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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
FSH-induced ovulation in intact and hypophysectomized mice
V Montgomery1, D Loutradis, D Tulchinsky
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
|September 1, 1988
Summary
A highly purified ovine follicle-stimulating hormone (oFSH) effectively induced ovulation in mice, leading to the recovery of competent oocytes. This ovine FSH preparation proved as effective as luteinizing hormone in promoting ovulation and subsequent embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Mammalian Reproduction
Background:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are critical for ovulation.
- Assessing the ovulatory efficacy of purified ovine FSH (oFSH) is important for understanding reproductive mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ovulatory potential of a highly purified ovine FSH preparation in mice.
- To compare the efficacy of oFSH with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and ovine LH (oLH).
Main Methods:
- Hypophysectomized and intact female mice were primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG).
- A single ovulatory dose of oFSH (25 micrograms) was administered.
- Oocyte recovery, fertilization, and blastocyst development rates were assessed.
- Control groups received PMSG + hCG or oLH to rule out contamination effects.
Main Results:
- oFSH induced ovulation in 89% of hypophysectomized and 91% of intact mice.
- Oocyte recovery rates with oFSH were comparable to or better than those with PMSG + hCG.
- 82% of oocytes ovulated by oFSH were fertilized and developed to blastocysts.
- Low doses of hCG or oLH showed markedly reduced oocyte recovery, indicating oFSH was responsible for ovulation.
Conclusions:
- Highly purified oFSH is effective in inducing ovulation in mice.
- oFSH is as effective as LH in inducing ovulation of competent oocytes.
- This study validates the use of oFSH for ovulation induction in research settings.
