Corticotrophin-Releasing-Hormone (CRH) modulates ovarian steroid biosynthesis in human primary granulosa cells

Introduction: Corticotrophin-Releasing-Hormone (CRH) is majorly involved in the body's stress response and regulates ovarian steroid biosynthesis by blocking GnRH release via a negative feedback loop. In addition, CRH has been highlighted to modulate ovarian response in a more direct way – most presumably via CRH-receptors (CRHRs) expressed in ovarian granulosa cells. We recently demonstrated CRHR1 to be present in human ovarian follicles. Since functional data are missing so far, the current study aimed to elucidate whether CRH is able to directly act on ovarian granulosa cells. Materials: Human primary granulo…