Insulin-like growth factor-I regulates vascular endothelial growth factor secretion by human oviductal epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts.

Objective: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the human fallopian tube.

Methods: Human oviductal epithelial cells (OEC) and oviductal stromal fibroblasts (OSF) were isolated from the ampullary segment of the fallopian tubes of six premenopausal patients in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. The secretion of VEGF165 by cultured OEC and OSF in response to IGF-I was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The secretion of VEGF165 was detected in cultured OEC and OSF under untreated conditions. The secretion of VEGF165 was significantly stimulated with IGF-I administration in these cells.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that IGF-I in the local environment may stimulate oviductal vascular permeability by inducing the production of VEGF by oviductal cells through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The modulation of the VEGF production in the fallopian tube may contribute to the normal and pathologic processes of oviductal fluid secretion by regulating oviductal vascular permeability during the menstrual cycle and in the peri-implantation period.