Ovarian stimulation by promoting basal follicular growth

Most methods of ovarian stimulation rely on gonadotropin modulation. However, abnormal anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations are frequent in infertility, suggesting that defects in the gonadotropin-independent period of folliculogenesis preceding cyclic recruitment (i.e., basal follicular growth) may often occur. We need to better understand basal follicular growth and determine how to improve it.

Section I summarizes a literature search concerning preantral and early antral folliculogenesis, cyclic recruitment, and selection. Section II presents current knowledge about interventions involving early antral folliculogenesis and cyclic recruitment.

While folliculogenesis following cyclic recruitment is gonadotropin-dependent, basal follicular growth is not. Basal follicular growth is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone and local communication between the oocyte and its granulosa and thecal cells involving gap junctions and many autocrine/paracrine factors. This local communication sustains growth synergistically with follicle-stimulating hormone, but also suppresses this hormone to induce granulosa cell differentiation. As a follicle develops, its responsiveness to gonadotropin progressively increases. Section II describes 4 interventions affecting early antral folliculogenesis, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming, bromocriptine rebound, carbohydrate metabolism intervention, and danazol priming, which have improved embryo development and live birth rate in patients with previous failures.

Basal follicular growth modulation can increase live birth rates.