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Human embryo associated immunosuppressor factor and serum estradiol synergism in ovarian follicle development
R Bose1, J V Kredentser, J A McCoshen
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Canada.
Problem:
The purpose of this study was to test whether the level of serum immunosuppressor factor (EASF) correlates with ovarian follicle development and with serum hormones during the ovarian cycle.
Method:
One hundred seventy-three serum samples were collected starting at the time of ovulation and 1 wk after insemination from 29 women attempting pregnancy by ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination. After ovarian stimulation, the patients were given human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 38 h before insemination. Number and size of follicles were measured by ultrasound. Serum samples were tested for hCG, estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone levels. The level of EASF in patients' sera was assayed using a two-site sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. The levels of different hormones and EASF were then correlated among themselves and with the number of ovarian follicles.
Results:
Eleven out of 29 patients had detectable levels of serum EASF-Patients positive for EASF had a significantly higher number ovarian follicles > or = 13 mm and E2 levels after hCG treatment as compared to patients with no detectable EASF. The levels of EASF correlated with number of follicles (P = .001), blood E2 (P < .02) and FSH levels (P < .02). Number of follicles > or = 13 mm correlated with E2 (P = .01) and FSH levels (P < .01) only in patients positive for EASF.
Conclusions:
The levels of EASF, E2; and FSH may act synergistically in the development of ovarian follicles.