What do granulosa and theca cells do?

The granulosa and theca cells are a site of action for the gonadotropins and a site for production of steroid hormones. The theca cells respond to luteinizing hormone (LH) and produce androgens, as well as progesterone in the pre-ovulatory large follicles (Magoffin, 2005; Wickenheisser et al., 2006).

What is the difference between theca and granulosa cells?

Theca cells produce androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Granulosa cells respond to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) mainly by aromatizing androgens to estrogens and to some extent by producing pregnenolone from cholesterol.

What enzyme do granulosa cells contain?

MGCs are more steroidogenically active and have higher levels of mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome P450. MGCs produce an increasing amount of estrogen which leads to the LH surge.

Is theca interna vascular?

The theca interna and externa also contain a rich supply of blood vessels called the vascular tissue that brings nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the growing follicles.

What type of cells are granulosa cells?

A granulosa cell or follicular cell is a somatic cell of the sex cord that is closely associated with the developing female gamete (called an oocyte or egg) in the ovary of mammals.

What cells do FSH act on?

In women, this hormone stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in the ovary before the release of an egg from one follicle at ovulation. It also increases oestradiol production. In men, follicle stimulating hormone acts on the Sertoli cells of the testes to stimulate sperm production (spermatogenesis).

What do theca interna cells secrete?

Theca interna cells express receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) to produce androstenedione, which via a few steps, gives the granulosa the precursor for estrogen manufacturing. After rupture of the mature ovarian follicle, the theca interna cells differentiate into the theca lutein cells of the corpus luteum.

How to test for granulosa theca cell tumors?

Serum levels for estrogen, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone can be drawn if elevation of these hormones is suggested based on clinical findings. Abrupt onset or rapid progression of endocrinologic manifestations should heighten the suspicion for a neoplastic process. In postmenopausal women, obtain blood for a CA125 test.

What is the function of the granulosa cell?

Granulosa cells form a single layer around the OOCYTE in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the OVUM in the Graafian follicle. The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of steroids and LH receptors (RECEPTORS, LH). View more on it here.

Where are granulosa cells located in the fetus?

This hormone is produced exclusively by granulosa cells in postnatal females and both prenatally and postnatally by the Sertoli cells in the male testis. This hormone functions in male fetuses to induce regression of the mullerian system.

How long does it take for granulosa theca to recur?

They also noted that inhibin A level was elevated before or at the time of first clinical recurrence in 58% of patients while inhibin B level was elevated in 85%. Lead time from elevation of inhibin levels to clinical recurrence was estimated to be 11 months.