title: RU486 inhibits ovulation, fertilization and early embryonic development in rabbits: in vivo and in vitro studies.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dharmarajan
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Wallach
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mastroyannis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D015735:Mifepristone