The endocrine environment of the human oocyte

Inhibin A, Inhibin B and Activin A in Follicular Fluid of Infertile Women with Tubal Damage, Unexplained Infertility and Endometriosis1

“…However, in the unexplained infertility group, there was a 43% lower oestradiol concentration in follicles that contained Grade 2 oocytes. Relative follicular fluid oestradiol levels have previously been reported as an important index of the physiologic health of ovarian follicles, 26,27 and there is a general consensus supporting this in the literature. Our data also shows that the concentrations of the four hormones are not different between follicles where the oocytes did or did not fertilise.…”

The follicular hormonal profile in low-responder patients undergoing unstimulated cycles: is it hypoandrogenic?

“…Traditionally, higher levels of intrafollicular E 2 and progesterone, lower androstenedione and testosterone, as well as high E 2 /androgen ratios, have been considered indicative of healthy ovarian follicles and of a greater chance of achieving pregnancy (Pellicer et al, 1987;Lenton et al, 1988). Elevated E 2 and E 2 /androgen ratios in follicular fluid indicate a more advanced stage of oocyte maturation.…”

Physiological factors underlying the formation of ovarian follicular fluid

“…There is, however, a paucity of informatioaabout primary fluid in small follicles (< 1 mm) and the extent to which the composition of these fluids differs remains unclear. Particular attention is being paid here to electrolytes since the organic components of follicular fluid have been reviewed thoroughly elsewhere (Edwards, 1974;McNatty, 1978;Lenton, 1988). Table 1 shows the concentrations of the principal electrolytes in large (mainly preovulatory) follicles of 5 species together with the values for plasma/serum.…”