Danazol concentrations in human ovarian follicular fluid and their relationship to simultaneous serum concentrations

Danazol concentrations in follicular fluid and serum were studied in eight women scheduled for laparoscopy because of suspected endometriosis. In order to obtain some variation in follicular maturity, danazol administration was started 2 to 7 days before the expected day of ovulation. A total of nine doses were given, i.e., 200 mg four times daily for 2 days; the last 200-mg dose was given 3 hours before the laparoscopy during which the follicular fluid from the dominant follicle was aspirated. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn before, during, and after laparoscopy. Danazol concentrations were assayed by means of a high-performance liquid chromatography method. At the time of follicular aspiration, the mean concentration of danazol was estimated at 96 ng/ml in serum and at 71 ng/ml in follicular fluid, i.e., an average of 73% of the simultaneous serum concentration. The data suggest that even short-term therapy with danazol is likely to produce intrafollicular drug concentrations that have a direct inhibitory effect on follicular steroidogenesis.