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Melatonin in human preovulatory follicular fluid
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Melatonin is present in human preovulatory follicular fluid at concentrations higher than serum. This finding suggests melatonin may play a role in human ovarian steroidogenesis and reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Endocrinology
- Human Reproduction
Background:
- Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, exhibits antigonadotropic properties in mammals.
- In vitro studies show melatonin inhibits ovarian steroidogenesis in granulosa and luteal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and concentration of melatonin within the human ovary.
- To determine if melatonin levels in follicular fluid correlate with serum levels.
Main Methods:
- Melatonin was quantified in preovulatory follicular fluid (n=32) from 15 infertile women using radioimmunoassay (RIA) after solvent extraction.
- Follicular fluid and serum samples were collected during in vitro fertilization procedures.
Main Results:
- Melatonin was detected in all follicular fluid samples, with concentrations significantly higher (36.5 pg/mL) than in corresponding serum (10.0 pg/mL).
- A strong positive correlation (r=0.770, P<0.001) was observed between follicular fluid and serum melatonin levels.
Conclusions:
- Preovulatory human follicles contain substantial amounts of melatonin.
- These findings suggest a potential role for intra-ovarian melatonin in regulating ovarian steroidogenesis and human reproduction.