Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship of telomerase activity of human luteined granulosa cells( GCs)with ovarian response and embryo quality. Methods Fity-six cases receiving IVF-ET were used to collect the data of GCs. The experiment was carried out through the following procedures:luteined GCs were isolated from follicle fluid and were cultured 24 hours soon;tests of the telomerase activity of GCs with TRAP-ELISA. Comparisons of age,number of ampules of gonadotropin ( Gn ) administered,number of retrieved oocytes,rate of high quality embryo with telomerase activity were made in different ovarian response and embryo quality groups. Results Isolated and purified GCs were cultured and adherenced well in 24 hours. There were negative correlation between telomerase activity of GCs with age,number of ampules of Gn administered and positive correlation with number of retrieved oocytes( P<0 . 05 ). Low response group had lower telomerase activity in GCs compared to medium and high response groups( P<0 . 01 ). There were positive correlation between telomerase activity of GCs with ratio of high embryo quality( P<0 . 01 ). There was significant difference of telomerase activity of GCs in different embryo quality groups( P<0 . 01 ). Conclusion Telomerase activity could be tested in human luteinized GCs after in vitro culture. It may suggest that telomerase activity decreased with the decline in ovarian function and the apoptosis of GCs may directly affect oocyte developmental potential.

Key words: fertilization in vitro, embryo transfer, ovary