Effects of transforming growth factors- and- on proliferation and apoptosis of rat theca-interstitial cells

(Requests for offprints should be addressed to A J Duleba) Ovarian development, follicular growth and atresia require mechanisms regulating proliferation and death of ovarian cells including theca–interstitial (T–I) cells. Transforming growth factors- and- (TGF- and TGF-) are well recognized local modulators of T–I function. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of TGF- and TGF- on ovarian T–I cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. T–I cells from immature Sprague–Dawley rats were purified and incubated in chemically defined media. Proliferation was assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and by cell counting. Steroidogenically active cells were identified histochemically by detection of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-HSD) activity