Induction of “luteinization” in cultures of granulosa cells by chorionic gonadotropins

We have shown that porcine granulosa cells undergo morphologic and biosynthetic changes similar to luteinization when exposed to chorionic gonadotropin in tissue culture. Both a crude urinary chorionic gonadotropin and a gonadotropin produced in culture by the JEG-7 clonal line of human choriocarcinoma cells were effective. Morphologic and biosynthetic “luteinization” occurred synchronously and a minimum of 1.0 IU gonadotropin /ml medium was necessary. Induction of progesterone synthesis occurred more rapidly and was of greater magnitude with increasing concentrations of both chorionic gonadotropin preparations.