Human Reproduction, Vol 13, 3310-3314, Copyright © 1998 by Oxford University Press
HE Moncayo, A Penz-Koza, C Marth, G Gastl, M Herold and R Moncayo
A cross-sectional study regarding endocrine and cytokine parameters in
human follicular fluid (FF) as compared to serum values following hormonal
stimulation for in-vitro fertilization was conducted. The patients (n = 32)
were treated sequentially with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone
(LHRH) agonist buserelin followed by a combination of buserelin plus highly
purified follicle stimulating hormone and finally human chorionic
gonadotrophin, in order to induce ovulation. The FF content of
pro-inflammatory (IL-1, IL-6), and anti- inflammatory (IL-1ra, IL-10)
cytokines, of the immune response-related soluble interleukin-2 receptor
(sIL-2R), as well as the mitogens vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) were determined. Routine
evaluation included peripheral blood cell counts, morphological data of the
ovary and ova, ovarian steroids, prolactin concentrations and thyroid
function parameters [free thyroxine (fT4), thyroglobulin]. The
concentrations of IL-6, IL1- ra, sIL-2R, VEGF and bFGF in the FF
compartment were higher than in serum in the majority of cases. Regression
analysis showed a significant association between the serum and FF
concentrations of fT4 (P = 0.04; y = 0.37 + 0.34x) and IL-6 (P = 0.002; y =
0.78 + 0.5x). Multiple regression analysis revealed that progesterone
played a role in determining VEGF concentrations in the FF (P = 0.07; y =
0.37 + 0.86x). Thyroglobulin concentrations within the FF were extremely
low, whereas fT4 concentrations in the FF were similar to those in serum.
Patients with a previously diagnosed hypothyroidism tended to have lower
serum oestradiol and higher serum progesterone when compared to euthyroids.
We conclude that the human FF represents a functional compartment that
integrates endocrine, immunological, and mitogenic signalling that is
unique for each ovarian follicle. The close association between
progesterone and VEGF within the FF suggests a close association of this
mitogen to gonadotrophin stimulation, confirming the ovary as a production
site of VEGF.
ARTICLES
Vascular endothelial growth factor in serum and in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing hormonal stimulation for in-vitro fertilization
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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