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Relaxin secretion in in vitro fertilization pregnancies
R V Haning1, L T Goldsmith, D B Seifer
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University School of Medicine, Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Corpora lutea function in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles influences pregnancy relaxin secretion. This suggests that modulating luteinizing hormone (LH) may reduce risks like premature delivery.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Pregnancy Physiology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- The corpus luteum's role in early pregnancy is crucial for hormone production.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles may impact the corpus luteum's functional status.
- Relaxin is a key hormone in pregnancy maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the late luteal phase function of corpora lutea in IVF cycles affects pregnancy relaxin secretion.
- To identify predictors of serum relaxin concentration during early pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from women with viable pregnancies post-IVF were analyzed.
- Measurements included relaxin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and steroid hormone levels.
- Statistical analysis, including multiple linear regression, was employed.
Main Results:
- Serum estradiol and progesterone levels decreased significantly from early to mid-luteal phase.
- Serum relaxin concentrations showed a marked, multi-phasic increase throughout early pregnancy.
- Estradiol and hCG levels in early pregnancy were significant predictors of subsequent relaxin secretion.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy relaxin secretion is a result of the interplay between corpus luteum function and hCG from the embryo.
- The findings support a hypothesis that modifying hCG support with LH might reduce risks associated with IVF pregnancies.
- Potential benefits include decreased risk of premature delivery and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.