Theca interna cells express receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) to produce androstenedione, which via a few steps, gives the granulosa the precursor for estrogen manufacturing.
[1] After rupture of the mature ovarian follicle, the theca interna cells differentiate into the theca lutein cells of the corpus luteum.
Theca lutein cells secrete androgens[2] and progesterone.
Theca lutein cells are also known as small luteal cells.
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