Human granulosa/lutein cells (hGLC) obtained from women undergoing a standardized IVF procedure were acclimated for 6 days. A) hGLCs were treated without (Control) or with hCG (1IU/ml) for 0, 12, 24, and 36 h. Right panel) the levels of mRNA for ACE2 were measured by qPCR and normalized to the levels of RNA18S5 in each sample (n ≥7 independent samples). Bars with no common superscripts are significantly different (p < 0.05). Left panel) a representative Western blot image detecting ACE2 protein. ACTB detection in each lane was used as a protein loading control. The experiments were repeated 3 times, each with independent samples. B) The cells were treated without (Control) or with hCG in the presence or absence of AG1478 (10μM), RU486 (20 μM), CORT123567 (50 μM) or dexamethasone (20 μM) for 24 and 36 h. Right panel) the levels of mRNA for ACE2 were measured by qPCR and normalized to the levels of RNA18S5 in each sample (n = 7 independent patient samples). Bars with no common superscripts are significantly different (p < 0.05). Left panel) a representative Western blot image detecting ACE2 protein. ACTB detection in each lane was used as a protein loading control. The experiments were repeated three times, each with independent patient samples.