Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression and function of adiponectin and its receptors in mouse and human follicle cells and in early embryo development. DESIGN: Whole ovaries, granulosa cells, and cumulus-oocyte complexes isolated from immature mice before and during hormone-induced ovulation were used to analyze the expression of adiponectin, its receptors, and ovulation-related genes; human cumulus cells and granulosa cells were isolated from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. SETTING: Multicenter. PATIENT(S): Women in IVF programs in Japan and the United States. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Expression of adiponectin receptors and fertility. RESULT(S): Adiponectin expression is absent/low in mouse and human granulosa cells and cumulus cells. Adiponectin receptors are hormonally regulated in mouse granulosa and cumulus cells in vivo and in culture. Adiponectin differentially alters the expression of Adipor1/Adipor2 as well as genes related to steroidogenesis, ovulation, and apoptosis in cumulus cells versus granulosa cells. Adiponectin enhances oocyte maturation and early embryo development in mouse and human IVF procedures. CONCLUSION(S): Adiponectin can modulate not only follicle growth but also embryo development in mice and humans.