Related Experiment Videos
Overriding follicle selection in controlled ovarian stimulation protocols: quality vs quantity
Richard L Stouffer1, Mary B Zelinski-Wooten
1Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA. stouffri@ohsu.edu
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|June 18, 2004
Summary
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in nonhuman primates uses exogenous gonadotropins to enhance fertility. Developing species-specific hormones is crucial for advancing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and overcoming immune reactions in monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Background:
- Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in nonhuman primates utilizes exogenous gonadotropins (FSH and LH) to override natural ovarian cycles for assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- Nonprimate hormones like PMSG leverage FSH activity due to species-specific primate LH receptors, yielding follicles with in-vitro fertilization (IVF)-capable oocytes.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a role in accelerating follicular development, reducing heterogeneity, and improving embryo viability, though its use in COS is less emphasized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of exogenous gonadotropins in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for nonhuman primate assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- To address the limitations of current COS protocols, including non-response, follicle heterogeneity, and short luteal phases.
- To highlight the critical need for species-specific nonhuman primate gonadotropins to overcome antigenic reactions and expand COS applications.
Main Methods:
- Administration of exogenous gonadotropins (nonprimate or primate origin) for COS in nonhuman primates.
- Use of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to induce follicular development and oocyte maturation.
- Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or other LH-like hormones to reinitiate meiosis and produce fertilizable oocytes, as endogenous LH surges are typically absent.
Main Results:
- Current COS protocols routinely produce numerous large follicles with fertilizable eggs.
- Limitations persist, including variable animal response, follicle/oocyte heterogeneity, and shortened luteal phases.
- A significant hurdle is the antigenicity of human and nonprimate gonadotropins in monkeys, limiting the number of COS cycles.
Conclusions:
- The development and availability of nonhuman primate-specific FSH, LH, and CG are essential to overcome the immunogenicity of exogenous hormones.
- Availability of species-specific gonadotropins would eliminate a major limitation, enabling more COS cycles and advancing primate ART.
- Further research into alternative COS induction methods, such as using exogenous LH/FSH or GnRH agonists, warrants more attention.