Gonadotropin and Prolactin Levels in Follicular Fluid of Human Ova Successfully Fertilized in Vitro

Abstract

Follicular fluid (FF) and oocytes were obtained from 94 follicles of 36 women for fertilization in vitro. Ovulation was induced with human menopausal gonadotropin, and follicular aspiration was performed 36 h after an ovulatory injection of hCG. The concentrations of immunoreactive hCG, FSH, and PRL were correlated with the degree of maturation of the oocyte-corona-cumulus complex mass (OCCC), fertilization, rate of cleavage, and the incidence of pregnancy after embryo transfer. Immature OCCC were derived from follicles that contained significantly lower levels of FSH than those from which intermediate and mature OCCC were derived (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 11.1 +/- 1.2 mlU/ml; P less than 0.05). FF from oocytes that were successfully fertilized contained higher levels of both hCG and FSH than FF surrounding oocytes that did not fertilize (136.7 +/- 8.7 vs. 108.5 +/- 10.3 mlU/ml hCG; 10.55 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.8 mIU FSH, respectively). There was no correlation between early embryonic growth rate and FF concentrations of FSH, hCG, and PRL. Ova reaching the two-cell stage 40 h after fertilization in vitro were associated with the same FF concentrations of FSH, hCG, and PRL as those that cleaved to the four-cell stage. The PRL concentration in FF was significantly higher in mature fertilized ova and in fertilized ova that were associated with a successful pregnancy. It is suggested that the intrafollicular concentration of FSH is associated with the degree of mucification of the OCCC, but FF levels of both FSH and hCG are associated with successful fertilization. High levels of PRL in FF were associated with successful pregnancy and may imply a role of this hormone in oocyte maturation.

Follicle stimulating hormone effects on immature human oocytes: In vitro maturation and hormone production

“…However, in studies evaluating follicular fluid FSH levels in fertilized and unfertilized oocytes, the results have varied. While Laufer et al (5) found higher levels of follicular fluid FSH in oocytes that were successfully fertilized compared to those that did not fertilize, others (4,18) found no significant difference between the two groups. Salustfi et al proposed that FSH induced an increase in cAMP in the cumulus-enclosed mouse oocyte, and that may also promote an increase in cAMP turnover in the cumulus complex, leading to an increase in germinal vesicle breakdown (19).…”

“…Investigators have studied the hormone levels of the follicular fluid of developing oocytes in both natural and stimulated cycles (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In the natural cycle, Seibel et al (27) measured the follicular fluid levels in healthy oocytes and found no difference in Ez and androstenedione levels at any stage of oocyte maturation.…”

“…While the hormonal milieu of follicular fluid has been characterized previously (1)(2)(3)(4)(5), hormone production by the oocyte-cumulus complex alone cannot be determined by these studies due to the presence of granulosa cells, theca cells, and the endocrine and paracrine effects on the follicle. Research has also been conducted on the hormone output of cultured human granulosa cells subject to various culture additives (6)(7)(8)(9).…”

“…The results of its ability to improve oocyte maturation, fertilization rates, and blastocyst formation have been mixed. In the human, stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization have revealed lower FSH levels in the follicular fluid of oocytes at an immature stage of development compared with those which were mature at aspiration (5).…”

The effects of GnRH analogs on serum and follicular fluid leptin levels and pregnancy outcomes in short protocols of assisted reproductive technology

“…There is a controversy about the value of FF prolactin levels in predicting pregnancy. Some researchers suggested that PRL concentration of FF might be an additional parameter of oocyte maturation and fertilizability (35,36). However, others suggested that higher levels of prolactin has adverse effects or no impact on pregnancy outcome (37,38).…”