[Individual hormonal profiles of blood progesterone and estradiol-17ß during the course of a reproductive cycle in mares]. / Individueller Konzentrationsverlauf von Progesteron und Östradiol-17ß im Blut bei Stuten während des Zyklus.

OBJECT AND AIM: This study presents the individual course of estradiol-17ß and progesterone concentrations in blood during the reproductive cycle in mares in order to point out physiological differences between individual animals and to aid in the interpretation of hormone values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Concentrations of estradiol-17ß and progesterone were determined in seven mares over the course of their cycle. One mare was excluded from the study due to a physiologically deviating cycle. In addition, the mares' ovaries were examined via ultrasound on a daily basis in order to match the hormone values to morphological changes of the ovaries. RESULTS: In some cases, the mares showed considerable individual differences in their hormone concentrations, which also differed from the published comparative values in the literature. For example, two mares showed progesterone levels above basal levels at the time of ovulation. The postovulatory progesterone concentrations of the mares are characterized by marked fluctuations, which makes it difficult to provide reference values in the different sections of the corpus luteum phase. The length of the plateau phases averaged 12.3±1.5 days. The mare with double ovulation showed the highest progesterone concentrations. CONCLUSION: The measurement of plasma progesterone levels in mares should be interpreted only in the context of other test results. The very wide variation in estradiol-17ß concentrations makes it questionable whether the determination of this hormone value is of diagnostic value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When interpreting steroid hormone values in the ingravid cycle of a mare, the individual concentration courses must be taken into consideration, as they may deviate significantly from the published reference values.

Progesterone receptor-Src kinase signaling pathway mediates neuroprogesterone induction of the luteinizing hormone surge in female rats.

Neural circuits in female rats are exposed to sequential estradiol and progesterone to regulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and ultimately ovulation. Estradiol induces progesterone receptors (PGRs) in anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin neurons, and as estradiol reaches peak concentrations, neuroprogesterone (neuroP) synthesis is induced in hypothalamic astrocytes. This local neuroP signals to PGRs expressed in kisspeptin neurons to trigger the LH surge. We tested the hypothesis that neuroP-PGR signaling through Src family kinase (Src) underlies the LH surge. As observed in vitro, PGR and Src are co-expressed in AVPV neurons. Estradiol treatment increased the number of PGR immunopositive cells and PGR and Src colocalization. Furthermore, estradiol treatment increased the number of AVPV cells that had extranuclear PGR and Src in close proximity (< 40 nm). Infusion of the Src inhibitor (PP2) into the AVPV region of ovariectomized/adrenalectomized (ovx/adx) rats attenuated the LH surge in trunk blood collected 53 h post-estradiol (50 µg) injection that induced neuroP synthesis. Although PP2 reduced the LH surge in estradiol benzoate treated ovx/adx rats, activation of either AVPV PGR or Src in 2 µg estradiol-primed animals significantly elevated LH concentrations compared to dimethyl sulfoxide infused rats. Finally, antagonism of either AVPV PGR or Src blocked the ability of PGR or Src activation to induce an LH surge in estradiol-primed ovx/adx rats. These results indicate that neuroP, which triggers the LH surge, signals through an extranuclear PGR-Src signaling pathway.

Revisiting the role of serum progesterone as a test of ovulation in eumenorrheic subfertile women: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of ovulatory cycles in eumenorrheic subfertile women and compare the diagnostic accuracy of a single ultrasound with serum midluteal progesterone measurement in detecting ovulatory cycles. DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic accuracy study. SETTING: University-level hospital. PATIENT(S): A total of 208 subfertile eumenorrheic women. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): To estimate the prevalence of ovulatory cycles in eumenorrheic women and compare the diagnostic accuracy of a single, well-timed ultrasound scan (index test) with serum progesterone measurement (reference test) by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). RESULT(S): The prevalence of ovulatory cycles among subfertile eumenorrheic women was 92.9% and 99.5% when midluteal serum progesterone level and ultrasound scanning were used as the reference test, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of ultrasound in identifying ovulatory cycles were 100%, 7.1%, 93.4%, and 100%, respectively. The LR+ and LR- were 1.1 and 0, respectively. The agreement between the ultrasound and serum progesterone was almost perfect (prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa = 0.81. CONCLUSION(S): The prevalence of ovulatory cycles in eumenorrheic subfertile women appears to be high. A single well-timed ultrasound can be performed to identify ovulatory cycles during the infertility workup in eumenorrheic women.

The Lion King of ovulation induction.

Melvin Taymor's daughter, Julie Taymor, directed the musical version of The Lion King, which won six Tony Awards. Known for her revolutionary staging, she became the first woman to be awarded a Tony for Best Direction of a Musical.

Luteinizing hormone-independent rise of progesterone as the physiological trigger of the ovulatory gonadotropins surge in the human.

The current ovarian cycle paradigm postulates that ovulation is triggered by a critically sustained elevation of estradiol. However, an in-depth look into the published data reveals considerable uncertainty about the relative roles of progesterone and estradiol in the ovulation process.This review provides compelling evidences that the role of estradiol in ovulation has been misinterpreted and that the true physiological trigger of ovulation is a luteinizing hormone-independent preovulatory progesterone surge in the circulation to approximately 0.5 ng/mL. Furthermore, the current work reconciles the ability of progesterone to trigger ovulation, with its well-established ability to block ovulation during pregnancy, or when administered in the form of a synthetic progestin in birth control formulations and with experimental data that estradiol benzoate triggers ovulation in the complete absence of progesterone.

Cycle day 2 insulin-like growth factor-1 serum levels as a prognostic tool to predict controlled ovarian hyperstimulation outcomes in poor responders.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether patients exhibiting poor ovarian response have abnormal levels of serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on cycle day 2 when compared with age-matched normal and high responders. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: University-based practice. PATIENT(S): All women between the ages of 21 and 42 years who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment cycle without estrogen pretreatment at our institution between 2013 and 2015. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were separated into three groups: poor responders (≤4 oocytes retrieved/cycle cancellation), normal responders (8-12 oocytes), and high responders (≥18 oocytes). Subanalysis focused on the next cycle for poor responders adjacent to the nonpretreated index cycle, in which estrogen pretreatment was implemented. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum cycle day 2: IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 levels, and IGF-1:IGFBP3 ratio, number of eggs retrieved, number of two pronuclei embryos, cumulative pregnancy rate, and live birth. RESULT(S): A total of 184 patients met the inclusion criteria. The poor responder group exhibited a more than twofold increase in the cycle day IGF-1 serum levels when compared with normal responders and a threefold increase when compared with the high responders. Cycle day 2 IGF-1 level >72 ng/mL in poor responders had 70% sensitivity and 78% specificity for a negative controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle outcome with an area under the curve of 0.83. Luteal estrogen pretreatment in the poor responder group was associated with a significant reduction in IGF-1 levels. Significantly, more retrieved and mature oocytes, as well as two pronuclei embryos, were achieved in the pretreated poor responder group when compared with the yield from their adjacent nonpretreated index cycles. Furthermore, cumulative rates were higher for intrauterine pregnancies, and lower for negative pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION(S): Patients who respond poorly to controlled ovarian stimulation, despite normal cycle day 2 follicle-stimulating hormone levels, have significantly higher serum cycle day 2 IGF-1 levels when compared with age-matched normal and high responders. Cycle day 2 IGF-1 level >72 ng/mL in poor responders was predictive of a negative cycle outcome. Luteal estrogen pretreatment in the poor responder group was associated with a significant reduction in IGF-1 levels, improved response to stimulation, and higher cumulative rates for intrauterine pregnancies, and lower for negative pregnancy outcome.

Estimated Number of Lifetime Ovulatory Years and Its Determinants in Relation to Levels of Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers.

Reproductive events, such as ovulation, trigger an inflammatory cascade. Few studies have examined their long-term influence on inflammatory profiles. We included 3,393 premenopausal and 3,915 postmenopausal women with intact ovaries/uterus from the Nurses' Health studies (Nurses' Health Study (1989-1990) and Nurses' Health Study II (1996-1999)) in an analysis of the association between lifetime ovulatory years (LOY) and levels of inflammatory biomarkers. We estimated LOY as age at menopause (age at blood collection for premenopausal women) minus age at menarche, subtracting years of oral contraceptive (OC) use and 1 year per pregnancy. After adjustment for other inflammation-related factors (e.g., body mass index, exercise, diet), every 5-year increase in LOY was associated with lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in both premenopausal (difference = -11.5%, 95% confidence interval: -15.0, -8.0; P < 0.0001) and postmenopausal (difference = -7.2%, 95% confidence interval: -10.0, -4.3; P < 0.0001) women. Older age at menopause (P = 0.007), earlier menarche (P = 0.007), and shorter duration of OC use (P = 0.002) were associated with lower CRP levels in postmenopausal women, whereas duration of OC use was positively associated with CRP levels in premenopausal women (P < 0.0001). LOY was modestly inversely associated with interleukin 6 in postmenopausal women (P = 0.03). Notably, the associations of CRP with LOY were similar in magnitude to associations with exercise and a healthy diet, though weaker than the association with body mass index. Although many reproductive events induce acute inflammation, increased LOY was associated with lower chronic systemic inflammation even after menopause.

Impact of Estradiol Variability and Progesterone on Mood in Perimenopausal Women With Depressive Symptoms.

CONTEXT: Women are at increased risk for depressive symptoms during the menopause transition. Changes in estradiol secretion and presence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) contribute to perimenopausal depressive symptoms, but links with progesterone have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether estradiol variability, ovulatory levels of progesterone, and VMS burden are independently associated with perimenopausal depressive symptomatology. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: Depressive symptoms, serum levels of estradiol and progesterone, and VMS frequency were assessed weekly in an 8-week observational study. Association of mood with estradiol variability, ovulatory levels of progesterone, and VMS frequency were estimated using generalized estimating equation models. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Fifty unmedicated perimenopausal women with mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms (mean Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] score 15.5 ± 5.3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Depressive symptoms (MADRS score). RESULTS: During the study, 90.0% of participants had varying estradiol levels, 51.1% had ovulatory progesterone levels, and 90% had VMS. Greater estradiol variability and absence of progesterone levels consistent with ovulation, but not VMS frequency, are associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms (ß = 0.11 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.04 to 0.18; P = 0.001]; ß = -2.62 [95% CI, -4.52 to -0.71; P = 0.007], respectively), after accounting for higher body mass index, lifetime history of depression, and stressful life events. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing dysregulation of ovarian hormones, but not VMS, associates with more depressive symptom burden during perimenopause. These results suggest that perimenopausal mood instability is driven by the underlying hormonal dysregulation of the menopause transition involving changes in both estradiol and progesterone.

Serum microRNA profiling for the identification of predictive molecular markers of the response to controlled ovarian stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of poor, normal and hyperresponse to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). METHODS: In the present study, we assessed 40 serum samples from patients undergoing COS. We used ten samples to standardize miRNAs detection in the serum. The remaining 30 samples were split into three groups depending on the patient's response to COS: poor response (PR group, n=10), normal response (NR group, n=10), and hyperresponse (HR group, n=10). Aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified using a large-scale expression analysis platform. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to assess the biological processes potentially modulated by the identified miRNAs. RESULTS: Twenty-two miRNAs were detected only in the PR or HR groups when compared with the NR group. From those, 11 presented poor dissociation curves and were excluded from further analysis. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that the selected 11 miRNAs target several genes involved in GnRH, estrogen and prolactin signaling, oocyte maturation, female pregnancy, and meiosis. CONCLUSION: The large-scale analysis of miRNA expression identified distinct miRNA profiles for poor and hyperresponse to COS, which potentially modulate key processes for human assisted reproduction. All evidence suggests that the serum microRNA profiling may discriminate patients who will respond in an exacerbated manner from those who will respond insufficiently to COS. Further studies may validate these miRNAs, enabling the individualization of treatment and more successful outcomes.

Serum FSH level is lower in dysovulating than in ovulating non-PCOS obese women, independently of body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of ovulation disorder (OD) is 3-fold higher in obese than normal-weight women. Most ODs are associated with concomitant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but obesity by itself can cause OD, through mechanisms that remain poorly documented. The literature on obese non-PCOS women with OD is sparse. The aim of the present study was to analyze a population of obese non-PCOS women with OD to shed further light on the mechanism of ovulation disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study of infertile obese women without PCOS compared a control group without OD (n=45) to a study group with OD (n=30) (OD group). Clinical, hormonal, and ultrasound characteristics were collected between cycle days 2 and 5. Women older than 37 years and women with PCOM (polycystic ovarian morphology) or hormonal disorder were excluded. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the OD group, as were waist circumference and insulin and leptin serum levels. Conversely, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower. After adjustment for BMI, only serum FSH level remained significantly different between the 2 groups. Discriminant analysis suggested that FSH may have a much stronger effect on OD than BMI. CONCLUSION: Low serum FSH level may contribute to OD in some obese women, independently of BMI. The pathophysiological mechanism of this finding and its impact on therapeutic strategies must be clarified.

Association between spontaneous ovulation and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels in a premature ovarian insufficiency patient after a multimodal treatment for breast cancer.

The high toxicity of chemotherapy can damage a patient's gonadal function, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Here, we report the case of a patient suffering from POI after chemotherapy for breast cancer, who 3 years later ovulated spontaneously and became pregnant. The patient, a 31-year-old infertile women, nulligravida, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level in her serum was 1.85 ng/mL before multimodal treatment for cancer. She later visited our hospital for amenorrhea and 2 years after cancer treatment, she was diagnosed with POI. Her AMH level at that point was less than 0.1 ng/mL. One year after the diagnosis of POI, the patient's AMH level increased slightly to 0.14 ng/mL and she ovulated spontaneously. The patient later became pregnant using Assisted Reproductive Technology on the fourth attempt.During the course of treatment for infertility at our hospital, the AMH levels in her serum changed along with the recovery of ovarian function. These findings suggest the possibility that ovulation and pregnancy could be predicted by the chronological changes of the AMH levels in the patient's serum.

Multiple failures in the lutenising hormone surge generating system in GABAB1KO female mice.

Female mice lacking GABAB receptors, GABAB1KO, show disrupted oestrous cycles, reduced pregnancies and increased hypothalamic Gnrh1 mRNA expression, whereas anteroventral periventricular/periventricular preoptic nucleus (AVPV/PeN) Kiss1 mRNA was not affected. In the present study, we characterise the important components of the gonadotrophic preovulatory surge, aiming to unravel the origin of this reproductive impairment. In GABAB1KO and wild-type (WT) females, we determined: (i) hypothalamic oestrogen receptor (ER)α and ß and aromatase mRNA and protein expression; (ii) ovulation index and oestrus serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and pituitary Gnrh1r expression; (iii) in ovariectomised-oestradiol valerate-treated mice, we evaluated ex vivo hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility in the presence/absence of kisspeptin (Kiss-10, constant or pulsatile) and oestradiol (constant); and (iv) in ovariectomised-oestradiol silastic capsule-treated mice (proestrous-like environment), we evaluated morning and evening kisspeptin neurone activation (c-Fos+) and serum luteinising homrone (LH). In the medial basal hypothalamus of oestrus GABAB1KOs, aromatase and ERα mRNA and protein were increased, whereas ERß was decreased. In GABAB1KOs, the ovulation index was decreased together with decreased first oestrus serum FSH and increased pituitary Gnrh1r mRNA. Under constant Kiss-10 stimulation, hypothalamic GnRH pulse frequency did not vary, although GnRH mass/pulse was increased in GABAB1KOs. In WTs, pulsatile Kiss-10 together with constant oestradiol significantly increased GnRH pulsatility, whereas, in GABAB1KOs, oestradiol alone increased GnRH pulsatility and this was reversed by pulsatile Kiss-10 addition. In GABAB1KOs AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neurones were similarly activated (c-Fos+) in the morning and evening, whereas WTs showed the expected, marked evening stimulation. LH correlated with activated kisspeptin cells in WT mice, whereas GABAB1KO mice showed high, similar LH levels both in the morning and evening. Taken together, all of these alterations point to impairment in the trigger of the preovulatory GnRH surge that entails the reproductive alterations described.

The kisspeptin analog C6 is a possible alternative to PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin) for triggering synchronized and fertile ovulations in the Alpine goat.

In temperate regions goat's reproduction is seasonal. To obtain year-round breeding, hormonal treatments are currently applied. These treatments usually combine a progesterone analog with the pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). However, their use has significant ethical and environmental drawbacks. Therefore, alternative methods to manage reproduction are needed. The discovery that in mammals the neuropeptide kisspeptin is a major positive regulator of hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis offered an attractive alternative strategy to control reproduction. We have previously designed a kisspeptin analog, called C6, which offers pharmacological advantages over endogenous kisspeptin. These include a longer lasting effect and enhanced activity following intramuscular injection. In the present work, we evaluated C6 effect on LH and FSH plasma concentrations in the Alpine goat breed and tested whether C6 could replace PMSG to trigger ovulation. An intramuscular injection of C6 (15 nmol/doe) given 24 hours after the end of progestogen treatment induced a surge-like peak of both LH and FSH. This was followed by an increase of progesterone, a hallmark of ovulation induction and corpus luteus formation. These results were obtained at three different time of the year: during the breeding season, the non-breeding season and at the onset of the breeding season. Furthermore, we compared the efficacy of C6 and PMSG to induce fertile ovulations when these treatments are given at the onset of the breeding season and are followed by artificial insemination. The results of this first attempt were extremely promising with gestation rates of 45% and 64% for C6 and PMSG respectively. Pending optimization of the treatment procedure in order to improve efficacy, kisspeptin analogs could be the long sought-after alternative to PMSG.

Circulating neuregulin-1 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) has been shown to be associated with the regulation of inflammation and ovulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum NRG1 levels and various clinical and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This case-controlled study included 38 women with PCOS and 46 age and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls without PCOS. The serum NRG1 levels of the women with PCOS were found to be significantly lower compared to the control group. The high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels of the PCOS subjects were significantly higher than in the control group. The circulating NRG1 levels were negatively correlated with a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the hs-CRP in the PCOS group. There is no significant correlation between the circulating NRG1 levels and the serum insulin in the PCOS group. There was a trend toward high NRG1 levels in the PCOS subjects with high BMI, but the difference failed to reach a statistical significance. Decreased NRG1 levels in PCOS subjects may be associated with insulin resistance and a low-grade chronic inflammation. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Although there have been many studies related to NRG1, we could not find any study explaining the relationship between NRG1 and PCOS. This study provides first and novel insights into the relationship between serum NRG1 levels and the insulin resistance in women with PCOS. What do the results of this study add? A decline in the NRG1 levels in PCOS may be associated with insulin resistance and a low-grade chronic inflammation. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Decreased NRG1 levels may play an important role in the reproductive and endocrine properties of PCOS. We think that NRG1 research may be contribute to the clarification of PCOS pathophysiology. Future research investigating NRG1 levels in obese and non-obese cases, as well as in ovulatory and anovulatory PCOS patients, will make a significant contribution to the resolution of the mystery under PCOS aetiology.

Factors affecting embryo production in superovulated Bos taurus cattle.

Despite a long history of bovine superovulation research, significant commercial applications did not start until the early 1970s. For some 20 years thereafter, superovulation represented the primary tool for the production of cattle embryos. In the early 1990s, commercial invitro production (IVP) was initiated in cattle. Although ovum pick-up and IVP are now commercially practiced on a wide scale, superovulation and embryo recovery by flushing remain a widespread and very effective approach to the production of cattle embryos. This review covers both the history and the effects of multiple factors on superovulation in Bos taurus cattle. There are three general protocols for suitable pre-FSH programming of donors so that gonadotrophin-responsive follicles are available. Superovulation protocols vary widely based on the FSH source, the diluent used, the number and timing of FSH injections and the timing and utilisation of various prostaglandins, controlled internal progesterone releasing devices, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, and other means of controlling follicular development and ovulation. The number of oocytes that can be stimulated to grow and ovulate within any given donor can be estimated by either ultrasound-guided sonography or by measuring concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone in the blood. Animal-related factors that can influence the efficacy of superovulation include cattle breed, age, parity, genetics, lactational status and reproductive history. In addition, nutrition, stress, season, climate, weather and several semen factors are discussed.

Decrease in preovulatory serum estradiol is a valuable marker for predicting premature ovulation in natural/unstimulated in vitro fertilization cycle.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovulation occurs at a high rate in natural-cycle in vitro fertilization (IVF), and cycle cancellation further hampers the overall efficiency of the procedure. While lower levels of estradiol (E2) are observed in preovulatory follicles, it is unclear whether declines in E2 can be used as an effective marker of premature ovulation. METHODS: This retrospective analysis includes 801 natural/unstimulated IVF/ICSI cycles undergoing scheduled ovum pick-up (OPU) and 153 natural/unstimulated IVF/ICSI cycles undergoing emergency OPU at a university IVF center from May 2014 to February 2017. RESULTS: Among the 801 IVF/ICSI cycles undergoing scheduled OPU, preovulatory E2 levels increased by more than 10% in 403 (50.31%) cycles of the sample (Group A), while 192 (23.97%) cycles experienced a plateau (increased or decreased by 10%; Group B), and 206 (25.72%) cycles decreased by more than 10% (Group C). Group C had more patients who experienced premature LH surges, premature ovulation, as well as the fewest oocytes retrieved, frozen embryos, and top-quality embryos. A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that premature ovulation was associated with preovulatory E2/-1E2 ratio and premature LH surge. Moreover, preovulatory E2/-1E2 ratio served as a valuable marker for differentiating premature ovulation, with an AUC (area under the receiver operating curve) of 0.708 and 0.772 in cycles with premature LH surges and cycles without premature LH surges, respectively. Emergency OPU resulted in a significantly decreased rate of premature ovulation and increased number of frozen embryos. CONCLUSION: Decreases in preovulatory serum E2 was a valuable marker for premature ovulation in natural/unstimulated IVF cycle. Emergency OPU based on the preovulatory E2/-1E2 ratio decreased the rate of premature ovulation in cycles that experienced E2 decreases.

Low-glycosylated forms of both FSH and LH play major roles in the natural ovarian stimulation.

BACKGROUND: The natural ovarian stimulation is mediated by four gonadotrophin glycoforms: FSHtri with three, FSHtetra with four, LHdi with two, and LHtri with three N-glycans. The aim of the study was to determine the serum concentrations of the four glycoforms and their contents of anionic monosaccharides (AMS), i.e. sialic acid (SA) and sulfonated N-acetylgalactosamine (SU) residues throughout the menstrual cycle. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 78 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. The serum glycoform molecules were identified by their distributions at electrophoreses. Analyses were also performed after removal of terminal SA. The hormones were measured with time-resolved sandwich fluoroimmunoassays. RESULTS: The concentration profiles of the four glycoforms were markedly different. FSHtri, which had a 3-fold higher biopotency than FSHtetra, had peak levels on cycle day 5 and at midcycle and nadirs on cycle days 9 and 21-23. FSHtetra had a raised level on cycle days 5-12, followed by a decrease. LHdi and LHtri had similar patterns, but the peak/nadir ratio was much more pronounced for LHdi than for LHtri, 18 versus 4. The numbers of SA residues per molecule were at a maximum around midcycle when the corresponding numbers of SU were at a minimum. The SU/SA ratio was at a minimum on cycle day 12. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the LHdi and the FSHtri molecules play major roles in the natural ovarian stimulation. The SU/SA ratios per molecule favoured a prolonged circulatory half-life of all glycoforms at the midcycle phase. The observations may lead to more successful inductions of ovulation in anovulatory women.

High levels of circulating prostaglandin F2α associated with ovulation stimulate female sexual receptivity and spawning behavior in the goldfish (Carassius auratus).

This study tested the hypothesis that blood-borne prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) produced at the time of ovulation by female goldfish, a typical scramble-spawning, egg-laying cyprinid fish, functions as a hormone which stimulates female sexual receptivity, behavior, and pheromone release, thereby synchronizing female mating behavior with egg availability. We conducted 5 experiments. First, we tested whether PGF2α is found in the blood of female fish and if it increases at the time of ovulation. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we found that circulating PGF2α was approximately 1 ng/ml prior to ovulation, increased over 50-fold within 3 h of ovulation and returned to preovulatory values after spawning and egg release. Ovulated fish also released over 2 ng/h of PGF2α and 800 ng/h of 15-keto-PGF2α, a metabolite of PGF2α - both compounds with known pheromonal function. Second, we tested how closely levels of circulating PGF2α tracked the timing of ovulation by sampling fish at the time of ovulation and discovered that PGF2α increased within 15 min of ovulation, peaked after 9 h, and fell to basal levels as fish spawned and released their eggs. Third, we tested whether an interaction between eggs and the reproductive tract serves as a source of circulating PGF2α and its relationship with female sexual receptivity by injecting ovulated eggs (or an egg-substitute) into the reproductive tract of females stripped of ovulated eggs. We found both of these treatments elicited measurable increases in plasma PGF2α as well as female sexual behavior. A fourth experiment showed that indothemacin, a PG synthase inhibitor, blocked both PGF2α increase and female sexual behavior in egg-substitute-injected fish. Finally, we tested the relationship between the expression of female behavior and PGF2α in PGF2α-injected fish and found that circulating PGF2α levels closely paralleled behavior, rising within 15 min and peaking at 45 min. Together, these experiments establish that PGF2α functions as a behavioral blood-borne hormone in the goldfish, suggesting it likely has similar activity in other related, externally-fertilizing fishes.