RU486 inhibits ovulation, fertilization and early embryonic development in rabbits: in vivo and in vitro studies.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the role of P in ovulation, fertilization, and early embryonic development using RU486, a potent P receptor blocker.


METHODS
Ovulatory efficiency, IVF, and early embryonic development were evaluated after RU486 administration in vivo and in vitro.


METHODS
Research laboratory of a university hospital.


METHODS
Mature male and female New Zealand white rabbits.


METHODS
Animals were treated with RU486 or vehicle for 3 days before hCG-induced ovulation. Ovaries treated with hCG to induce ovulation were perfused for 6 hours in vitro with RU486 or vehicle. In vitro fertilization was performed in the presence or absence of RU486.


METHODS
The percentage of mature follicles ovulating (ovulatory efficiency) was determined after in vivo and in vitro treatment. Fertilization, morula, and blastocyst development were evaluated every 24 hours for 120 hours.


RESULTS
RU486 significantly inhibited ovulation, fertilization, and early embryonic development.


CONCLUSIONS
Progesterone plays a significant role in ovulation, fertilization, and preimplantation embryonic development.
Chen
S H
SH
School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Dharmarajan
A M
AM
Wallach
E E
EE
Mastroyannis
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009028:Morula / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011817:Rabbits
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D015735:Mifepristone