Ovulation timing by a radioreceptor assay for human luteinizing hormone

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Assay Development

Background:

• Accurate prediction of ovulation is crucial for effective infertility treatment.
• Existing methods for measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) may lack the speed or sensitivity required for timely intervention.
• A rapid, sensitive, and specific assay for LH is needed to optimize the timing of fertility interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quick, sensitive, and specific radioreceptor assay (RRA) for measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in human serum.
• To evaluate the utility of the developed LH assay in predicting ovulation for women undergoing infertility treatment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a radioreceptor assay (RRA) utilizing partially purified membrane receptors from bovine testes.
• Measurement of LH concentrations in human serum with a detection limit of 0.78 ng LER 960/ml.
• Application of the assay in eleven women undergoing infertility treatment over four observation cycles.

Main Results:

• The developed RRA enabled precise measurement of LH within 4 hours.
• LH surges were detected, accurately predicting ovulation in all observed cycles.
• Ovulation was verified laparoscopically within 36 hours of LH surge detection.
• Pregnancy occurred in three women when insemination was timed with the LH surge.

Conclusions:

• The developed radioreceptor assay is a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for measuring LH in human serum.
• This LH assay effectively predicts ovulation, facilitating timely insemination for infertility treatment.
• The assay shows promise in improving pregnancy rates for women undergoing fertility treatments.