This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by PARINAUD, J. Articles by BAULIEU, E.-E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by PARINAUD, J. Articles by BAULIEU, E.-E.

Effects of RU486 on Progesterone Secretion by Human Preovulatory Granulosa Cells in Culture^*

Laboratoire de Fècondation In Vitro, INSERM U168, CHR La Grave (J.P., G. VJ; INSERM 101 CHR Purpan (B.P., H.R.) Toulouse; France
INSERM U33, Facultè de Mèdecine de Bêcetre (E.-E.BJ Bicêtre, France

Adress all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Jean Parinaud, INSERM U168, CHR La Grave, 31052 Toulouse Cedex, France.

The effects of RU486 on progesterone synthesis were studied in human preovulatory granulosa cells in culture. No effect was observed at 1 and 10 µg/mL, but at 100 µg/mL, RU486 inhibited the simulation of progesterone secretion induced by LH and cAMP. It is suggested that the main target of RU486 is the cytochrome P450_BCC function [catalyzing the formation of pregnenolone (D5P) from cholesterol], since no accumulation of D5P or hydroxy derivatives of progesterone was observed. As RU486 is an antiglucocorticosteroid and antiprogesterone agent, the effects of dexamethasone and progesterone were also investigated. Dexamethasone did not modify progesterone secretion, but progesterone inhibited its own synthesis in both the presence and absence of LH. Thus, under these experimental conditions RU486 displayed a progesterone-like effect. However, since the effect of RU486 was observed only at a concentration around 10^–4 M, the mechanism of action may not involve a receptor pathway and may not apply to most clinical circumstances.

^* This work was supported in part by Grant REC/8700744 from the Conseil Regional Midi Pyrenees, Toulouse, France.

Received June 9, 1989.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Engmann, R. Losel, M. Wehling, and J. J. Peluso Progesterone Regulation of Human Granulosa/Luteal Cell Viability by an RU486-Independent Mechanism J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2006; 91(12): 4962 - 4968. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. VandeVoort, J. W. Overstreet, B. L. Lasley, and D. R. Stewart Effects of Progesterone Receptor Blockers on Human Granulosa-Luteal Cell Culture Secretion of Progesterone, Estradiol, and Relaxin Biol Reprod, January 1, 2000; 62(1): 200 - 205. [Abstract] [Full Text]