| Summary: | 碩士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 醫藥暨應用化學研究所碩士在職專班 === 98 === Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) belongs to the lipocalin family and is the principal retinol carrier, delivering retinol to other organs. RBP4 can be expressed and synthesized in the theca and granulosa cells of follicles and then be found in follicular fluid. The expression of follicular fluid RBP4 indicates a possible involvement in retinol transport across the basal membrane, and the influence by the metabolism of the follicular structure, which will lead to variability in the follicular fluid. A study has suggested RBP4 levels in follicular fluid might be as potential candidates for specific functions during folliculogenesis and be useful as biomedical markers for follicle and/or oocyte maturation.
The granulosa cells are an important type of cells in the follicle. They are responsible for conversion of androgens to estrogens. Estradiol, which is a major hormone, may play a role on the secretion function of granulosa cells. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate if estradiol affected the expression of RBP4 in in-vitro experiments on human granulose cell line (HO23). The HO23 cell line was treated by estradiol. The time-dependent and dose-dependent effects were observed. RT-PCR and western blotting analysis were used.
This study revealed RBP4 mRNA and protein expression in human granulose cell line was not significantly changed by treatment with estradiol at different time or concentrations. These results might indicate the estradiol was not the major factor of influence of the RBP4 level in the follicular fluid.
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