Beta-endorphin levels in the follicular fluid of human oocytes fertilized in vitro.
This study was carried out in order to investigate the relationship between beta-endorphin (beta-ep) levels in plasma and follicular fluid and fertilization rates of oocytes from women undergoing treatment in our in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program. Nine women suffering from severe tubal damage, with regular menstrual cycles, were studied. Follicular growth was induced with clomiphene citrate, combined with human menopausal gonadotropins. Analysis of follicular fluids and plasma showed no significant difference in beta-ep levels. The larger follicles (greater than 2 ml volume) had significantly higher beta-ep levels than smaller follicles (less than 2 ml volume; p less than 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the fertilization rates of their oocytes.
Tepper
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Dor
J
J
Rudak
E
E
Mashiach
S
S
Serr
D M
DM
D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009865:Oocytes / Q000254:growth & development; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis*
D002996:Clomiphene; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008596:Menotropins