Controlled ovulation of the dominant follicle: A critical role for LH in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle

Kelly A. Young, Charles L. Chaffin, Theodore A. Molskness, Richard L. Stouffer

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    42 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Background: A method was sought to control ovulation of the dominant follicle and to test the importance of LH during the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles of rhesus monkeys were monitored, and treatment initiated at the late follicular phase (after dominant follicle selection, before ovulation). Methods: The 2-day treatment consisted of GnRH antagonist plus either r-hFSH and r-hLH (1:1 or 2:1 dose ratio) or r-hFSH alone. In addition, half of the females received an ovulatory bolus of hCG. Results: When treatment was initiated at estradiol levels >120 pg/ml, neither the endogenous LH surge, ovulation nor luteal function were controlled. However, when treatment was initiated at estradiol levels 80-120 pg/ml using either 1:1 or 2:1 dose ratios of FSH:LH, the LH surge was prevented, and ovulation occurred following hCG treatment. FSH-only treatment also prevented the LH surge, but follicle development appeared abnormal, and hCG failed to stimulate ovulation. Conclusions: Control over the naturally dominant follicle is possible during the late follicular phase using an abbreviated GnRH antagonist, FSH+LH protocol. This method offers a model to investigate periovulatory events and their regulation by gonadotrophins/local factors during the natural menstrual cycle in primates.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)2257-2263
    Number of pages7
    JournalHuman Reproduction
    Volume18
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Nov 2003

    Keywords

    • Dominant follicle/GnRH antagonist
    • Gonadotrophins
    • LH
    • Ovarian stimulation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Reproductive Medicine
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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