# SUBPOPULATIONS OF LUTEAL CELLS IN THE OVARY

> **NIH NIH R01** · OREGON REGIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER · 1994 · $196,917

## Abstract

The long-term objective of this research is to determine how different
types of luteal cells contribute to the activities, local regulation, and
lifespan of the primate corpus luteum.  Progress in this laboratory
indicates that multiple subpopulations of nonhuman primate (macaque) luteal
cells exist based upon functional and regulatory differences in
progesterone production.  Novel studies will test the theses that (1)
subpopulations of macaque luteal cells differ in their use of lipoproteins
as a cholesterol source for steroidogenesis, (2) luteal cell-cell
interaction, analogous to the two-cell two-gonadotropin theory in the
follicle, is required for estrogen production by the primate corpus luteum,
(3) subpopulations of macaque luteal cells differ in their ability to
produce inhibin-related peptides hibin, activin, subunits), and (4)
different cell subpopulations and their activities as elucidated in vitro
associated with the granulosa vs. theca luteal compartments of the macaque
corpus luteum in situ.

Collagenase-dispersed cells will be prepared from the corpus luteum of
rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) at midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Cell subpopulations win be separated by multiparameter flow cytometry,
based on differences in light-scatter properties (a function of cell size
and density) and the binding of fluorescent-tagged low density lipoprotein
(LDL).  Unsorted luteal cells and cell groups will be incubated in
chemically-defined media containing various lipoproteins (high density
lipoprotein, HDL; LDL; acetylated and oxidized LDL) and the steroidal
precursors for the major x steroids, with or without gonadotropins
luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone, LH and FSH). 11 groups will
be cultured separately and in combination to detect cell-cell interaction
via physical contact or secreted precursors and factors.  Synthesis and
secretion of steroids and inhibin-related peptides will be assessed by
biosynthetic labeling, radioimmunoassay and/or immunoblotting.  Steroid
enzymes d inhibin-related peptides in sorted cell groups and in sections
of intact luteal tissue will be detected by immunocytochemistry.

Unique information on the steroidogenic and peptidergic activities of cell
subpopulations within the mate corpus luteum will be forthcoming.
Elucidating the cellular origins, cell-cell interactions and regulation by
endocrine and subsequently local factors should identify novel
opportunities for controlling fertility and treating ovarian dysfunction
in women.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198520
- **Project number:** 5R01HD022408-06
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON REGIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD L STOUFFER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $196,917
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1988-09-30 → 1996-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198520

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198520, SUBPOPULATIONS OF LUTEAL CELLS IN THE OVARY (5R01HD022408-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198520. Licensed CC0.

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