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Follicular Development during the Luteal Phase of the Human Menstrual Cycle

Kenneth P. Mcnatty^*, Stephen G. Hillier, Agnes M. J. van den Boogaard, Trudy C. M. Trimbos-Kemper, Leo E. Reichert, JR. and Eylard V. van Hall

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; and Department of Biochemistry (L.E.R.), Albany Medical College of Union University, Albany, New York 12008

The aims of the present studies were to determine the number, size range, health, and steroidogenic activities of antral follicles in normal human ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Steroidogenic activity was assessed from the levels of androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol in follicular fluid and the levels of extant and FSH-stimulable aromatase activity and FSH-stimulable progestin synthesis in the granulosa cells. Data for luteal phase ovaries were compared to those obtained for ovaries from the late follicular phase.

On average, 94% (range, 70–100%) of the luteal phase follicles (1 mm diameter) were atretic as assessed by oocyte viability and granulosa cell number. The largest healthy follicles during the mid- to late luteal phase were 4–4.5 mm in diameter; these contained high levels of aromatizable androgen (500–2000 ng/ml), low levels of estradiol (<10 ng/ml), and granulosa cells with an extant level of aromatase activity 200 times lower than that in a preovulatory follicle. Based on these biochemical criteria, healthy (luteal phase) follicles were not distinguishable from atretic follicles. Granulosa cells from the luteal phase follicles were responsive to FSH with respect to progesterone and estradiol biosynthetic activity; the aromatase system in the cells from the mid- to late luteal phase follicles was significantly more responsive to FSH than that in cells from late follicular or early luteal phase follicles (P < 0.05).

These data suggest that the number of healthy luteal phase follicles (l mm diameter) available for subsequent preovulatory development is limited. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 56: 1022, 1983)

^* To whom requests for reprints should be addressed. Present address: Wallaceville Animal Research Centre, Private Bag, Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Present address: Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hammersmith Hospital, University of London, London, England.

Received June 7, 1982.

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