Effects of Different Serum on in vitro Cultured Human Granulosa Cells

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of different sera on the growth of human granulosa cells (GCs) cultured in vitro.MethodsGCs were obtained from women who underwent follicular aspirates during in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Five groups were divided according to media supplemented with different types of sera. Group A, 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS); group B, 10% heat-inactivated newborn bovine serum; group C, 10% non heat-inactivated FBS; group D, 10% human serum; group E, bovine serum albumin. Morphological characteristics and viability of GCs measured by trypan blue exclusion assay were evaluated after 24 h of incubation.ResultsGCs cultured in group A and group B showed multiform morphology compared with other groups. GCs cultured in group D and group E were present with cytoplasmic atrophy and less pseudopodium. Moreover, group A and group B showed a similar level in the viability of GCs (P>0.05), which displayed no difference between group D and group E as well (P>0.05). Group C had a lower level of viability than group A (P<0.05) but a higher level than group D (P<0.01).ConclusionHeat-inactivated sera can improve the growth of GCs. Different types of sera would have different effects on the growth of GCs cultured in vitro. The pre-culture with different types of sera should be performed to get better efficacy.