Prolactin gene expression in human ovarian follicular cells

Objective: To investigate prolactin gene expression in human ovarian follicular cells. Design: RNA was isolated from follicular cells obtained at the time of transvaginal oocyte retrieval from patients after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The RNA was subjected to reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using prolactin-specific primers. The RT-PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis, followed by Southern blot analysis using prolactin-specific probes. Setting: Department of gynecology and obstetrics research laboratory. Patient(s): Women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation followed by transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Intervention(s): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation followed by transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Main outcome measure(s): Expression of prolactin mRNA by follicular cells. Result(s): The presence of prolactin-specific cDNA amplified by RT-PCR from RNA isolated from human follicular cells was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Conclusion(s): Human ovarian follicular cells are an extrapituitary site of prolactin gene expression.