The effects of levonorgestrel on FSH-stimulated primary rat granulosa cell cultures through gene expression profiling are associated to hormone and folliculogenesis processes
Levonorgestrel inhibited hFSH-induced estradiol biosynthesis in rat granulosa cells. The mechanism of aromatase inhibition is post-cAMP at the level of gene transcription. Levonorgestrel alters FSH-responsive genes involved in folliculogenesis. Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation genes are modified by levonorgestrel. The ovary is a target for levonorgestrel contraceptive effects.