Effects of zi chong granules on estradiol synthesis in the cultured ovarian granular cells of mice.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Zi Chong Granules ([symbol see text]) on estradiol (E2) synthesis in the cultured ovarian granular cells of the mice, so as to probe into the mechanism of the drug in promoting follicular development. METHODS: Testosterone (T) with different concentration were added to the cultured ovarian granular cells, and 24 and 48 hours later the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to determine the required concentration of T and time for E2 synthesis; Zi Chong Granules, its active components for tonifying the kidney and removing blood stasis, and the mouse serum containing Zi Chong Granules were respectively added to the medium of the cultured mouse ovarian granular cells and the mixtures were cultured for 48 hours to determine the E2 concentration in various cultures, with insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Nü Jin Dan ([symbol see text] Golden Pill for Women) as positive control drugs. RESULTS: Zi Chong Granules and Nü Jin Dan (were found to be able to increase the E2 level in the medium of the cultured ovarian granular cells to a certain extent, and the active components for tonifying the kidney or those for removing the blood stasis did not increase the E2 level, but the mouse serum containing Zi Chong Granules could significantly increase the level of E2. CONCLUSION: To promote the E2 synthesis in the ovarian granular cells is one of mechanisms of Zi Chong Granules in stimulating follicular development.