progesterone into the medium. Conclusion Cumulus cells secrete AMH and progesterone in an adherent culture and might be applicable for in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) studies.