Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in ovarian follicles: production by granulosa luteal cells and levels in follicular fluid.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the concentration of the soluble form of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in granulosa luteal cell-conditioned media and in follicular fluid (FF).

DESIGN

Granulosa cells and FF samples were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval for IVF. In 10 women, a total of 33 fluids were obtained from individual follicles, whereas in 70 women, the follicular aspirates were pooled.

SETTING

Clinica "L. Mangiagalli" and Reproductive Center, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

PATIENT(S): Eighty women referred for IVF for tubal factor or male factor infertility.

INTERVENTION(S): Women underwent ovarian hyperstimulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Soluble ICAM-1 was measured by an ELISA, and its levels were correlated with follicular size, the number of retrieved oocytes, and the number of follicles with a diameter of >15 mm.

RESULT(S): The concentration of soluble ICAM-1 in granulosa luteal cell-conditioned media was 17.8 +/- 1.8 ng/5 x 10(5) cells. Interleukin-1beta can stimulate soluble ICAM-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between levels of soluble ICAM-1 in pooled FF and the number of retrieved oocytes or the number of follicles with a diameter of >15 mm.

CONCLUSION(S): Soluble ICAM-1 can be released by granulosa luteal cells and can be detected in FF after ovarian hyperstimulation. Levels of soluble ICAM-1 in FF correlate directly with some indices of ovarian function.