Endocrine parameters of human follicular fluid and fertilization capacity of oocytes

The induction of multiple follicular growth during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) implies follicular asynchrony. As a consequence oocytes of different quality are obtained. The maturity and fertilizability of oocytes cannot sufficiently be predicted by their morphological appearance under the light microscope. Looking for additional parameters of oocyte quality, FSH, hCG, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL) and cAMP were analysed in human follicular fluid (FF) containing a morphologically mature oocyte. The evaluation of the relationship between FF values and oocyte fertilization showed the following results: no differences of FSH, hCG, E2, P and T concentrations in FF between the group of fertilized and not fertilized ova. However, significant differences were detected for PRL and cAMP. In FF of fertilized oocytes PRL content was higher (38.8 +/- 2.2 vs 29.7 +/- 2.3 ng/ml, P less than 0.01) and cAMP level was lower (32.7 +/- 1.9 vs 59.8 +/- 7.4 pmol/ml, P less than 0.01) as compared with FF of unfertilizable oocytes. In conclusion PRL- and cAMP concentration of FF might be additional parameters of oocyte maturation and fertilizability.