1. Growth differential factor-9 inhibits testosterone production in mouse theca interstitial cells 
Ming-hui Chen, M.D., Tao Li, Ph.D., Chen-hui Ding, Ph.D., Yan-wen Xu, Ph.D., Lu-yan Guo, M.Sc., Can-quan Zhou, M.D. 
Fertility and Sterility 
Volume 100, Issue 5, Pages (November 2013)
DOI: /j.fertnstert
Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

2. Figure 1
The expression of Cyp17a1 in theca interstitial cells. Adhered mouse theca interstitial cells reveal a spindle shape and granular aggregation of Cyp17a1 labeled with green fluorescence scattered in cytoplasm. (A) Observation under fluorescence microscope (×400 magnification). (B) Observation under confocal laser scanning microscope (×1,000 magnification).
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

3. Figure 2
Theca interstitial cells were treated with GDF-9 at various doses for 24 hours, then the number of theca interstitial cells was counted or the cell viability was determined by CCK8 kit. Each data point represents the mean ± standard error of the mean of replicate experiments. (A) The stimulatory effect of GDF-9 on the proliferation of theca cells. No statistically significant difference in cell number between the groups with different doses was observed. The P value between the 0 ng/mL and 200 ng/mL groups was (B) Effect of GDF-9 on theca interstitial cell viability. No statistically significant difference in cell viability between groups with various doses was observed.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

4. Figure 3
Effects of GDF-9 on steroidogenesis of theca interstitial cells. Theca interstitial cells were treated with various doses of GDF-9 for 24 hours then the (A) testosterone or (B) progesterone level in the medium was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Each data point represents the mean ± standard error of the mean of replicate experiments. Asterisks indicate that the mean differs from the control group (P<.05).
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions

5. Figure 4
Effects of GDF-9 on hormone-stimulated gene expression in theca interstitial cells. Theca interstitial cells were treated for 24 hours with serum-free medium alone (control) or with GDF-9 (400 ng/ml), then the mRNA was quantified by qRT-PCR. Each data point represents the mean ± standard error of the mean of replicate experiments. Asterisks indicate that the mean differs from the control group (P<.05). (A) Lhcgr. (B) Star. (C) Cyp11a1. (D) Cyp17a1.
Fertility and Sterility  , DOI: ( /j.fertnstert )
Copyright © 2013 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Terms and Conditions